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Portable SSDs
The best portable SSDs offer fast storage on the go
I f all your photos are fast filling your computer’s storage space – or you need to keep your digital portfolio portable – then it might be time to invest in a portable SSD.
A conventional portable HD drive still offers the most bytes for your buck, but for top transfer speeds, a solid state drive – SSD – is a must. SSDs are also far more robust. With no moving parts, there’s no mechanical wear and tear to worry about. They’re also less powerhungry, and are usually powered via the host computer’s USB connection.
The best portable SSDs are also a fraction of the size and weight of a conventional portable hard drive, and though an SSD’s speed and portability still commands a premium over a usual HD, pricing is now more accessible.
FIVE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
01 No moving parts
Conventional hard disk drives use sensitive moving parts, but not SSDs, making them much less vulnerable.
02 The right OS
Some drives are pre-configured for Mac or Windows. This can usually be changed with the right software.
03 Temper expectations
Don’t expect an SSD to transfer a large batch of image files as fast as it’ll shift a single video file of the same size.
04 You have the power
All portable SSDs are powered by their USB connection, so don’t require a power brick.
05 Above and beyond
Manufacturers might bundle extras in like software, encryption, or cloud storage.