Conner Pocket Cloud: Portable Mobile Storage & Backup [2025]

The Storage Problem Nobody Talks About

Your smartphone is probably full right now. Between 4K video clips, high-resolution photos, and apps that don't stop growing, most people find themselves performing digital triage every few months, deleting old memories to make room for new ones. It's frustrating because your phone storage costs are baked into your device purchase with no expansion options, and cloud subscriptions add up fast.

Then there's the trust factor. Uploading everything to a cloud service means handing your files to a third party, whether that's Google, Apple, or Amazon. Some people don't want that. Others need speeds that cloud services simply can't match when you're transferring gigabytes of footage between multiple cameras and your phone.

Conner, a company with deep roots in storage hardware going back decades, just released the Pocket Cloud, a tiny $19 device that solves this problem in an unexpected way. It's a pocket-sized mobile NAS (network-attached storage) that lets you back up your phone, expand storage, and charge simultaneously without touching the cloud.

But here's the thing: it's so small you could actually lose it. We're talking about a device that weighs 0.35 ounces and fits in your jeans pocket like a USB stick. That portability comes with real trade-offs, and we need to dig into what this device actually does, how it performs, and whether it makes sense for your workflow.

TL; DR

• Ultra-portable design: Weighs only 28 grams and fits in any pocket, though risk of loss is real
• Fast transfers: Hits 104MB/s through USB 3.2 Gen 1, streamlining media workflows
• Dual USB-C ports: Charge your phone while backing up or recording 4K video simultaneously
• Expandable storage: Supports micro SD cards up to 2TB for truly unlimited capacity
• One-tap backups: Automatic photo, video, and contact backups without subscriptions or Wi-Fi
• Bottom line: Best for mobile creators, travelers, and anyone who wants phone storage without cloud dependence

The Pocket Cloud's crowdfunding prices are significantly lower than the estimated retail prices, offering early backers a substantial discount. Estimated data for retail prices.

Understanding the Conner Brand Heritage

Conner isn't just another startup launching a crowdfunded device. The company built the storage foundation that personal computing was built on. They didn't invent the hard drive, but they made it portable and practical. In the 1980s and 1990s, Conner Peripherals was the dominant force in laptop storage, introducing the 1.8-inch, 2.5-inch, and 3.5-inch hard drive form factors that became industry standards.

That matters because it means the engineers behind the Pocket Cloud understand storage from the ground up. They've shipped millions of devices. They know what works and what doesn't.

The company eventually merged with Seagate, and for years they've been relatively quiet in the consumer space. But the Pocket Cloud represents something interesting: they're coming back to solve a modern problem using what they learned solving old ones. Mobile storage is becoming the new frontier, and Conner is positioning itself as the hardware company for people who don't want to rely on cloud services.

That credibility matters more than you might think. When you're buying a crowdfunded product, you're betting on the team's ability to actually ship. Conner has proven they can manufacture hardware at scale.

Core Hardware Specifications

Let's get into the specifics of what you're actually getting.

The Pocket Cloud is a small aluminum enclosure roughly the size of a thick USB stick. It measures approximately 3.5 by 1.5 by 0.5 inches, though these dimensions are approximate since the final form factor hasn't been fully detailed. Weight is confirmed at 28 grams, which is lighter than a AA battery.

Internally, there's a USB 3.2 Gen 1 controller, which provides the 104MB/s transfer speed they advertise. That's not USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds (which would be twice as fast), but it's still solid for mobile workflows. For comparison, typical USB 2.0 maxes out around 35MB/s, so you're looking at roughly 3x faster transfers.

Storage is handled through micro SD and SDXC card slots that support cards up to 2TB. Here's what matters: the device itself doesn't include internal storage. You provide the micro SD card. This is both a feature and a limitation. On one hand, it keeps the hardware cost absurdly low. On the other hand, you need to source your own card, and the performance you get depends entirely on which card you choose.

The device draws power from USB-C and supports 60W USB Power Delivery passthrough, meaning your phone can charge at high speed while the device is actively transferring or recording data. This is crucial for extended filming sessions where you can't afford to drain your phone's battery.

Connectivity is handled through dual USB-C ports. One port connects to your phone (via USB-C to USB-C for Android, or USB-C to Lightning adapter for iPhone). The second port is where you plug in your charger. This two-port design eliminates the "charge vs. backup" compromise you face with single-port devices.

The Pocket Cloud's transfer speed varies significantly with the quality of the microSD card used, ranging from 35MB/s with budget cards to 100MB/s with high-end UHS-II cards. Estimated data based on typical card performance.

Design Philosophy and Portability

Portability is the core design thesis. By keeping the device under 30 grams, Conner is betting that users will actually carry it with them. Compare this to other portable storage solutions: most external SSDs weigh between 150 to 300 grams. A typical power bank weighs 200+ grams. The Pocket Cloud is genuinely pocketable in a way those devices aren't.

But there's a problem baked into this philosophy: something that small is something you can easily lose. You need to genuinely think about whether you'd keep track of a device this tiny. Many people lose earbuds regularly. A Pocket Cloud would disappear even faster.

Conner seems aware of this risk. The Kickstarter campaign emphasizes carrying the device in a pocket, and the naming (Pocket Cloud) directly addresses the form factor. They're betting on the idea that if you're only carrying one external storage device, it'll be something you actually use. But psychologically, small devices live in a weird limbo where they're easy to misplace but too expensive to replace casually.

The design also includes what appears to be a minimal housing with no moving parts. Hard drives have spinning platters that need dampening and protection. Flash-based systems like micro SD cards have no moving parts, which means the enclosure mainly serves to protect the connectors and provide a heat sink. This is a smart design choice for durability.

The Dual USB-C Architecture Explained

This is where the Pocket Cloud gets genuinely clever. Most mobile storage solutions face what we could call the "charging problem." Your phone's battery is draining while you're backing up large files or recording video. You can either charge your phone or transfer data, but doing both requires choosing between one USB-C port and... nothing.

The Pocket Cloud's dual-port design solves this by operating in pass-through mode. Plug your charger into the "upstream" USB-C port, plug the device into your phone via the "downstream" port, and power flows through the device to your phone while data flows between the phone and the micro SD card simultaneously.

This matters enormously for specific workflows. Imagine you're filming a documentary or recording conference footage, and your phone's battery is at 40%. With a single-port solution, you're choosing between stopping to charge or running the battery dead. With the Pocket Cloud, you charge while recording 4K directly to the external card, and your phone battery stays healthy the entire time.

The 60W Power Delivery rating is important here. This isn't the fastest charging available (some phones support 120W+ now), but it's fast enough for most devices. An iPhone 15 Pro charges at 27W, most Android flagships at 30-65W. At 60W, the Pocket Cloud can handle fast charging for virtually any current smartphone.

The technical implementation is non-trivial. USB-C Power Delivery passthrough requires careful power management to avoid conflicting power sources. The device needs to negotiate power delivery with the charger, manage the voltage going to the phone, and simultaneously handle data transfer without interference. This is why not all dual-USB-C devices handle this cleanly. When they don't, you get random disconnections or corruption.

Conner's marketing emphasizes "simultaneous charging and data transfer" without mentioning disconnection issues or compatibility problems, which suggests they've tested this extensively. That said, you won't know for certain until units ship and reviewers put them through real-world usage.

Transfer Speeds and Real-World Performance

The advertised 104MB/s speed comes from the USB 3.2 Gen 1 specification. Let's unpack what this actually means in practice.

USB 3.2 Gen 1 is rated for 400MB/s theoretical maximum, but real-world throughput depends on several factors: the micro SD card you're using, the phone's USB implementation, whether other apps are running, and whether you're transferring a single large file or thousands of small ones.

The 104MB/s figure likely represents sustained writes when transferring large video files from a phone to a fast micro SD card. This is significantly faster than what you'd get over Wi-Fi (typically 20-80MB/s depending on your router) and much faster than cellular connections (averaging 20-50MB/s for most users).

For context, here's what you can actually transfer in specific timeframes at 104MB/s:

• 1GB of data: ~10 seconds
• 10GB (roughly 5 minutes of 4K video): ~100 seconds
• 100GB (several hours of footage): ~16 minutes
• 1TB: ~2.6 hours

These numbers only apply if your micro SD card can sustain 104MB/s writes. Most cards won't. Budget micro SD cards max out around 30-45MB/s. High-end cards (UHS-II with video ratings) hit 90-120MB/s sustained. Choose carefully, because you're only as fast as your slowest component.

One important nuance: the Pocket Cloud supports both SDXC (which most modern cards are) and micro SD form factors. These aren't the same physical size, so you need to clarify which you're using. Most people will use micro SD with an adapter card, not raw micro SD.

USB 3.2 Gen1 offers the fastest real-world transfer speeds at 104MB/s, significantly outperforming Wi-Fi and cellular connections. Estimated data based on typical performance.

Storage Expansion and Micro SD Card Compatibility

The Pocket Cloud supports micro SD and SDXC cards up to 2TB capacity. That "up to 2TB" caveat is important because micro SD cards larger than 1TB are extremely rare and absurdly expensive.

As of 2025, the largest micro SD cards readily available are 1TB, and they cost

Here's the math on storage costs:

• 128GB micro SD: $15-25
• 256GB micro SD: $30-60
• 512GB micro SD: $60-120
• 1TB micro SD: $150-300
• Device itself: $19

So your total investment for a truly unlimited storage Pocket Cloud solution runs

The storage is truly user-replaceable. You buy the Pocket Cloud, supply your own micro SD card, and you can swap cards as needed. Need 256GB today? Use a 256GB card. Need more later? Upgrade to a 512GB card and repurpose the old one in a different device.

Conner allows cards up to 2TB, but they'll likely add higher capacities to their official compatibility list as manufacturing catches up. The advantage of micro SD vs. proprietary internal storage is that you're not locked into waiting for Conner to upgrade the device. You just replace the card.

Backup Functionality and Software

The backup system works through a dedicated mobile app. Here's what Conner claims the app does:

• One-tap automated backups of photos, videos, contacts, and albums
• Preserves original filenames, metadata, and location data
• No Wi-Fi required (backups happen over the USB-C connection)
• No subscription fees
• No recurring costs

This is positioned as the anti-cloud alternative. You're not uploading to remote servers. Everything stays on the micro SD card physically in the device.

The "one-tap" claim is important. Many backup solutions require multiple steps: choose what to backup, select destination, confirm, wait. If the Pocket Cloud truly backs up everything with a single tap, that removes friction from the process. Most people don't regularly back up because the process sucks. Removing that friction could genuinely change behavior.

That said, we haven't seen the actual app yet. The current Kickstarter campaign only shows renderings and descriptions. Real-world app performance (speed, stability, UI clarity) will determine whether this "easy backup" claim holds up.

The metadata preservation is interesting. Many backup solutions compress files or strip metadata to save space. If the Pocket Cloud preserves original filenames, timestamps, and location data, photographers and videographers will actually want to use it because their editing workflow stays intact.

Camera Compatibility and Video Recording

Here's where the Pocket Cloud gets interesting for creators. Conner explicitly supports recording 4K video at 60fps directly from the device, meaning 4K video is written directly to the micro SD card without touching your phone's internal storage.

This is genuinely useful. A single minute of 4K 60fps video consumes roughly 1.5GB of storage. Filming for an hour would require 90GB on your phone. Most phones top out at 256GB or 512GB total. Recording 4K directly to external storage lets you shoot as much as your micro SD card can hold.

The device also supports external cameras: GoPro, Insta360, DJI drones, and similar devices that use micro SD cards. You can pull a micro SD card from your GoPro, pop it into the Pocket Cloud, and transfer the footage to your phone or laptop at 104MB/s.

For iPhone users, the device supports MFi (Made for iPhone) certification, which means it's officially compatible with iPhones and iPads. The Lightning adapter for connecting to older iPhones (pre-USB-C models) is apparently included or sold separately. Newer iPhones with USB-C connect directly.

The compatibility matrix is important here:

Android phones: Direct USB-C to USB-C connection, supports both reading and writing to the micro SD card

iPhone with USB-C (iPhone 15 and newer): Direct USB-C connection, supports backup via the mobile app

iPhone with Lightning (iPhone 14 and older): USB-C to Lightning adapter required, app-based backups only

One thing to note: iPhone doesn't support direct file access to external USB storage the way Android does. You can't just plug in the Pocket Cloud and browse files like you would with Android. Everything goes through the app. This is an iOS limitation, not a Pocket Cloud limitation, but it's worth understanding.

Premium microSD cards offer 3-4x faster transfer speeds than budget options, significantly reducing data transfer time for large files. Estimated data based on typical card specifications.

Addressing the Subscription Fee Problem

Cloud storage subscriptions are genuinely expensive when you do the math over time.

• Google One (100GB):
  $2/month =$
  24/year
• Google One (2TB):
  $10/month =$
  120/year
• iCloud+ (200GB):
  $3.99/month =$
  48/year
• iCloud+ (2TB):
  $9.99/month =$
  120/year
• OneDrive (100GB):
  $2/month =$
  24/year
• OneDrive (1TB):
  $7/month =$
  84/year

Over five years, a "free" cloud storage solution that costs

The longer you use the device, the more that economics favor ownership. Cloud subscriptions are month-to-month expenses that compound over time. The Pocket Cloud is a one-time purchase with no ongoing fees.

There's also the privacy angle. Everything stays physically on the device and the micro SD card you control. No cloud company has access to your photos, videos, or contacts. You're not agreeing to terms of service that might change. Your data doesn't exist on somebody else's server.

But there's a trade-off: you're responsible for not losing the device. Cloud services provide redundancy. Lose your phone, and your photos are safe in the cloud. Lose the Pocket Cloud, and that backup is gone unless you've made additional copies.

Crowdfunding Reality Check

The Pocket Cloud is currently funding on Kickstarter with a goal of

Those numbers are worth examining. The campaign raised nearly 5x its goal, which suggests strong market interest. But 125 backers for an unknown product from a revived old brand is not a massive signal. It indicates curiosity, not inevitability.

Conner has explicitly stated that this is a "pocket-sized" device designed for portability, which is a clear design constraint. They're not making this a full desktop NAS. They're not competing with products like Synology or QNAP. They're solving a specific problem: portable phone backup without the cloud.

The pricing is aggressive:

• Single unit: $19
• Two-unit pack:
  $35 ($
  17.50 each)
• Five-unit creator bundle:
  $79 ($
  15.80 each)
• Ten-unit team bundle:
  $135 ($
  13.50 each)

These are crowdfunding prices. Retail pricing will likely be higher. A typical markup from crowdfunding to retail is 50-100%, so expect the final retail price to be $25-40 for a single unit.

Crowdfunding campaigns carry inherent risks. Delays happen. Feature creep happens. Sometimes products don't ship at all. Conner's track record is solid, but this is their first consumer product in decades. You're taking a risk backing this.

Micro SD Card Selection and Performance Variance

This is critical because it's where most people will make mistakes: the micro SD card you choose determines performance more than the Pocket Cloud itself.

Not all micro SD cards are created equal. They vary wildly in:

• Speed rating: V30 means minimum 30MB/s writes. V90 means minimum 90MB/s writes.
• Application Performance Class: A2 vs. A3 determines sustained performance for frequent small writes
• Actual manufacturing quality: Counterfeits are common
• Temperature tolerance: Some fail in hot environments
• Lifespan: How many total write cycles before degradation

For the Pocket Cloud specifically, you want:

1. UHS-II rated card for highest speed potential
2. V90 speed class minimum for video recording
3. High sustained write speed (90MB/s or higher)
4. A2 rating minimum for app-heavy usage
5. Reputable brand (SanDisk, Samsung, Micron) to avoid counterfeits

Here's a rough performance breakdown of what you'd actually get:

Budget card (V30, no UHS-II): ~30-45MB/s sustained = 37-60 minutes per 100GB

Mid-range card (V90, UHS-II): ~90-110MB/s sustained = 15-18 minutes per 100GB

Premium card (V90, UHS-II, A2): ~110-180MB/s sustained = 10-15 minutes per 100GB

The difference between a

Conner needs to provide clear micro SD card recommendations because users will buy whatever's cheapest and then complain that the device is slow. This is a common pattern with expandable storage solutions.

Pocket Cloud offers a transfer speed of 104MB/s, which is approximately 3x faster than USB 2.0 but half the speed of USB 3.2 Gen2. Estimated data based on typical USB specifications.

Real-World Use Cases and Workflows

Let's move beyond specs and think about actual problems the Pocket Cloud solves.

Use Case 1: Travel Photography

You're traveling and filling your phone with thousands of photos. Your phone's storage is getting full. With the Pocket Cloud, you back up photos to the external card every evening. Phone storage stays free. Original metadata and locations are preserved. When you get home, you transfer everything to your computer at 104MB/s instead of syncing through a cloud service.

Use Case 2: Freelance Video Work

You're filming content for clients. A single shoot generates 50GB of raw 4K footage. Your phone can't hold that. With the Pocket Cloud and a 1TB micro SD card, you record directly to external storage. You can film all day without worrying about running out of space. Transfer footage to your laptop or external SSD at high speed for editing.

Use Case 3: Content Creator Backup

You're running TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram. You generate hours of content daily. Cloud storage subscriptions become expensive at scale. A Pocket Cloud lets you back up everything locally without subscription fees. The one-tap backup means less friction, so you actually do it regularly instead of procrastinating.

Use Case 4: Privacy-Conscious User

You don't want cloud companies accessing your photos and personal data. You're not comfortable with the terms of service. A Pocket Cloud keeps everything on physical hardware you control. No servers. No data mining. Just local storage.

Use Case 5: Offline System in Developing Regions

Internet connectivity is unreliable or expensive. Cloud backup isn't practical. A Pocket Cloud works completely offline. No Wi-Fi required. No cellular data. Plug in, back up, unplug. This is genuinely valuable for photojournalists, researchers, and anyone working in areas with poor connectivity.

Each of these use cases highlights a different strength of the device. But they also highlight constraints: you still need to physically have the device with you. You still need to remember to back up. It's not automatic cloud sync.

Common Concerns and Trade-Offs

Let's be honest about what the Pocket Cloud doesn't do.

Loss risk: At 28 grams, this device will get lost. Not maybe. Probably. Unless you're exceptionally organized, you'll eventually lose track of it. Some solution: keep it in a specific pocket or case always.

Automatic backup: Unlike cloud services, this requires active engagement. You need to plug in the device, tap the backup button, wait for completion. Cloud services sync automatically in the background. This device doesn't (currently).

Multiple device sync: Cloud services sync across your phone, tablet, laptop, and desktop automatically. The Pocket Cloud backs up to a single micro SD card. If you need data on multiple devices, you need to transfer it manually.

Redundancy: One Pocket Cloud means one copy of your backup. Lose the device, lose the backup. Cloud services replicate data across multiple data centers. The Pocket Cloud doesn't (unless you manually make additional copies).

Initial setup time: Choosing the right micro SD card, configuring the backup app, first backup run takes time. Cloud services are ready immediately upon setup.

Travel compatibility: At some point, you'll consider leaving the Pocket Cloud at home to reduce packing. Then you don't have backups while traveling, which is when hardware failure is most likely.

These aren't deal-breakers. They're trade-offs. Every backup solution involves compromise. Cloud services trade privacy for convenience and redundancy. The Pocket Cloud trades convenience for privacy and lower cost.

Comparing to Existing Solutions

The Pocket Cloud doesn't exist in a vacuum. Let's see how it compares to alternatives.

vs. Cloud Storage (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive)

Advantages of Pocket Cloud: No subscription fees, no cloud company access, works offline, faster transfers

Advantages of cloud: Automatic sync across devices, redundant copies, accessible from anywhere, no physical device to lose

Winner: Depends on your priorities. Privacy and cost? Pocket Cloud. Convenience and redundancy? Cloud.

vs. Portable External SSD (Samsung T5, WD My Passport)

Advantages of Pocket Cloud: Smaller, cheaper, more pocket-friendly

Advantages of external SSD: Higher capacity options, faster speeds, more durable

Winner: Pocket Cloud for true portability. External SSD for serious creative work.

vs. Phone's Built-in Storage Expansion (micro SD slot on Android)

Advantages of Pocket Cloud: Works with iPhone, works offline, portable to other devices

Advantages of micro SD: Seamless integration, no separate device, fewer moving parts

Winner: Android phone with micro SD slot eliminates the need entirely. Pocket Cloud is for iPhone users or those who want truly external storage.

vs. Dedicated Mobile NAS (Synology DS220j, Qnap TS-432)

Advantages of Pocket Cloud: Tiny, cheap, actually portable

Advantages of NAS: More storage, faster speeds, network access

Winner: Different categories. NAS is for stationary home networks. Pocket Cloud is for actually carrying.

The Pocket Cloud occupies a specific niche: cheap, portable phone backup without subscription fees or cloud dependence. It competes less with existing products and more with behavior. It's competing against people not backing up at all.

The Pocket Cloud's 60W Power Delivery supports fast charging for most smartphones, bridging the gap between charging and data transfer efficiently.

Privacy and Security Considerations

The big selling point is privacy: your data stays on your device, not on a cloud company's servers.

But there are nuances worth exploring.

The micro SD card format has no encryption by default. Your photos and videos are stored in standard FAT32 or exFAT formats with no built-in protection. Anyone with physical access to the micro SD card can read all the files without a password.

This is actually less secure than cloud services, which encrypt data in transit and at rest. If someone steals your Pocket Cloud, they can access everything immediately.

Conner will likely offer encryption in the backup app (encrypting files before writing to the card). But this requires the app to be implemented correctly. Early versions often have security issues that get patched later.

The other privacy consideration: where is the backup app's source code? Is it open source? Can security researchers audit it? The Kickstarter campaign doesn't mention this. Open source apps are generally more trustworthy because anyone can inspect the code. Closed source apps require trusting Conner's security practices.

For truly sensitive data (financial records, medical information, private communications), you'd want to add an encryption layer on top. This is beyond what most casual users would do.

The privacy vs. security trade-off is real here. You gain privacy from cloud companies, but you potentially lose security against physical theft. The best approach is having both: encrypted backup on the Pocket Cloud plus redundant copies elsewhere.

Pricing Breakdown and Value Analysis

Let's calculate the true cost of ownership.

Pocket Cloud starter configuration:

• Device itself: $19 (Kickstarter price)
• Micro SD card (256GB): $45
• Total: $64

vs. Cloud storage (5-year cost):

• Google One (100GB):
  $24/year × 5 =$
  120
• Google One (2TB):
  $120/year × 5 =$
  600
• Total: $120-600

vs. Cloud + local backup (recommended approach):

• Google One (200GB):
  $48/year × 5 =$
  240
• External SSD (1TB): $150
• Total: $390

The Pocket Cloud's cost advantage is massive if you're coming from cloud-only backup. It's much less compelling if you already have an external SSD for desktop backup.

Retail pricing (after Kickstarter ends) will likely be $25-40, which slightly increases the cost but doesn't fundamentally change the math.

The real question: are you comparing this to cloud storage you'd otherwise buy, or to no backup solution at all? If you're currently not backing up your phone, the Pocket Cloud is so cheap that "not backing up" becomes indefensible. If you're already using cloud storage, you need to decide if privacy and cost savings outweigh convenience loss.

When the Pocket Cloud Actually Matters

Let's be specific about who should actually care about this device.

You should buy this if:

1. You're uncomfortable uploading personal photos to cloud services
2. You travel frequently and need reliable backup without relying on Wi-Fi
3. You're an iPhone user and your phone doesn't have expandable storage
4. You shoot a lot of video and need affordable high-capacity storage
5. You've had a negative experience with cloud service outages or price increases
6. You live in an area with unreliable internet connectivity
7. You're privacy-conscious and want to minimize cloud dependence
8. You generate hours of video content and subscription costs are becoming significant

You don't need this if:

1. You're already satisfied with your current cloud backup solution
2. You value convenience over privacy and cost
3. You don't generate large video files regularly
4. Your Android phone has built-in micro SD card support
5. You need automatic background syncing across multiple devices
6. You're not particularly organized and might lose a small device

The honest assessment: the Pocket Cloud is a niche product that solves a real problem for specific users. It's not going to replace cloud storage for most people. But for people who actively want to avoid cloud services or who need affordable high-capacity mobile storage, it's legitimately compelling.

What Still Needs to Be Proven

This is a crowdfunded product that hasn't shipped yet. Several important questions remain unanswered.

App reliability: The backup app is critical. Does it work smoothly? Does it handle edge cases (interrupted backups, corrupted files)? Does it preserve metadata correctly? We won't know until real users test it.

Long-term durability: The aluminum enclosure seems durable, but what about the USB-C connectors? They're small and could wear out. Will Conner honor warranty claims? How long do units typically last before failure?

Actual speed testing: The 104MB/s figure is rated speed. Real-world testing might show different results depending on the specific micro SD card and phone used.

Thermal performance: At 28 grams with tiny surface area, heat dissipation could be an issue during sustained high-speed transfers. Will the device throttle if it gets too hot?

Software updates: Will Conner continue updating the backup app? What if a security vulnerability is discovered? Will they patch it promptly?

Support and warranty: If something breaks, how easy is warranty service? Will they replace defective units quickly?

These are the kinds of things that separate promising crowdfunded projects from actual great products. The Pocket Cloud has potential, but it's unproven at scale.

FAQ

What is the Conner Pocket Cloud?

The Pocket Cloud is a portable mobile storage device designed for smartphones. It provides backup functionality, expandable storage through micro SD cards, and the ability to charge your phone while transferring data simultaneously. It weighs just 28 grams and fits in a pocket, making it genuinely portable.

How does the Pocket Cloud handle charging and data transfer simultaneously?

The device features dual USB-C ports: one connects to your phone, and the other accepts a charger with USB PD (Power Delivery) passthrough support. Power flows from the charger through the Pocket Cloud to your phone at up to 60W while data simultaneously transfers between the phone and the micro SD card. This allows you to record 4K video or back up files without draining your phone's battery.

What transfer speeds does the Pocket Cloud actually achieve?

The device supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 with rated speeds up to 104MB/s. However, real-world performance depends almost entirely on your micro SD card quality. A budget card might achieve 30-45MB/s sustained, while a high-end UHS-II card could reach 90-110MB/s. The Pocket Cloud provides the interface; your card determines the actual speed.

How much storage can the Pocket Cloud handle?

The device supports micro SD and SDXC cards up to 2TB capacity, though cards above 1TB are extremely rare and expensive. In practice, most users will use 256GB to 512GB cards, which cost $30-120. Since storage is user-replaceable, you can upgrade to larger cards as they become available and more affordable.

What are the privacy advantages compared to cloud backup?

Unlike cloud services (Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive), the Pocket Cloud keeps your photos, videos, and contacts on a physical device you control. No company's servers have access to your data. There's no terms of service tracking your behavior. However, the micro SD card has no built-in encryption by default, so physical theft would expose your data. Additional encryption through the backup app would be advisable for sensitive files.

Is the Pocket Cloud compatible with iPhone and Android equally?

There's a difference in implementation. Android phones with USB-C can connect directly and the backup app can manage all features. iPhone users (including USB-C iPhone 15) can use the backup app, but cannot directly browse the micro SD card's file system the way Android users can. This is an iOS limitation, not a Pocket Cloud limitation. Older iPhones require a USB-C to Lightning adapter.

How does the Pocket Cloud compare to cloud storage subscriptions in terms of cost?

The Pocket Cloud (

What type of micro SD card should I use with the Pocket Cloud?

For optimal performance, you want a UHS-II rated card with V90 speed class (minimum 90MB/s sustained write speed) and A2 application performance class. Brands like SanDisk, Samsung, and Micron offer reliable options. Budget cards often provide disappointing speeds and reliability issues. The micro SD card you choose determines actual performance far more than the Pocket Cloud itself.

Can the Pocket Cloud record 4K video directly without using phone storage?

Yes, this is one of its key features. You can record 4K video at 60fps directly to the micro SD card using the Pocket Cloud's dual USB-C ports. This works while simultaneously charging your phone, making extended filming sessions practical without worrying about running out of phone storage or battery.

What happens if I lose the Pocket Cloud?

Unlike cloud backups that exist on remote servers, losing the Pocket Cloud means losing whatever files are stored on its micro SD card, unless you've made additional copies elsewhere. This is a significant trade-off for portability and privacy. The device's small size (28 grams) makes loss more likely than with larger backup solutions. Keeping a backup of your backup is essential.

Is the Pocket Cloud project trustworthy since it's on Kickstarter?

Conner has legitimate hardware manufacturing heritage, having shipped over 250 million hard drives historically. However, the campaign is early-stage and many details (final app features, exact specifications, shipping dates) remain unconfirmed. Standard crowdfunding risks apply: potential delays, possible feature changes, and no guarantee of delivery. Backers should treat this as a risk investment, not a guaranteed product purchase.

The Verdict

The Pocket Cloud represents something interesting: an old hardware company returning to solve a modern problem using proven manufacturing expertise. At $19-40, the device is cheap enough that the financial risk is minimal. The 104MB/s transfer speed is genuinely useful for creators managing large video files. The dual USB-C architecture is clever, solving real pain points with charging and data transfer conflicts.

But it's not perfect. The device itself is only half the equation. Actual performance depends on the micro SD card you choose. The backup app's reliability remains unproven until real users test it. At 28 grams, the device is incredibly losable. And unlike cloud services, everything depends on you remembering to plug in and back up regularly.

Who should actually buy this? Anyone who's wanted to avoid cloud subscriptions but found the alternatives too expensive or inconvenient. Anyone shooting video regularly and frustrated with cloud storage limits. Anyone who values privacy and is willing to trade some convenience for it. Anyone traveling frequently who needs backups independent of Wi-Fi.

Who shouldn't? Anyone satisfied with their current cloud solution. Anyone who values automatic syncing across multiple devices. Anyone who's prone to losing small objects. Anyone who needs redundancy and can't maintain additional backups.

The Pocket Cloud won't replace cloud storage. But for a specific segment of users, it solves a real problem at an impossibly low price. If you're in that segment, it's worth backing. If you're not, the convenience of existing solutions probably outweighs the benefits.

Watch for real-world reviews once units ship. The app's actual reliability and performance will ultimately determine whether this is a genuinely useful device or just an interesting idea that falls short in practice.

Key Takeaways

• Pocket Cloud is a 28-gram portable storage device that solves phone backup without cloud subscriptions
• Dual USB-C ports enable simultaneous phone charging (60W PD) and data transfer at 104MB/s
• Performance depends entirely on your microSD card choice (V90 UHS-II cards recommended for 4K video)
• Total cost for functional setup (
  $19 device +$
  30-200 microSD card) undercuts 5-year cloud subscription costs significantly
• Best suited for privacy-conscious users, video creators, travelers, and anyone avoiding cloud services

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