Date Posted: January 15, 2021

Sandisk recently introduced the SanDisk Extreme Pro portable SSD, it uses SanDisk in-house NVMe technology to increase transfer speeds up to 1050MB/sec, allowing us to move files faster and edit right from the drive. Its ruggedized case helps keep content protected. It is available in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB, using USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface.

It is compatible with PCs and Mac Computer, and included in the box is an USB C to USB C cable and USB C to USBA cable.

The SanDisk Extreme PRO is also IP55 for water and dust resistance. I am now using the SanDisk Extreme SSD with 1 TB, this one have a transfer speed of up to 550MB/ss using USB C. It is available at 250GB, 500GB, 1 TB and 2 TB.

There is a V2 version that comes out with a higher transfer speed of up to 1,000 MB/s and it comes in 500GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB options.

I have post below photos of the SanDisk Extreme Pro and the SanDisk Extreme for comparison. An easier way to determine which one you are holding is look at the bottom of the drive. For the Extreme Pro version USB C is in the middle, and for the Extreme version is USB C is on the side. Also there is an orange circular strip on the middle of the Extreme Pro drive.

Another reason for me to featuring this drive is my purchase experience.

When I saw that SanDisk introduced the Extreme PRO Portable SSD, I immediately jump into buying one. Unfortunately, It is not yet available in the Philippines, so my second option is to buy from Amazon. I purchase the SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD with 2TB version, and bought two (2), one for me and one for my wife.

My SanDisk Extreme PRO arrived Philippines on Dec 31, 2020, and on January 2, 2020, I received a notification letter from UPS, informing me that CUSTOMS REQUIRES OMB PERMIT/CLEARANCE PRIOR RELEASING. Also attached in the email is my supporting documents from Amazon and UPS, sample letter to Optical Media Board, sample Affidavit for Personal Import, and New OMB Memo, also I need to send a government issued ID.

I was a really worried at first because on the pandemic and quarantine protocol now, It should be difficult to apply for one. And the items that I bought are not cheap.

On January 4, which is a Monday, I have the document prepared and notarized. And the next day, I send all the documents to UPS thinking maybe UPS would assist in processing it. So I send an email to UPS. However, I received an email from UPS that I have to apply with OMB and send UPS the clearance once it is issued.

On the same day, January 5, 2021, I send my application to OMB at 11:45am. It was 1:07PM and I received a reply from OMB asking me to also send scan copy of air waybill and invoice for there reference. This is very FAST reply considering it is already lunch time,

So I gather all documents and email it 1:53PM, Immediate, I received email from OMB acknowledging receipt of my email.

I have done several transaction with government offices before, and this is the most efficient I ever seen. Response was really very FAST, and I want to CONGRATULATE the OPTICAL MEDIA BOARD,

Next day, January 6, 2021 2:33PM, I received another email from another department at OBM, with the ASSESSMENT SLIP, and some attachment on how to pay on government portal. I am also requested to acknowledge the email i received.

Many governemt offices are using LandBank of the Philippines portal, but I don't have an account with LandBank, also another option is using Bancnet to pay , which i also do not have.

However, there are a lot of options available, So finally, I was able to print a copy of payment form and paid at the nearest 7-Eleven Store,

At 4:00PM of January 6, 2021, I was able to send the Payment confirmation email attachment to OMB.

Next day January 7, 2021, I received an acknowledgment but also requiring me to send scan copy of 7-Eleven payment slip for reference, which I did and within an hour, I was again able to received an acknowledgment .

However, January 7 is already Thursday. For Government Offices here in Philippines, working days is only Monday - Friday, and due to the Pandemic and Quarantine Protocol, Some Government Offices and even Private Office are working in different days. So I am not expecting to received reply from OMB.

It was Monday, January 11, 2021 3:37PM when I received my CERTIFICATION approval from OMB, and immediately I send all the documents to UPS. On January 13, 2021, my package was delivered to my house. UPS as always is very efficient.

The reason why I have posted a timeline of the communication was to show you how EFFICIENT is the OPTICAL MEDIA BOARD (OMB), every transaction was done on email, but response was really quick and immediate. THANK YOU. The OMB should be commended for their good handling and efficiency. During this pandemic and quarantine situation we are experiencing now, with people not going out. Things are done using email and very fast by OMB.