Tag Archives: ssd

Accessories, Computers

Best External Drives of 2024: Top Picks and How to Decide

External portable drives are a great way to store and backup your data, especially if you need to carry it around with you. They are also useful for transferring files between different devices, such as laptops, tablets, smartphones, and consoles. However, not all external portable drives are created equal. Some are faster, more durable, more secure, or more stylish than others. In this blog post, we will review 7 of the best external portable drives that you can buy in 2024, based on their performance, features, design, and price.

Samsung T7 Touch

SAMSUNG T7 Touch portable SSD

If you are looking for a fast and secure portable SSD, you might want to check out the Samsung T7 Touch. This device offers impressive transfer speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s for read and write, respectively, thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface and PCIe NVMe technology. It also features a fingerprint scanner and AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data from unauthorized access. You can unlock the SSD with a touch of your finger or with a password.

The Samsung T7 Touch has a sleek and durable design, with a metal body that can withstand drops of up to 2 meters. It also has an LED square that shows the status of the SSD at a glance. The device comes in two colors: black and silver, and three capacities: 500GB, 1TB and 2TB. You can use the Samsung Portable SSD software to set up your security options and get firmware updates.

The Samsung T7 Touch is a great option for anyone who needs a portable SSD that combines speed, security and style. It is compatible with Windows, Mac and Android devices, and comes with a 3-year limited warranty. You can find more details about the Samsung T7 Touch on its official website or on various online reviews.

Samsung T7 Touch Specifications

User Manual: [PDF]: https://bit.ly/40Y0REV

WD My Passport

Western Digital My Passport External Drive

The WD My Passport is a reliable and affordable external HDD that offers ample storage space of up to 5 TB. It has a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface that delivers speeds of up to 140 MB/s for both read and write. It also comes with WD Backup software that lets you schedule automatic backups of your files to the drive or to the cloud. The My Passport has a stylish and colorful design that matches your personality. It also has password protection and 256-bit AES hardware encryption to keep your data secure. The My Passport is compatible with Windows and Mac computers.

Crucial X8 Portable SSD 

Crucial X8 SSD

If you are looking for a fast and reliable external storage solution, you might want to consider the Crucial X8 Portable SSD USB 3.2 SSD. This device offers up to 4TB of storage capacity and delivers up to 1050 MB/s of read speed, thanks to its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface and NVMe technology. The Crucial X8 is also durable and shock-resistant, drop proof up to 7.5 feet, extreme-temperature, shock and vibration proof with a sleek and elegant design that fits in your pocket. Whether you need to store your photos, videos, games, or documents, the Crucial X8 can handle it with ease and security.

The Crucial X8 supports Windows, Mac, iPad Pro, Chromebook, Android, Linux, PS4, and Xbox One.

SanDisk Extreme Pro

SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD

The SanDisk Extreme Pro is a rugged and durable external SSD that offers blazing-fast speeds of up to 2,000 MB/s for both read and write. It has a USB-C interface that supports USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 for maximum performance. It also has an IP55 rating that makes it resistant to water, dust, and shocks. The Extreme Pro has a solid aluminum core that dissipates heat and protects your data from high temperatures. It comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter for compatibility with various devices. The Extreme Pro is available in 500 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacities.

It also features a durable design that can withstand shocks, vibrations and extreme temperatures.

SanDisk Extreme Pro Specs

User Manual: [PDF]: https://bit.ly/3UcUBGC

LaCie Rugged SSD

LaCie Rugged Mini SSD

If you are looking for a portable hard drive that can withstand harsh conditions and offer fast data transfer speeds, you might want to check out the LaCie Rugged SSD. This drive is part of the LaCie Rugged family, which has been trusted by creative professionals since 2005 for capturing and transporting data in the field.

The LaCie Rugged Mini SSD USB 3.2 Type-C has a durable design that can resist drops, rain, dust, and crushes. It also has an IP67 rating, which means it can survive being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes. The drive has a capacity of up to 4 TB of storage space and uses a solid state drive (SSD) technology, which means it has no moving parts and can deliver faster performance than a traditional hard disk drive (HDD). The drive can reach speeds of up to 1050MB/s, which is ideal for editing and transferring high-resolution photos and videos in 4K.

The LaCie Rugged SSD has a versatile connectivity that works with USB4, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt 4, and Thunderbolt 3 devices. It comes with a USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter, so you can plug it into any computer or tablet. You can even use it with your iPad to expand its storage capacity. The drive also supports Seagate Secure technology, which encrypts your data with AES-256 encryption to protect it from unauthorized access.

G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD

G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD

If you are looking for a fast, reliable and durable external storage device, you might want to consider the G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C. This is a solid state drive (SSD) that offers high performance, portability and protection for your data. Here are some of the features and benefits of this device:

  • It has a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C interface that supports transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is twice as fast as USB 3.1 Gen 1. This means you can quickly access, edit and backup your files without any lag or delay.
  • It has a shock-resistant design that can withstand drops up to 3 meters and a crush-proof rating of up to 1000 pounds. This means you can take it anywhere without worrying about damaging it or losing your data.
  • It has an IP67 rating that makes it water and dust resistant. This means you can use it in various environments and conditions without compromising its functionality or performance.
  • It has a sleek and compact design that weighs only 0.19 pounds and measures 3.74 x 1.97 x 0.57 inches. This means you can easily fit it in your pocket, backpack or laptop bag and carry it with you wherever you go.
  • It has a capacity of up to 2 TB that can store thousands of photos, videos, music and documents. This means you can have all your important files with you at all times and free up space on your internal drive.

The G-Technology G-Drive Mobile SSD USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C supports speeds of up to 1050MB/s Read and 1000MB/s Write, and is compatible with Windows / Mac operating systems and comes with a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to USB-A adapter. It also comes with a five-year limited warranty that covers any defects or malfunctions.

If you are interested in buying this device, you can find it on Amazon for $299.95 for the 1 TB version and $499.95 for the 2 TB version. You can also check out the official website of G-Technology for more information and reviews.

How To Buy a Portable External Drive

How do you choose the best portable external drive for your needs? Here are some factors to consider:

Capacity

The capacity of a portable external drive is measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB), and it determines how much data you can store on it. The more capacity you have, the more files you can store. However, more capacity also means higher price and heavier weight. You should choose a capacity that suits your needs and budget. For example, if you only need to store some documents and photos, a 500 GB drive might be enough. But if you need to store large videos or games, you might need a 2 TB drive or more.

Speed

The speed of a portable external drive is measured in megabytes per second (MB/s) or gigabits per second (Gbps), and it determines how fast you can transfer data to and from it. The faster the speed, the less time you have to wait for your files to copy or load. However, faster speed also means higher price and more power consumption. You should choose a speed that matches your computer’s ports and your usage. For example, if you have a USB 3.0 port on your computer, you should get a USB 3.0 drive that can transfer data at up to 5 Gbps. But if you have an older USB 2.0 port, you should get a USB 2.0 drive that can transfer data at up to 480 Mbps.

Durability:

The durability of a portable external drive is measured by its shock resistance and water resistance, and it determines how well it can withstand physical damage or environmental hazards. The more durable a drive is, the more likely it is to survive drops, bumps, spills, or extreme temperatures. However, more durability also means higher price and bulkier design. You should choose a durability that matches your lifestyle and expectations. For example, if you travel frequently or work in harsh conditions, you should get a rugged drive that can resist shocks and water. But if you use your drive mostly at home or in the office, you might not need such a high level of protection.

Design

The design of a portable external drive is measured by its size, weight, shape, color, and style, and it determines how easy it is to carry and use. The smaller and lighter a drive is, the more convenient it is to transport and store. The shape, color, and style of a drive are also important for aesthetic reasons and personal preference. You should choose a design that appeals to you and fits your needs. For example, if you want a sleek and stylish drive that matches your laptop, you might choose a slim and metallic drive. But if you want a fun and colorful drive that stands out from the crowd, you might choose a round and bright drive.

These are some of the main factors to consider when buying a portable external drive. Of course, there are other features that might interest you as well, such as encryption, backup software, warranty, or customer service. You should compare different models and brands of portable external drives based on these factors and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

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Disclosure: Please note that we may receive affiliate compensation for some of the links below, at no expense to you, should you decide to purchase a paid plan. This blog does not provide financial advice, it is purely for entertainment and fun.

Hardware

What Comes Next After Solid State Drives?

Could Experimental Oxide Memory Send SSDs the Way of the Dinosaurs?

Losing access to data on a laptop hard drive can be especially stressful, given that most laptop computers hold a mixture of both business and personal information. In fact, many business people aren’t just lost without their laptop computers, but don’t have the data they need stored or backed up anywhere else.

No matter how uninterested you are in the technical nuances of digital storage media, it’s hard to deny the appeal of knowing what lies ahead. Although magnetic hard drives were the cream of the crop for decades, their time eventually passed. Now, their flash memory successors appear to be on the road to a similar fate.

Solid state devices have clear technical advantages. Their nonmoving components, rugged construction and compact sizes are appealing, but do these devices have sufficient staying power? Researchers are hard at work cooking up potential usurpers to the throne. Here’s a quick preview of memory technology’s next exciting manifestation.

RRAM: Moving on From Flash (SSD)

As we’ve explained in some of our previous blogs, flash is a type of non-volatile memory that functions by using electrical signals to change and detect the electrostatic state of a circuit component, such as a transistor gate. Resistive random-access memory, or RRAM, employs a totally different strategy.

RRAM cells modify the resistance of a dielectric, or substance that reacts to electric fields by becoming polarized. This arrangement, known as a memristor from the combined terms memory and resistor,changes its resistance in response to stimuli, which gives it the power to record information. Instead of simply modifying a semiconductor’s charge state by accumulating electrons or holes, however, RRAM creates defects in layers of oxides attached to the memristor’s dielectric material. These oxygen ions and the vacancies left in their absence can be guided and modified through the application of electric fields.

What Drives the Interest in RRAM?

Compared to typical flash memory, why is RRAM so appealing? Analysts say that it can perform operations at greater speeds and use less energy in the process. The other potential advantage lies in its size: One company created a prototype RRAM chip that was able to store a terabyte of data in around 200 square millimeters’ worth of space. Thanks to a significantly smaller cell size, RRAM may even beat out novel forms of stacked 3-D flash memory in terms of storage density.

It’s also worth considering that it might be possible to manufacture some variants at room temperature with low forming voltages, which could be equally advantages for cost-conscious memory makers and consumers. Even more promising, manufacturers can use a wide range of dielectric materials to form memristors, which increases the probability that some unknown avenue of investigation might produce a workable implementation.Moving From Solid State Drive

Technical Hurdles

The physics ideas behind memristors and RRAM have been around for decades. So why aren’t these kinds of memory already the standard?

The answer lies in the fact that being able to form a memristor and connect it to memory cell circuitry is only one part of the equation. For instance, researchers have long struggled with critical tasks like getting RRAM cells to switch states reliably, and only recently did NIST scientists discover a way to make switching operations more consistent by maintaining tighter control of the signal energy used to induce transitions. Nevertheless, RRAM still faces problems regarding its instability and other factors.

When Will a New Flash Memory Killer Arrive?

It’s hard to say when people might be freed from the yoke of flash memory, but the prospects look good. Considering that RRAM and other alternative types of storage have so many potential benefits, it seems like a mere matter of time before companies introduce a product that works.

More than a few private concerns have invested significant resources and brainpower into the pursuit of alternative memory technologies. Firms like Panasonic have produced evaluation kits for their RRAM prototypes, and Rambus acquired Unity Semiconductor for $35 million to gain the company’s oxide memory portfolio.

 

Numerous companies have also filed patent applications, and as with many technologies, IP protection generally begets forward progress. Regardless whether RRAM becomes the next big thing after flash or simply paves the way for a similar alternative, it’s highly likely that we’re on the verge of something new and exciting. The real question is what kinds of technical challenges users will encounter and what novel practices might data recovery professionals have to develop to keep pace.

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TTR Data Recovery is a team of  Flash media data recovery specialists who don’t just have the tools and expertise needed to pull data from damaged and inaccessible Solid State Drives, but also an understanding of how these configurations work, and the best ways to get your data recovered.

tablets

Samsung’s 10.1-Inch Alex Chrome OS Netbook Details Leaked

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Google’s Chrome OS isn’t quite ready yet, but should be here in a few months time. Meanwhile, a few juicy details about Samsung’s first official Chrome OS netbook have slipped onto the Internet and they are showing off what Sammy’s upcoming 10.1-inch (1280 x 800) netbook device, dubbed “Alex”, is going to include. First and foremost, there’s a 1.5GHz Intel Atom N550 processor inside, paired with a SanDisk solid-state drive with unknown capacities, 2GB of RAM, WiFi, Bluetooth, 3G connectivity and a VGA webcam, located up front. Naturally, there’s a Synaptics TouchPad down the chassis and that Google Chrome OS platform running on board. Still no word about price or availability, but we’re expecting to hear more about it at Google’s I/O developer conference, in a few weeks or so.

 

[via Samsung Hub]

 

netbooks, News

HP Mini 5103 With Optional 10.1-Inch Touchscreen Introduced

There’s no fanfare in here. No drum rolls or trumpets, none of that, just a tranquil 10.1-inch business netbook introduction of the Mini 5103, a Mini 5102 successor, that HP has recently announced. Basically, to get this one, you’ll have to pay at least €429 or somewhere around $565, that would officially grant you either Atom N455 or N475 processors, tucked with up to 320GB HDD (optional up to 128GB SSD), 2GB of RAM, Intel GMA 3150 for the graphics, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, gigabit ethernet, an SD card, WiFi b/g/n connectivity and 2MP camera, stuffed on the front. Besides that, for few bucks more, you get a chance to add an optional Broadcom Crystal HD video accelerator, along with optional Bluetooth 2.1+EDR connectivity and this optional touchscreen display panel, instead of the basic structure form. Still no signs of a Stateside release at the moment, but cross fingers, it might just hit some beautiful US shores.

Update: Before one could say Jack Robinson, HP has already updated its “soon to be arrived” Mini 5103 netbooks lineup with Intel’s new dual-core Atom N550 processor, and is likely to offer it along the current Atom N455 and N475 alternatives. No other significant changes were made besides the CPU update.

[via Netbook News]

Audio, Media Players, Video

Archos Android-Based Internet Tablet Spotted In Black, Coming With 160/500GB Capacities Onboard (Update: Now Official)

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So, what do we have in here? It’s Archos, hitting the online scene again, this time with a brand new Android-based Internet Tablet device, which apparently gets exactly the same looks and specs its 5-inch Archos 5 predecessor packs, only this one unsurprisingly runs a Google Android trendy OS – all over the place – while design wise, it gets darker than ever with a whole black body color, covering both the media tablet itself and its optional $130 DVR docking station. Other than that, it seems that Archos’ new kid on the block just grew up bigger, and now being offered with storage capacities starting at 160GB HDD priced at $320 or a whopping 500GB HDD for merely $420. However, in case you’re into the SSD flavor, you can choose either going with the 16GB SSD version that is listed at B&H for $294 or the 32GB SSD option that will run you back for $370. Stay tuned for even more. Meanwhile, hit the jump to see the rest.

Update1: Apparently, the Android-based Archos 5 Internet Tablet just turned official and is now available with prices ranged from $259 – $430 (depends on storage configuration). Other than that, it seems the French have taken the vanilla Android OS and managed to hover it on top of Archos’ own Linux platform. Surprisingly, the combination of both systems works pretty smooth and flawless, then we may have expected. Additionally, Archos also included some neat third-party apps, like ThinkFree Mobile for document editing, Internet browser for net surfing, and some cool navigation features that suppose to take advantage of the full-fledged GPS system inside and help you find your way with local maps, voice over guidance and even 3D landmarks. And while the new Archos 5 doesn’t seems to have any mobile phone pretensions, it still packs some very advanced specs that make it such a fun and usable device for users. You get a 4.8-inch 800 x 480 resistive screen, which responds pretty well but not as fast as a multi-touch display. You can also find a 802.11n WiFi connectivity, paired with 800MHz OMAP3440 processor, storage drives which can go up to 500GB capacity, and an optional docking cradle that lets you record your favorite shows into the Archos unit or watch your 720P video files whenever connected to an  LCD TV through the HDMI port. Press release is right after the break, along with three walk-through videos.

Update2: Looks like Amazon has finally listed the Archos 5 “Internet Tablet” device on its online store, running for either $390 (160GB) or $370 (32GB)at your choice (and pocket size).

Update3: Radio Shack seems to have a cheaper version of Archos 5’s Android-based tablet – just $249.99 –  in case those $390 bills are too heavy for you to carry. Besides those 8GB of storage, that the new version packs, you get all the good things its bigger brother has, only with 1/20 of the capacity, but that for itself shouldn’t bother anyone who uses Archos’ device mainly for emails and internet.

archos-android-internet-tablet-side

[via Archos]

Continue reading Archos Android-Based Internet Tablet Spotted In Black, Coming With 160/500GB Capacities Onboard (Update: Now Official) →

Computers, News

Dell’s Atom Mini 10v Netbook Pops Up In The Wild (Update: Now With New SSD Flavors)

Looks like Dell is sneaking out to the market another netbook version, which seems to be one of those Mini 10 sequels, only with Intel’s Atom N270 processor instead of the Z lineup. Having its first appearance on Dell’s May catalog [PDF link], the new Mini 10v edition, which also carries the titles “Bear” or model 1011, will pack the usual 120GB hard drive, along with a 1.3 megapixel webcam, 1GB of RAM, and Windows XP onboard – all attractively priced at $299 (that’s $100 less than Dell’s Mini 10 basic package) and about to be released this month.

Update1: Dell just added two new SSD drives, allowing Mini 10 users to upgrade their storage specs,� either with 32GB or 64GB capacities for an extra $75 or $125, respectively.

Update2: Looks like Dell’s Mini 10v netbook is now officially up for order In the company’s online store with a ship,ent delivery, scheduled for June.

Update3: Hit the jump to watch Doug Anson, Dell’s Technology Strategist , displaying Dell’s Mini 10v netbooks running three different operating systems, including Ubuntu, “netbook remix” and even the Android platform, which clearly proves the company has some pretty neat aspirations for future lineups.

Update4: It seems like Dell’s Mini 10v netbook now gets a Nickelodeon edition, which packs pretty much the same lineup the usual version has, only with lime green flavors splashing all over the place. Price, on the other hand, is $30 more than the usual, standing at $329.

[via crunchgear]

Continue reading Dell’s Atom Mini 10v Netbook Pops Up In The Wild (Update: Now With New SSD Flavors) →

Computers, Hardware, Video

Dell's Mini 9 Netbook Gets a 128GB SSD Modding

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We all wish for bigger and faster hard drives inside our laptops (particularly in Dell’s Mini 9 netbook) and the guys at Jkkmobile have proved us again it’s “easy” and possible to get better ones, specially if you have any electronic affinity or DIY passion. Although this modding process might intimidate many of you, there’s nothing sensational to be done besides the unscrewing and replacing actions, which are considered to be the facile part, while putting things back together is the “more difficult” stage in the process, but those who read these lines probably won’t mind watching the video after the break.

[via jkkmobile]

Continue reading Dell's Mini 9 Netbook Gets a 128GB SSD Modding →

Computers, News

MSI U115 Hybrid Netbook Goes Live With SSD and HDD Drives Inside

MSI keeps delivering the goods, as the company officially launched the U115 netbook that we’ve already been talking about recently. The U115 Hybrid packs both SSD and HDD drives in one place and can handle them simultaneously, when the initial use goes with the SSD mode while the HDD drive stands mainly for storage, in order to save more battery power and increase the OS speed. In addition, it has a 10-inch 1024 x 600 display, 1.60GHz Intel Atom processo, a 2MP webcam, 4-in-1 card reader, up to 2GB of RAM, WiFi/Bluetooth connection and various storage combinations, including 8GB SSD / 80GB HDD, 16GB SSD / 120GB HDD, or 32GB SSD / 160GB HDD. Still, no word on price or availability but be sure they will be here shortly.

Update: Looks like the Wind U115 is finally up for sale in in the UK and Japan, priced around £450 – £500 ($675-$750), which is pretty expensive, no matter what specs it packs inside. Checkout the unboxing video from PortableMonkey after the break.

[MSI]

Continue reading MSI U115 Hybrid Netbook Goes Live With SSD and HDD Drives Inside →

Computers, News

Asus Eee PC S101 High-End Mini Laptop Introduced In Taiwan

Asus wants to target the ultra portable high-end laptops market, unofficialy introduces the new EEE PC S101, coming up with a 10.2-inch 16:9 LED backlit display, Intel Atom-based 1.6GHz N270 processor with 945GME chipset and a coffee brown and white flavors. The S101, which suppose to get mass production around September, weights less than 1KG and features only 2.2cm thick measures. Apparently, it will offer 32GB SSD ($699) or 64GB SSD ($899) storage capacities, together with a shiny casing surface, carrying the Eee logo. Stay tuned for more to come.

[via umpcfever]

Computers, Hardware

Asus Eee PC 900 Gets an Inside Look

Asus Eee PC 900 is one of the most talkative objects you can hear about on recent weeks, along with the rumored iphone 3G. Today we have a chance to take a glance into the bowels of the great Eee 900 (which was officially released today in Taiwan), thanks to the guys at bit-tech who disassembled the laptop into pieces. Surprisingly, it pretty much looks the same as the Eee PC 700, except the mobile PCI-Express socket, coming with a 16GB SSD module, expanding the drive space, and a new location for the speakers at the base of the chassis. To see more, press the link below.

asus-eee-pc-900-inside

[via bit-tech]

Audio, Media Players, Video

BenQ Mid Gets The Atom Processor And Some Other Updated Specs

Remember the new BenQ mobile internet device, presented at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona back in February? seem there are more details coming out, making us very curious about it. Apparently, the new MID will include an Atom processor, along with 512MB of RAM, a 4GB SSD drive, an optional GPS system, voice activation and a G-Sensor function, to easily switch between tracks, application and internet navigation. In addition, it will support HSDPA, WiFi 802.11 b/g and bluetooth 2.0+EDR connectivity, together with a built in camera and a 4.8-inch touchscreen. Still no word on price or availability but we’re getting close to zero hour.

BenQ-mid-1

[via slashgear]