External storage devices have massively evolved over the last few years. Modern storage devices are not just fast, but they are also on the compact side, which makes them easy to carry around. With many laptops still offering just 256 GB of internal storage on base models, it might make sense to buy an external storage device that can cater to all your digital storage needs.
SSD vs HDD: Size matters
Modern storage devices can be classified into two major categories — flash-based or solid-state drive (SSD) and optical drive-based or hard disk drive (HDD) storage devices. A flash-based storage device will be lighter and more compact when compared to an optical-drive-based device. However, an SSD will cost a lot more than an HDD. There are also several subcategories within HDD and SSD. HDDs can be primarily classified based on their drive size and rotation speed. Most external HDDs feature a 2.5-inch drive with a typical rotational speed of 5,400 RPM, and there are also select HDDs that offer a higher speed.
SATA vs PCIe: Speed matters
Similarly, even in SSDs, there are SATA-based SSDs, and then there are NVMe-based SSDs, which are much faster and are also on the expensive side. Within NVMe SSDs, there are different classes, a PCIe Gen 5 is currently the flagship technology that has the best possible read and write speed. Here are a few more things to keep in mind while buying an external storage device:
Depending on your computer, look for a storage device with a specific input/output port. Most modern SSD-based storage devices will come with a USB-C I/O port, which enables the storage device to be used with multiple devices such as laptops, MacBooks, iPads, tablets, and even smartphones.
Look for the sequential read and write speed, this is an important parameter to consider while buying a storage device, especially if you want to device to transfer large files more frequently. Similarly, if you are looking for a storage device that will be used to back up your personal data, a simple HDD should do the job, so try to get one that offers more storage.
Next, look for a reputed brand and try to get a storage device with an extended warranty, so if something goes wrong in the long run, you will be able to get it fixed via the official channel. If you are someone who wants to store a lot of confidential data, you can also look for a storage device with a biometric locking capability, possibly with fingerprint encryption.
Seagate Expansion 2TB External HDD
If you are looking for an external storage device that’s affordable and offers plenty of storage space, check out the Seagate Expansion 2TB External HDD, which is currently selling for Rs 6,981. Despite its affordable price tag, the drive offers USB 3.0 data transfer speed, and it also comes with a complimentary data recovery service that is valid for three years. The drive is compatible with both Windows and macOS, and it comes with a USB-A output port, but you will need a USB-C adapter to use this device with most modern MacBooks. Source: The Indian Express