Definition: iPad flash drive

A USB flash drive that plugs into an iPad. In 2013, the Hammacher Schlemmer catalog introduced "The Only Read and Write iPad Flash Drive." Products from other vendors followed.

Photos, movies, music and documents are stored on the drive from the user's computer via USB, which is then plugged into the Apple device for transfer or playback. See USB drive and Apple dock connector.

The iStick

With up to 128GB of storage, the iStick provides data transfer using Apple's Lightning connector. Moving the slider switches between USB (top) and the Lightning plug (bottom). (Image courtesy of Sanho Corporation.)