Introduction, Specifications, and Packaging

We test a fully loaded Lexar Professional Workflow Hub.

Lexar is Micron’s brand covering SD Cards, microSD Cards, USB flash drives, and card readers. Their card readers are known for being able to push high in the various speed grades, typically allowing transfers (for capable SD cards) much faster than what a typical built-in laptop or PC SD card reader is capable of. Today we will take a look at the Lexar ‘Professional Workflow’ line of flash memory connectivity options from Lexar.

This is essentially a four-bay hub device that can accept various card readers or other types of devices (a USB flash storage device as opposed to just a reader, for example). The available readers range from SD to CF to Professional Grade CFast cards capable of over 500 MB/sec.

We will be looking at the following items today:

  • Professional Workflow HR2
    • Four-bay Thunderbolt™ 2/USB 3.0 reader and storage drive hub
  • Professional Workflow UR1
    • Three-slot microSDHC™/microSDXC™ UHS-I USB 3.0 reader
  • Professional Workflow SR1
    • SDHC™/SDXC™ UHS-I USB 3.0 reader
  • Professional Workflow CFR1
    • CompactFlash® USB 3.0 reader
  • Professional Workflow DD256
    • 256GB USB 3.0 Storage Drive

Note that since we were sampled these items, Lexar has begun shipping a newer version of the SR1. The SR2 is a SDHC™/SDXC™ UHS-II USB 3.0 reader. Since we had no UHS-II SD cards available to test, this difference would not impact any of our testing speed results. There is also an HR1 model which has only USB 3.0 support and no Thunderbolt, coming in at a significantly lower cost when compared with the HR2 (more on that later).

Specifications:

Lexar’s spec sheet is a bit light on details, so I busted out the tape measure and did some measuring:

HR2:

  • Height: 6.0”
  • Width:  4.3”
  • Depth:  3.3”

This is much larger than a typical all-in-one card reader, but it is reasonably small given what it does, and the 6 inch height is not as bad as to get in the way of desktop displays, etc. It could be placed on its side for lower height, but keep in mind the rubber feet are on the bottom when it is positioned as pictured throughout the article.

UR1 / SR1 / CFR1 / DD256:

  • Height: 0.8”
  • Width:  2.9”
  • Depth:  2.3”

The individual readers and the Storage Drive are each about the size of an all-in-one card reader. Small enough to comfortably fit into a travel bag pocket.

Packaging:

All professional Workflow items came well packaged in clear plastic boxes.

The HR2 came with a power adapter (required for use), both international and U.S. plug types (the adapter is rated for both voltage types), a USB 3.0 cable and a Thunderbolt cable. Thunderbolt cables are a bit pricey (typically in the $40 range), so this is a welcome addition.

The other four devices came as packaged above, each with a USB 3.0 cable for standalone use.

All but the DD256 came with a molded silicone port protector. This protects the front ports from foreign objects while stored for travel.

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