Latest news with #externalharddrive


Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
SanDisk Extreme PRO USB4 SSD Review: Ultra-fast, durable, and portable storage solution
In a world increasingly dominated by cloud computing, one might assume that external hard disks and flash drives are relics of the past. But the truth is, these physical storage devices still play a vital role in our digital lives — often in ways the cloud simply can't replicate. Imagine you're working on a critical project in a remote location with no internet access. Your cloud storage is unreachable, but your trusty external hard drive is right there, ready to deliver. That's the beauty of offline storage. Then there's the matter of speed. Uploading gigabytes of 4K video or massive software builds to the cloud can be painfully slow, even with a decent connection. External drives, especially those using USB 3.2 or Thunderbolt, offer blazing-fast transfer speeds that make them indispensable for creatives, gamers, and professionals dealing with large files. Security is another key factor. While cloud providers invest heavily in cybersecurity, no system is completely immune to breaches. For those handling sensitive or confidential data, keeping a copy on an encrypted external drive offers peace of mind that no hacker can touch. And let's not forget cost. Cloud storage often comes with monthly or annual fees, especially if you need terabytes of space. In contrast, an external drive is a one-time purchase that can last for years, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term storage. So while the cloud has transformed how we store and access data, external hard disks remain relevant — quietly dependable, always accessible, and often the unsung heroes of our digital workflows. On this note, Sandisk, a leader in flash memory storage solutions and now a subsidiary of Western Digital, has recently released two products that will resonate with customers seeking offline storage. SanDisk has stepped up its game with the Extreme PRO USB4 Portable SSD, offering blazing-fast speeds and rugged durability. Designed for professionals handling large files, such as 4K/8K video editing, gaming, and real-time media access, this SSD promises top-tier performance with USB4 Gen 3×2 connectivity. Performance With read speeds up to 3,800MB/s and write speeds up to 3,700MB/s, this SSD competes with Thunderbolt 3 and 4 drives while maintaining broader compatibility. However, to achieve peak performance, users need a fully compliant USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 port—otherwise, speeds default to USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or lower. Design and build The Extreme PRO USB4 maintains SanDisk's signature rugged design, featuring IP65-rated water and dust resistance and drop protection up to 2 metres. While it's slightly larger than previous models, its textured silicone grip ensures a secure hold. The 5.51″ x 2.70″ x 0.47″ dimensions make it portable, though not the most compact option. Compatibility This SSD works seamlessly across Windows, macOS, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5, making it a versatile choice for console gaming storage and cross-platform media use. However, some users have reported connection issues, where the drive occasionally defaults to 10Gbps or 5Gbps speeds instead of the expected 40Gbps. Pricing & Warranty The 2TB model is priced at Dh1,349. SanDisk backs this SSD with a 5-year warranty. Pros Blazing-fast speeds (when connected to USB4) Rugged, durable design Broad compatibility across devices 5-year warranty Cons Larger than previous models Premium price tag Occasional connection issues Final verdict The SanDisk Extreme PRO with USB4 is a powerful, high-speed SSD that caters to professionals and gamers alike. While its performance is impressive, users should ensure they have USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 ports to unlock its full potential. If you need fast, reliable, and rugged storage, this SSD is a solid investment—but be mindful of its size and occasional connectivity quirks.


Gizmodo
26-05-2025
- Gizmodo
Seagate's 24TB External Hard Drive Is Mega Memory at a Mini Price, Memorial Day Deal Only
Remember when the first terabyte-sized external hard drives hit the market and blew everyone's minds with how huge they were? How quaint. They were also as ginormously expensive as we thought their capacity was. Fast forward to current times, and there's a 24TB drive from storage giant Seagate available at Amazon for just $280, which is a considerably lower per-terabyte price than those 1TB drives of old. The Seagate Expansion 24TB External Hard Drive is smaller, faster, and more reliable, and it works equally well with PC and Mac computers. See at Amazon So Much Storage The Seagate Expansion 24TB External Hard Drive isn't pocket-sized, but at just 3 inches tall and a bit under 3 pounds, it is most definitely portable. The day will almost certainly come when there are pocket-sized 24TB drives, but until then, this is about as compact as they come. The USB 3.0 interface of the Seagate lets you move data on or off the drive at a blistering-fast 4800 MB/s, which you'll be more than thankful for if you're doing a full-computer backup for the first time, or getting everything off one machine to move onto a new one. Creators and photo and video enthusiasts will deeply appreciate the enormous 24TB capacity of the drive, as well as the speed with which it writes those huge files. See at Amazon Backup for the Backup The Seagate Expansion 24TB External Hard Drive is pure plug-and-play, able to come out of the box and immediately become your trusted backup drive. Mac users will have to reformat the drive in order to use it with Apple's time Machine, but that's an exceptionally easy and fast procedure. Seagate external hard drives have a well-earned reputation for reliability, and the 250,000-plus Amazon reviewers who give this model an average 4.6 star review are solid proof. But, as they say, things happen, and in that event Seagate's Rescue Data Services are at the ready. This service is included in the price of the drive, and should your hard drive become corrupted or suffer physical damage, you can ship it to Seagate and their expert techs will either repair the drive or salvage the data and move it onto a new device to send back to you. You might be surprised at just how many files you have to back up, or maybe you have several smaller backup drives lying around and you're looking for a way to consolidate them. The Seagate Expansion 24TB External Hard Drive is a perfect solution, and the $280 price running right now at Amazon is unbeatable. See at Amazon


Gizmodo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
This Seagate External Hard Drive Is Now Almost Free, No Need for an SSD With 2TB of Storage
Secure your digital existence with one of the most trusted brand on the market. If you're looking for an affordable (and secure) way to back up your files, the Seagate Portable 2TB external hard drive (HDD) currently on sale at Amazon is a great pick. Seagate is a global leader in the storage industry and for this Memorial Day sale, you can grab the 2TB HDD model for just $69 which is a 13% discount from its usual $79 price tag. Compared to the ongoing expense of cloud storage, this is a one-time investment that saves you money in the long run. For example, a 2TB cloud plan at pCloud will cost you $120 per year, while this Seagate drive gives you the same capacity (lifetime) for less than $70. See at Amazon HDD versus SSD The Seagate hard drive is designed to be spare and compatible with anything that will interface with both Windows and Mac computers and most game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox…). It is available for backing up files, photos, videos or game libraries, and plug-and-play design means no software install or difficult setup to accomplish. The drive is powered directly via the USB port so you don't need external power supply. Even though HDDs generally offer slower speeds than SSDs, the Seagate 2TB external hard drive still offers fast performance for day-to-day use. With transfer rates as high as 120MB/s, it's more than sufficient to transfer large files. In contrast, SSDs can go much faster (500 to 1000MB/s) but for most users who need to store or back up large amounts of information, the difference in speed is never a bottleneck. For a 2TB capacity, an HDD like this remains a good and affordable option. With 2TB of storage, you have room to store hundreds of thousands of photos, hours of HD video or entire game libraries without worrying about having too little space. With drag-and-drop simple organization and control over your files, the drive's compatibility with both USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports ensures that it will get along with nearly any computer or console you happen to have on hand. For peace of mind for data protection, the drive also includes a data recovery service plan, which provides expert assistance in the case of data loss. If you need low-cost, secure and high-capacity storage, this Seagate external hard drive is a very good choice. It's far more economical and convenient than paying for periodic cloud storage plans (or SSD hard drives) with the added benefits of portability, performance, and convenience. See at Amazon


Gizmodo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Seagate Portable External Hard Drive Is Cheaper Than a Year of Cloud Fees, 2TB for Life
Amazon has just dropped a deal that is just hard to ignore. If you are currently looking for a reliable, smart and high-capacity external hard drive that combines portability, performance, and affordability, the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD is the perfect pick for you. Right now and only for a limited time, you can get the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD for just $69, down from its original price of $79. That's a solid 13% discount on one of the most dependable external hard drives available. Don't miss out, this is a must-have. See at Amazon Reliable and Smart Storage For All Your Needs The Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD is not just another everyday storage device, it is a dependable solution designed specially to handle all your data storage needs quickly and responsively. With a spacious 2TB capacity, it offers more than enough space for all your documents, photos, videos, and much more. Its USB 3.0 interface also ensures fast data transfer speeds, making it easy to back up and access your files quickly and on the go. Whether you are a student, a professional, or just a casual everyday user, this hard drive provides the unique reliability and performance you might just need to store and protect all your important data. Beyond its impressive storage capabilities, the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD also boasts a sleek, sharp, and compact design. Its slim design makes it easy to slip into your bag or pocket, allowing you to view and access your files with you wherever you go, whether you are travelling for work-related reasons or going to a friend's house. The durable casing protects your data from everyday bumps and drops, ensuring your files remain safe during transit. Setting up the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD is also a breeze, which helps the overall experience. It is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and its plug-and-play functionality means you can start using it right out of the box, with no additional need for software or to install any drivers. Simply connect it to your computer via the included USB cable, and you're ready to go. At only $69, the Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive HDD offers a perfect blend of capacity, portability, power, and ease of use. Whether you're backing up important documents, storing your media library, or just transferring files between devices, this hard drive has got you covered. Don't miss out on this opportunity at a great price. Head over to Amazon now and take advantage of this deal before it's gone. See at Amazon


Gizmodo
11-05-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Amazon Restocks the Seagate 22TB External Hard Drive, Now 60% Off Original Price
This Seagate hard drive has very fast transfer speeds and excellent security, which makes it among the best on the market. This Sunday afternoon, Seagate has just re-stocked its popular 22TB external hard drive on Amazon. The 20TB variant had been sold out for the past a few days, and the 22TB variant was nowhere to be found. Good news is that Seagate has replenished its stock and the timing could not be more opportune: the 22TB drive is now available for a record low price tag of just $249, which is a massive discount from its usual $599 retail price. See at Amazon This is a record-low for an external drive of this enormous size, but it also trumps most other players and even used internal drives on sale. For comparison, the next step-up in Seagate's line after this one is currently on sale for $329 as the 24TB HDD. It might at first glance seem reasonable to splurge on the larger-capacity one, but if you break down the price by the number of terabytes, the 22TB one gives you far more bang for your buck. You can get it for $249.99, and you're only paying approximately $11.36 per terabyte, while the 24TB comes out to approximately $13.75 per terabyte. $11.36 per TB This Seagate external hard drive features USB 3.0 connectivity for fast data transfer and comes loaded with Seagate's Rescue Data Recovery Services which offers peace of mind should there be involuntary loss of data. Over 2,000 have been sold in one month alone, and it has a rating of 4.5/5 on over 200,000 reviews. Putting this offer into context with cloud storage services sheds its price into even sharper perspective: Professional cloud storage services generally charge monthly or yearly fees which can mount in no time. To put it in perspective, maintaining 22TB or more in the cloud often costs hundreds of dollars a year, and that's just for standard access. Within two years, the total cost of cloud storage far surpasses the initial price of a high-capacity external hard drive. Furthermore, with physical storage like the Seagate HDD, your data is entirely in your control, with no concern over account hacks, service outages, or terms-of-service changes. It's also worth noting that, while the 24TB model is tempting at $329, the price jump simply doesn't have the relatively minor increase in capacity to offer most customers. Unless you have a specific need for each and every terabyte, the 22TB drive is the more cost-effective option. The reality that the 20TB and 22TB models haven't been available for days is evidence of how rapidly smart buyers are snapping up these deals. Whatever the reason of this external hard drive discounts, consumers stand to benefit: If you've been waiting for the right moment to expand your local storage whether for backups, media libraries or professional archives, this is a rare opportunity that Amazon offers you. With recent stock shortages, don't wait. See at Amazon