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OWC Express 1M2 2TB review
4:38 pm | July 18, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

OWC Express 1M2 2TB: 30-second review

Specs

Storage: NVMe M.2 SSD (up to 8TB)
Rear Ports:
USB-C (40Gb/s)
Connectivity:
USB4, Thunderbolt 3, USB-C
Accessories:
USB-C cable

The OWC Express 1M2 is quite unique in the field of best external hard drives for several reasons. The first is that its available as an enclosure or as a ready-to-go storage solution, with a choice of capacities from 1 to 8TB. Then there's the look and styling that has been created to ensure that the drive inside remains cool, however demanding a task you have the drive working through. Those tasks can be anything from processing a range of spreadsheets or, more likely, being the hub of a video production or photoshoot. 

The aluminium outer casing has essentially been built as one large heat sink to ensure that even after hours of continued use, the drive remains fast and that any effects of thermal throttling are kept to a minimum. The design also means that there are no fans, so the drive runs nice and silent, no matter the load. The drive also incorporates the latest connection technology and offers transfer rates of up to 3151MB/s in real-world tests; this is well beyond the scope of most portable hard drives. Usually, these speeds are only reached by internal drives or dedicated working external systems. 

As with other OWC drives, the setup process is easy and essentially involves a plug-and-play approach with a single cable that connects the drive to the computer, providing both power and data transfer. The connection type is USB-C (40Gb/s), which is one of the fastest connections out there and will enable the smooth data transfers needed for 4 and 8-K video editing.

While the drive comes APFS formatted, you do have the option to use the OWC Drive Guide (Mac) software that's included on the drive to change the format to an older Mac file system or ExFat for cross-compatibility with Windows. As the drive is Mac formatted, it won't initially be viewable or accessible on a PC; however, the drive can be formatted in that ExFat format using the OWC Drive Guide (Mac) on a Mac, or you can download the trial of the OWC MacDrive software to access the disk and format it to the correct file format for use. 

When it comes to size the drive is slightly larger than most of the best portable SSDs we've tested; however, with the performance that it offers, that's not an issue, and while it may be a touch larger, it's still relatively lightweight. Using the drive for editing 4K video on Final Cut Pro X, the speed and ease of use is seamless with no reliability issues, with the drive providing the performance that you would usually expect from an internal SSD. 

OWC Express 1M2 2TB: Price & availability

OWC Express 1M2 2TB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The OWC Express 1M2 is a premium price for its capacity, but this is balanced by the build quality and performance, which is pretty much unmatched in the market. It's available directly from OWC's website and through various authorised retailers. Prices vary depending on the storage capacity chosen, with options ranging up to 8TB. The drive includes a three-year warranty for the complete solution or two years for the enclosure.

  • Score: 4/5

OWC Express 1M2 2TB: Design & build

OWC Express 1M2 2TB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

A glance at the OWC Express 1M2, and you could easily mistake it for a huge heat sink, with its full aluminium build and gill-like design that helps to dissipate the heat. The Aluminium used is of aircraft-grade quality and, therefore, provides strength and protection around the internal SSD even when thrown in a kit back with little to no other protection. In our review sample, which is at the lower end of the capacity options, there's fitted a 2TB SSD, but there are other options at 1, 2, 4, or 8TB. The design of the drive also means that it's available with a drive installed or empty.

While the drive's full metal build gives it a strong and robust design and feel, measuring 23mm (0.9 in), length 132 mm (5.2 in), and width 70 mm (2.8 in), it does feel relatively light at 253.0 g (0.56 lbs) and this helps to ensure that it remains highly portable. 

On the base  are two long rubber pads that help it to stay in position, which can be useful when working out in the field, and surface space is often at a premium. Under one of these feet are the screws that enable you to replace the SSD with a larger capacity if you require it in the future. 

On the back is the USB Type-C port. This is a USB4, up to 40 Gb/s (or 5000 MB/s), which is far in excess of most standard portable SSDs and further highlights that this drive is focused towards high-demand applications such as video, audio, and photography. 

Inside the box, along with the drive, is a USB-C cable. While the drive is USB 4, it is fully backwards compatible with any compatible connector, although the maximum transfer speeds will vary depending on the device.

  • Design & build: 5/5

OWC Express 1M2 2TB: Features

The OWC Express 1M2 is a portable SSD design with ultra-fast performance and reliability at its heart, and as such, it is able to reach up to 3151MB/s, as quoted by OWC, in real-world scenarios. This speed should ensure that larger files, projects, and applications can be handled smoothly with a performance that is similar, if not the same, to that of your internal SSD. This will make it an ideal solution for video editing as well as any other task that requires a large amount of data to be accessed, written to, or moved at speed. 

Our review sample arrived pre-configured with 2TB storage, which is one of OWC's superb NVMe Aura SSDs. However, you can also build your drive to your specifications with support for various NVMe M.2 SSD sizes (2230, 2242, and 2280).

While most high-demand applications have traditionally been confined to the Studio or Office, the speed and performance of the USB4, Thunderbolt, and USB-C connections allow most equipped laptops to make the most of the capacity and speed out in the field. With the drive's BUS-powered connection, only one cable is needed for both power and data making it an easy solution for use out in the field.

As the drive has been designed to be portable at a professional level, the outer casing made from aircraft-grade Aluminium serves a dual purpose. It offers rugged protection for the SSD while maintaining silence, and the metal design also acts as an effective cooling system that will help sustain top speeds. 

Finally, the drive is backed by a three-year warranty or a two-year warranty for the enclosure.

  • Features 4/5

OWC Express 1M2 2TB: Performance

OWC Express 1M2 2TB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

AJA System Test Lite:   Read: 3002MB/s, Write: 2994MB/s
ATTO: Read: 3130MB/s, Write: 3200MB/s
AmorphousDiskMark: Read: 3203.26MB/s, Write: 2608.04MB/s

Getting started with the OWC Express 1M2 is easy enough with the plug-and-play nature when used on Mac systems, meaning that it's ready to go. However, the onboard "OWC Drive Guide (Mac)" recommends fresh formatting provided by the software, and this enables you to select from four options: to stay with APFS, use the older HFS, go for ExFat for cross-compatibility with PCs, or to do it manually. 

In this test, we started with the APFS option and then used Disk Utility to reformat the drive in the ExFat for use on your PC. If you're a PC user, you will need a Mac to reformat the drive to a PC-recognisable format. Alternatively, you can use the OWC MacDrive software trial to help you get started. This software essentially enables you to see Mac Drive on a PC and is very useful if you're used to using both systems

When it came to the benchmark tests, the OWC Express 1M2 delivers exceptional performance, making it ideal for various professional and creative tasks. With read speeds of 3002MB/s and write speeds of 2994MB/s in AJA System Test Lite, it handles large file transfers and data-intensive tasks with ease. ATTO results show even higher read speeds of 3130MB/s and write speeds of 3200MB/s, confirming its capability for high-speed data processing. The AmorphousDiskMark scores, with read speeds of 3203.26MB/s and write speeds of 2608.04MB/s, further highlight its suitability for demanding applications such as Final Cut Pro X and DaVinci Resolve.

For creative professionals, the Express 1M2 is well-suited for tasks such as video editing, where the high read and write speeds are essential to ensure smooth playback and quick rendering of 4K and higher resolution video if you're a photographer. The ability to handle large RAW file transfers and quick access times is ideal for backup and fast access and saves when using Photoshop. Audio professionals will also appreciate the fast data access and transfer rates for managing large audio files and multitrack sessions.

In an office setting, the 1M2'sss 1M2's high-speed performance, while nice to have, could be seen as a little overkill. File transfers and data backups are faster, but in reality, there are far cheaper solutions out there that will do the job at the speed you need. 

Overall, the OWC 1M2'sss 1M2's benchmarks are impressive and highlight that it is an excellent choice for creative users who need reliable and fast portable storage for video, audio, and photography. 

  • Performance: 5/5

Should you buy the OWC Express 1M2 2TB?

The OWC Express 1M2 is a superb portable SSD, offering some of the fastest transfer rates for this size of drive on the market. Not only that, but the build quality is superb. This impressive speed and rugged build make it a perfect choice for professionals and creatives who require reliable, high-performance storage on the go. The higher price point is justified by its quality and features, making it a worthwhile investment, but for office users, this builds quality, and performance could be a lot better.

OWC Express 1M2 2TB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

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Using the PNY RP60 to store creative assets? We tested the best monitors for photo editing

OWC Envoy Pro Mini (2024) review
2:20 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

OWC Envoy Pro Mini: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities Available: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Size: 11 x 80 x 17mm
Weight: 26g
Enclosure Material: Aluminium
Connector: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A / Type-C
Technology: External SSD
Warranty: 3 years
Transfer Speeds: 946MB/s
Software Bundle: OWC Drive Guide, Acronis Back-up

The OWC Envoy Pro Mini takes a different approach to storage than most of the best portable SSDs we've tried - offering the capacity and speed of an external SSD in the compact form of a USB stick. The high-quality full aluminium build not only gives it a premium feel but also ensures durability. The design features a flip-over protective lid that enables you to switch from USB Type-A to Type-C connectors quickly. Our review unit features a 256GB capacity with the full line-up ranging from 256GB to 2TB of storage. Transfer rates up to 946MB/s are also impressive, which means that the OWC Envoy Pro Mini is ideal for mass storage and can be used as a working drive.

However, there could be some drawbacks to consider. The compact size, while convenient, could also make it easy to misplace. Additionally, as the drive is so small, it's likely to get hot during intensive use, such as video editing, which could impact performance. So the question is, will the OWC Envoy Pro Mini be able to deliver its full potential as one of the most compact and portable hard drives on the market?

OWC Envoy Pro Mini: Price & availability

OWC Envoy Pro Mini

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The OWC Envoy Pro Mini is available for purchase directly from the OWC website and various authorized retailers. Pricing starts at $79.00 for the 250GB model and goes up to $199.00 for the 2TB model. The Envoy Pro Mini includes a USB-C (40Gb/s) cable, a protective cap, and a lanyard. It comes with a three-year OWC Limited Warranty.

  • Score: 4/5

OWC Envoy Pro Mini: Design & build

OWC Envoy Pro Mini

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The OWC Envoy Pro Mini offers the capacity and speed of an external SSD but in the compact form of a USB stick rather than a more traditionally shaped and sized portable hard drive. At first glance, there is little to tell this apart from an aforementioned USB stick, aside from its slightly lengthier body and the fact that it has a full metal build. Still, it remains small and compact, and inside the tough outer casing, our review unit features 256GB of high-speed storage, which can offer transfer rates up to 946MB/s.

The OWC Envoy Pro Mini is small, weighing in at 26g and measuring 11 x 80 x 17mm, with the all-metal exterior providing durability and that premium feel. At one end is a protective metal cap that covers the USB Type-C port, while at the other end is a blue LED status light that flashes to show the status and activity. The high build quality is evident throughout the design of the drive, with a textured section that, when pulled out, pivots around a central joint to reveal the USB Type-A connector. The addition of a lanyard hole is a nice design feature and helps enhance the design further. 

  • Design & build: 4/5

OWC Envoy Pro Mini: Features

The OWC Envoy Pro Mini brings the performance of a full-sized SSD to a device that fits comfortably in your pocket. Its sleek, thumb drive-sized design offers high-speed storage that you can take anywhere. What's more, it's universally compatible, featuring plug-and-play functionality with USB or Thunderbolt (USB-C) ports on Macs, PCs, iPads, Chromebooks, Android tablets, and Surface devices.

When it comes to speed, the Envoy Pro Mini shouldn't disappoint, with OWC stating real-world data transfer rates of up to 946MB/s. This means that whether you're working with large multimedia files, backing up crucial data, or launching applications, this drive provides the speed you need. That combination of speed and capacity ensures versatility and makes it a great solution for a variety of uses, such as pro audio, photography, graphics, gaming, and general data storage or backup.

If you're concerned about data protection, then the Envoy Pro Mini is compatible with Apple Time Machine and Windows File History, which means that this no-fuss USB Stick design will act as an ideal solution for use with those systems to back up your files. While not strictly a professional use for the drive, it can be used as a storage solution for PlayStation and Xbox consoles, providing additional space and quick load times. When needed. Additionally, if you have presentations and video, then again, those fast transfer speeds and capacity means that it can essentially act as an entertainment hub, enabling you to playback presentations, videos, and music and view pictures on your Smart TV or projector just by simply plugging the drive into the USB port.

The Envoy Pro Mini isn't just for storage; it can also be used as a bootable drive, enabling you to start up your system and launch applications. This is a great solution for both Mac and Linux users, and those using Windows will be able to launch some applications and extras directly from the drive, helping to free up valuable disk space and an easy way to increase storage media for laptops. 

One of the key design elements is the slim design that ensures that adjacent ports remain accessible. Being small, like most other portable SSDs, it is bus-powered, meaning that the single USB connection will provide all the power that it needs to run. 

Being small, heat is a consideration, and the heat-dissipating machined aluminium housing helps to ensure that the Envoy Pro Mini makes little, if any, audible noise and should remain cool even during intensive tasks.

  • Features 4/5

OWC Envoy Pro Mini: Performance

OWC Envoy Pro Mini

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

Score tested on a MacBook Pro m1

AJA System Test Lite - Read: 841MB/s / Write: 933MB/s
Blackmagic design speed disk test - Read:544.7MB/s / Write:599.6MB/s
ATTO - Read: 936.92MB/s / Write:1021.96MB/s
AmorphiousDiskMark - Read: 636.70MB/s / Write:614.45MB/s

Scores tested on an Intel Nuc 9 Ghost Canyon

CrystalDiskMark - Read: 612.08MB/s / Write:617.24MB/s
AJA System Test Lite - Read: 864MB/s / Write: 820MB/s
ATTO - Read:852.85MB/s / Write:965.59MB/s
AS SSD - Read:  577.08MB/s / Write:581.96MB/s

For those looking for the best external hard drive for Mac, the OWC Envoy Pro Mini comes pre-formatted in the advanced Apple APFS file system, which ensures maximum compatibility with macOS. While it comes with the system installed, you can reformat into NTFS or ExFat if you want to use this on a Windows PC, although it's worth doing this PC-compatible formating on a Mac first.

To make things easy, the drive comes with the "OWC Drive Guide (Mac)" application, which is ready to load from the drive. This application is a once-run app that enables you to select several options, from the latest APFS to the older Mac OS Extended; there's also the ExFat option. To get started with the drive, it's recommended to start on a Mac, as some PCs won't recognise the drive until it has been formatted utilising the onboard software app. 

Once the file system is in place, the original factory-installed contents of the drive are wiped and replaced with a single PDF with a QR code that will take you to the getting started guides, manuals, and FAQs. So, there's plenty of additional information, including support if you need it. However, once set up, there's little not to understand—plug it in, and off you go! 

In performance tests, the OWC Envoy Pro Mini delivered impressive results with read speeds of 828MB/s and write speeds of 927MB/s when tested in AJA System Test Lite. This makes it suitable for demanding tasks such as video editing and large file transfers. Depending on the software and type of test run, the results varied, as you'll see in the benchmark result. Still, as a general rule throughout the testing, the Pro Mini was an excellent storage option when additional fast access storage was required for both backup and as a working drive. 

  • Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the OWC Envoy Pro Mini?

The OWC Envoy Pro Mini is a great storage solution. Its small size, large capacity options, and speed make it an all-around great option for anyone who needs to store large files out in the field. While the drive is designed for Mac users, and in the post part, you will need a Mac to get up and running initially, you can opt to format it in the ExFat files system so that it can be used between both Mac and PC systems.

When it comes to design, the SSD's USB stick style means that it can slip easily into a pocket, or with the small lanyard, you can pop it into a bag and keep it safely secured on an internal loop if one is available. 

In use, the dual USB Type-A or C gives you plenty of options, especially when transporting between Mac, PC and other systems. The transfer rates of large files are incredibly quick, meaning that you can back up files from a shoot at speed, as well as use the drive as working storage media which is a huge asset. While the transfer rates do enable you to use the OWC Envoy Pro Mini as a working drive, it can get hot, although it is surprisingly well-balanced, especially when it's used for video editing. In reality, it's a great working drive for photos, but it's best to push it on time with video editing, however able it seems. 

OWC Envoy Pro Mini

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

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For more storage solutions, we tested the fastest SSDs

Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD review
5:06 pm | June 18, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Size: 141.5x55x16mm
Weight: 120g
Enclosure material: Alloy + Silicone
Connector: USB3.2 GEN2x2 Type-C
Technology: QLC NAND Flash
Warranty (in years): 5-years
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): Read up to 2050MB/s, Write up to 1800MB/s
Software bundle: N/A

The Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD is a portable hard drive designed to withstand conditions that would cause most other portable SSDs to fail. The drive's overall aesthetic reflects its robust nature, and its triple defence shield ensures that it's waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof, all helping to protect Yata even in harsh environments. 

We've tested out the best portable SSDs and the best rugged hard drives, so we were keen to get our hands on the Orico Mecha to find out what it offers. Performance-wise, the SSD supports speeds up to 20Gbps, with read speeds up to 2050MB/s and write speeds up to 1800MB/s. This makes it suitable for transferring large files, such as video and image files quickly, and can be used as a working drive to both store and edit creative work. As well as the tough outer casing the internals feature advanced electronics with a high-performance SSD chip that features temperature lock technology that will prevent the drive from overheating, and sure enough through the test for short on-site edits of 4K video from the Canon EOS R5 C the drive handle the footage and edit with ease.

Compatibility is worth mentioning with the drive supporting USB 3.2 Gen2x2 protocol, which instantly makes it compatible with various devices, including laptops, desktops, and smartphones. In the box is a 2-in-1 data cable (C to C/A) maximising the options for connection. One issue to note is that if your computer is USB 3.2 Gen 1 or uses Thunderbolt 3 or 4, then the maximum transfer rates will be reduced to that of USB 3.2 Gen 1 which is around 1000MB/s. 

While the price is relatively high for a 2TB drive, the fact that it's quite so robust and, with the right connection, offers outstanding speeds, this is a great option, especially for creative professionals such as photographers and videographers. 

Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD: Price & availability

ORICO Mecha Portable SSD 2TB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD is priced at £121/$149 and can be purchased from online retailers like eBay and Amazon.

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  • Score: 4/5

Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD: Design & build

ORICO Mecha Portable SSD 2TB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Orico's SSD features a decidedly outdoorsy and robust design, which reflects its intended use as a portable SSD that can be used in tough environments. The exterior of the drive features a high-strength alloy and silicone shell that you can feel with, providing excellent protection against being dropped, sudden shocks and being bashed around in a kit bag. What's more, with the USB Type-C cable removed, there's a silicon plug that protects the port making the drive completely water-resistant. While Orico states that the drive is waterproof, there is no IP rating for the drive, so although it is well made and seemingly sealed, it's worth taking care over water ingress. 

However, the design is robust, and with the hanging loop, the drive can easily be tethered to the inside of a backpack so it can be located when needed. To connect to a computer, a USB cable with a C to adapter is included. This can be swapped and changed, but it is of high quality and will help to maximise those transfer speeds with the right equipment. 

Overall, the materials used in the construction are all of high quality, and while it may not have any official ratings for water or dust ingress, the drive feels reassuringly durable. 

  • Design & build: 4/5

Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD: Features

This SSD is aimed at professionals working in the field, and in environments that would test most portable SSDs to the point of destruction. Taking a look at the features, it's possible to see just how robust this drive appears to be and raises a high standard for real-world tests. Firstly, the outer shell, made from alloy and silicon, is well-made and finished and feels incredibly durable. There's nothing lightweight or flimsy about the build, and unlike some other metal enclosures, this drive feels solid with no flex.

The alloy case will inevitably aid with the cooling of the drive when put under load editing video and images, but to ensure that the drive doesn't overheat and burn out it features a high-performance chip with temperature lock technology

In order to reach impressive transfer speeds, a USB 3.2 Gen2x2 connection is utilised, which has wide compatibility with various devices. It's worth checking to see if your hardware has this exact configuration, which is mainstream. However, Mac users, along with some high end laptops, may find that the performance will be throttled due to the backward compatibility of thunderbolt ports to USB 3.2 Gen2x1 rather than USB 3.2 Gen2x2.

  • Features 4/5

Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD: Performance

ORICO Mecha Portable SSD 2TB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark, read: 2068.62MB/s Write: 1836MB/s
AJA: read: 1849MB/s Write: 1665MB/s
ATTO: read: 1930MB/s Write: 1740MB/s
AS SSD: 1898.15MB/s Write: 1654.79MB/s

The stated performance is impressive with the quoted speeds highlighting rates of up to 20Gbps. However, tested on a MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 (still one of the best MacBook Pro laptops for our money), those transfer rates looked more like read 989MB/s and Write 919MB/s; this is due to the downgrade in performance for the Gen2x2 connection going through the Thunderbolt 4 ports. However, switching over to one of the best mini PCs - the Intel NUC 9 Ghost Canyon with a PCIe USB 3.2 Gen2x2 card - performance rates were far more impressive. 

In continuous test, the drive was put under strain for several hours in an environment of around 20ºC. The drive continued to perform extremely well, with the transfer speeds keeping up the pace with little overall effect on the performance. 

Switching the testing from the studio to the field, the drive was first used as a backup drive for images and video during a day's shoot. Due to the Thunderbolt to USB 3.2 Gen2x2 downgrade, transfer speeds were slightly slower than expected. However, at nearly 1000MB/s, those speeds were still impressive, enabling 200GB of data to transfer from an OWC CFExpress card in 5 minutes and 37 seconds.

Doing the same on the Intel NUC 9 Ghost Canyon sees a leap in performance, although, in the field, the computers are connected to a Bluetti AC180 with a compact monitor to monitor the download speeds. Here again, with the Thunderbolt 3 connection for the OWC CFExpress to the ORICO Mecha Portable SSD 2TB, the transfer rate is more impressive at 2 minutes 30 seconds.

Switching the drive's use from storage to editing in Final Cut Pro X on the Mac and Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve on the Intel NUC 9, the drive is able to keep up with the demands at an impressive rate. Despite being used as a working drive, the enclosure stays impressively cool, and intermittently checking the transfer rates with AJA System Test Lite shows little, if any, drop in performance. 

With the transfer test completed, it was time to put the drive through a few additional tests, including being dropped from a height and sprayed with water. In both tests, the drive, although cosmetically affected with some slight wear and tear, continued to work well. Overall, it was an impressive all-around performance.

  • Performance: 4/5

Should I buy the Orico Mecha 2TB portable SSD?

The Orico Mecha SSD is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a durable, high-performance storage solution that can be used for storage or as a portable working drive. The rugged build quality with the strong alloy to protect the delicate electronics surrounded by the silicon provides an impressive amount of protection, and throughout the test, the high-speed capabilities impressed and proved that this is a great drive for a variety of environments and uses, from the office to the great outdoors. 

Looking at a few points about the drive that are worth considering, while the drive is impressively robust it doesn't have any official certification or rating so some care will need to be taken when using it in adverse conditions, then there's the USB 3.2 Gen2x2 issue, especially for Mac users, although you'll have a fast drive it will be about half of its overall potential. Still, although the price might be a consideration, the SSD's performance and durability do justify the investment.

ORICO Mecha Portable SSD 2TB

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

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For more speed, we checked out the fastest external SSDs available right now

PNY RP60 portable SSD review
7:14 pm | June 10, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: , | Comments: Off

PNY RP60 portable SSD: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available:1TB, 2TB
Size: 97.3 x 59.9 x 12.4 mm.
Weight: 55g
Enclosure material: rubber
Connector: USB 3.2 Gen2x2
Technology: SSD
Warranty (in years): 3
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): Up to 2000MB/s / 1800MB/s
Software bundle: Acronis True Image Data Protection Software

The PNY RP60 Portable SSD 1TB sports a sleek, matte black rubberized finish with a subtle PNY logo, enhancing its aesthetic and functionality. This finish not only offers protection against the elements with its IP65 rating—making it essentially shower-proof and resilient against harsh dust storms—but also ensures stability. Its non-slip surface allows it to be securely placed on a car or van bonnet, or taped to a tripod or rig without slipping. The drive's size and design make it an ideal solution for expanding the video storage of iPhones and other smartphones, especially useful when filming, as it can be easily attached to the back of the phone.

A standout feature here is the flat USB cable, reminiscent of a computer data ribbon, which facilitates neat routing around any attached equipment. Additionally, the small carabiner loop at one corner allows the drive to be hooked into a bag or case, securing it conveniently and making it easily accessible within a camera bag's internal loops.

Having tested out plenty of the best portable SSDs, performance-wise, the drive holds up solidly when connected to a true USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port with speeds that just exceed those stated by PNY. However, Mac users with Thunderbolt 4 ports will find the performance downgraded, averaging closer to 1000MB/s rather than the expected 1800MB/s. Nevertheless, these speeds are sufficient for editing tasks, including handling 4K Log3 footage from devices like the Canon EOS R5 C and meeting the demands of any of the best video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.

PNY RP60 portable SSD: Price & availability

PNY RP60 Portable SSD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The PNY RP60 portable SSD 1TB is widely available at most electronics and photography stores, such as Adorama and B&H Photo, for around $99. There is also a 2TB version of the drive available for $179.

  • Score: 4/5

PNY RP60 portable SSD: Design & build

PNY RP60 Portable SSD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The PNY RP60 Portable SSD 1TB, despite its IP65 certification and drop-proof rating of 3m, isn't marketed as a tough drive. When compared to rugged drives designed to withstand intense physical abuse, the RP60 is clearly a lighter option with added protection rather than built for extreme durability.

Weighing just 55g, the drive feels lightweight. Its rubberized casing is well-enclosed, with the only opening being the USB Type-C port at the base, which is protectively sealed by an attached rubber cover. Although there's a slight flexibility at the top of the case when squeezed, the build quality seems sufficiently robust for both indoor and outdoor use.

The rubberized casing enhances the drive's durability, and being an SSD with no moving parts inherently makes it more robust than traditional mechanical HDDs. However, the rubber port cover's attachment is a weak point—it detaches easily and is tricky to reinsert, likely necessitating reinforcement with tape in field use.

The inclusion of a flat cable is advantageous, allowing for easy mounting by laying it flat against the side of the drive. The cable's connection to the port is secure, enabling the drive to be suspended by the cable without undue stress due to the drive being lightweight. An improvement could be made to reinforce the cable connection, as seen in other models.

The carabiner loop on the top edge is a practical addition, mirroring a trend in drive design. This feature allows the drive to be easily hooked onto a bag loop or securely attached to equipment, a belt, or other items, making it particularly useful in a professional field environment. This simple yet vital feature significantly enhances the drive's utility.

  • Design & build: 4/5

PNY RP60 portable SSD: Features

The PNY RP60 1TB SSD boasts an impressive mix of speed, durability, and compatibility, featuring high-speed data transfers with sequential read and write speeds reaching up to 2,000 MB/s and 1,800 MB/s respectively. 

Designed to withstand the rigours of active use, the RP60 incorporates durable materials and design elements that offer protection against water and dust, meet IP65 standards, and can withstand accidental drops from heights up to 3 meters (approximately 9.8 feet).

Despite its design can hardly be considered one of the best rugged hard drives out there. The RP60 remains lightweight at 55g and includes an integrated loop, making it easy to slide into a pocket or securely clip onto a backpack or camera bag.

The RP60 is engineered for compatibility with a broad range of devices, including the Apple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro, iPads, Android smartphones, tablets, as well as laptops, desktops, and gaming consoles, facilitated by its standard USB Type-C connection.

A standout feature of the RP60 is the inclusion of Acronis True Image Data Protection software, providing an additional layer of security. This backup software, intended for PC use, offers backup and data recovery services to help safeguard your data, ensuring it is easily restorable in case of data loss.

  • Features 4/5

PNY RP60 portable SSD: Performance

PNY RP60 Portable SSD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark, read: 2067.91MB/s Write: 1818.60MB/s
AJA: read: 1876MB/s Write: 1648MB/s
ATTO: read: 1940MB/s Write: 1720MB/s
AS SSD: 1887.55MB/s Write: 1663.37MB/s

The PNY RP60's design focuses on durability, tailored to the needs of those working in the field. Its rubberized exterior, flat cable, and loop all contribute to its robustness. In our tests, we explored the drive's potential as a storage solution for image and video files, utilizing Acronis True Image for data backup in the studio.

Initial impressions are positive; the rubberized finish ensures the drive stays securely in place whether it's on a desk, a car bonnet, or a rock. Its compact size and weight, combined with a velcro attachment, allow for easy mounting on the back of a monitor, reducing strain on the cable during movement.

A key feature is the flat cable, which is particularly useful when the drive is connected to a rig as a direct storage device for video file recording, compatible with cameras like the Blackmagic 6K Pro and iPhone 15 Pro. The drive maintains the required transfer rates and integrates neatly, allowing the cable to be taped down for a more streamlined setup.

When tested with one what's still of the best MacBook Pro laptops around - the 16-inch M1 model, the RP60 performed well with applications like Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve, handling footage playback without lag. However, after extensive use in video editing, the drive exhibited some heat-related slowdowns, with write speeds dropping to about 450MB/s in the AJA System Test Light after two hours of editing 4K video.

Benchmark tests on both Mac and PC systems revealed a difference in performance levels. The Mac maxed out with read speeds around 1100MB/s and write speeds peaking at approximately 950MB/s—fast, but not as fast as advertised.

Switching over to an Intel NUC 9 Extreme Ghost Canyon with a PCIe USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 card installed the speed accelerated, maxing out with Crystal Disk Mark at 2067.91MB/s read and 1818.60MB/s write, just exceeding the stated speeds from PNY.

Editing footage from the drive in DaVinci Resolve on the PC highlighted the potential of this drive, you just need to be aware that to make the most of the performance you need to be using a dedicated USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 port and not a backward compatible Thunderbolt 3 or 4.

  • Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the PNY RP60 portable SSD?

The PNY RP60 Portable SSD 1TB is an excellent choice for professionals and adventurers seeking reliable, rugged storage for on-the-go use. With its high-speed data transfer capabilities, robust build quality, and broad compatibility with various devices, it meets the needs of those looking for a versatile storage solution. In real-world tests, the drive's performance for high-demand applications was excellent, making it a great choice for outdoor or challenging environments where durability is essential.

PNY RP60 Portable SSD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

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Using the PNY RP60 to store creative assets? We tested the best monitors for photo editing

SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB review
12:12 pm | May 9, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 4TB, 8TB, 16TB
Size: 99.2mm x 99.2mm x 40.2mm
Weight: 268g
Enclosure material: Plastic
Connector: USB-C
Technology: SSD
Warranty (in years): 3-Year Limited Warranty
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): Up to 1000MB/s / 900MB/s
Software bundle: Acronis True Image for Western Digital backup software

The SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB is small and quiet, unlike traditional boxy and large desktop storage drives that are commonplace in workspaces worldwide. It is altogether smaller and more stylish, with an ultrafast internal 8TB SSD and a promise of a 16TB version to be released later this year.

The drive is, in principle, a straightforward desktop drive for use with a single computer with a USB Type-C connection to ensure speed and an external power source provided through a standard AC socket rather than drawing BUS power from the computer's USB ports.

In use, the drive is simple enough. It is plug-and-play for most computing systems and arrives formatted in the ExFat file system. This means that it's easy to swap between Mac and PC systems if required; if not, it can be reformatted into one of the more secure options, such as NTFS or APFS, which will also boost the performance and some computing options for those systems.

This drive will really appeal to laptop users who are often limited on internal space. The Desk Drive not only expands the space for large-scale 3D, image, and video projects but also offers transfer speeds through the USB Type-C connection so that it can be used as a working drive as well as for archiving files.

Like any of the best portable SSDs we've tested, once connected, the drive will appear as any other external drive. It can be used for file backup with Time Machine on the Mac or Acronis True Image on the PC. Alternatively, it can be used as a straight storage drive with an off-site solution. The beauty here is that the transfer rates are at a speed that the drive and capacity are not only sufficient for archiving your files but also as a viable working drive for large file types such as video, image, and 3D.

As large-capacity storage solutions go, the SanDisk Desk Drive perfectly balances speed, capacity, and price, making it ideal for any home or small office as a fast, reliable storage solution.

SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB: Price & availability

SanDisk Desk Drive

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB has a SRP £663.99 / $699.99, and the smaller 4TB version is available for SRP £359.99 / $379.99. Later in the year, a 16TB version will also be available, although the price is still to be confirmed. The drive is widely available and can be purchased directly from Western Digital

  • Score: 4.5/5

SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB: Design & build

SanDisk Desk Drive

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB is considerably smaller than most desktop hard drives, which makes it easy to place on the desk or neatly under the monitor. The actual design is simple, and with the slightly concaved top rather than flat, it seems perfectly formed for small office items such as paperclips and coins!

The size and shape also make it easy to pick up and move, and at 268g, it has just enough weight to act as a convenient paperweight when not in use. That weight also helps with positioning it around the desk, meaning that while lightweight, it's not lightweight enough to be easily knocked from position.

Connection-wise, the drive features a single USB Type-C connection directly into the machine and an AC power socket that fits directly into a standard AC wall socket in the same way as any traditional desktop drive. These two cables keep things relatively neat at the back with no mess of extra cables. Unlike some larger drives, there are no additional USB ports for linking, pass-through, or hub features; this is simply a direct external drive for use by an individual at their desk.

Once the drive is in position and connected to power and the desktop, it quickly appears on the Mac desktop or can be accessed through Windows, depending on your system of choice. The drive comes preformatted in the ExFat file system for maximum compatibility but can be reformatted quickly to suit your preferred system. If you use both, you can stick with ExFat.

Once done, the drive can be used as with any other desktop drive or linked into a backup solution such as Time Machine on the Mac or with Acronis True Image for Western Digital backup software, which can be downloaded from the Western Digital website.

  • Score: 4.5/5

SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB: Features

SanDisk Desk Drive

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB offers plenty of storage capacity, with the 8TB version that we're looking at in this review being suitable for most medium-sized usage individuals who might shoot images and video as part of their workload and need the speed to access those files quickly as well as archive them with the ability to gain access to them at speed without the need to dig through a server. The 4TB version, although smaller, is still a substantial capacity and would be better suited to those working with documents and the occasional use of image and video files. The larger 16TB version would be ideal for videographers in small businesses who just need plenty of storage to back up their projects after an edit or need the additional capacity for working projects.

One of the features that really makes the SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB stand out is the fast transfer speeds, with read speeds of up to 1,000 MB/s and write speeds of up to 900 MB/s, making it significantly faster than traditional desktop hard disk drives and many of the other solutions offered by Western Digital at present.

For many users, the SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB will also make a perfect solution for backing up all their work through applications such as Apple Time Machine or the downloadable Acronis True Image for Western Digital software. Both of these applications can be used to back up your desktop machine to the SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB to ensure that you always have two local copies of your files. Of course, it's always good practice, especially in a business environment, to have another backup of your files either to a NAS or off-site cloud solution.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Desk Drive is its small size, which makes it far easier to position than many of the more traditional desktop hard drives. The fact that it also utilizes its own power supply means that its performance is more consistent than that of portable external hard drives.

Out of the box, the SanDisk Desk Drive comes in the exFAT file format, which is compatible with both Windows and macOS systems. It uses a USB Type-C connection for connectivity.

Finally, the drive comes with a three-year limited warranty to ensure that your investment is sound for at least a few years.

  • Score 4.5/5

SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB: Performance

SanDisk Desk Drive

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark: read: 1032.48MB/s Write: 1010.49MB/s
AJA: read: 898MB/s Write: 868MB/s
ATTO: read: 939.42MB/s Write: 929.15MB/s
AS SSD: 984.62MB/s Write: 961.50MB/s

When it came to testing the drive, the advertised transfer speeds offered a few more options than more traditional HDD desktop drives. So, alongside the speed tests, the drive was used as a working drive for some of the best video editing software and best photo editors available to see if it could facilitate the delivery of large files and complex computing.

Starting with using the drive on a PC with Adobe Photoshop and copying 1TB of image files from an OWC CFExpress Type-B card, the transfer rate was impressive. Files crossed over through the Atlas CFexpress 4.0 Type B reader in a little under two minutes.

In use, the drive worked perfectly for photography, with the speed of downloading the image files from a CFExpress Type-B card to the storage helping to speed up the workflow. A full selection of files from a day's shoot, some 1200 files, both JPEG and RAW, could be downloaded in a little under two minutes. When opening Adobe Bridge to browse the files, the application and drive worked fast enough for the thumbnails to generate and display in good time; likewise, opening and saving files was seamless without pause or delay.

Switching to the more intensive video workflow and again using 4K video captured on the Canon EOS R5 C, the drive fed the files to Final Cut Pro at a rate that enabled smooth video editing without dropped frames. The machine (MacBook Pro 16-inch M1) started to struggle with projects greater than 10 minutes in length rather than any issue with the speed of the content delivery from the drive.

To back up the real-world tests, where the small drive performed well, the benchmark tests also showed impressive results across the board, with the overall transfer rates exceeding those stated by Western Digital.

When it comes to other features, the SanDisk Desk Drive is somewhat limited - you have access to all the backup features offered by the Acronis True Image software, and this is simple to use. On the drive are installed link files for both Mac and PC, and although these are executable files, they simply take you to the download page on the Western Digital website. Once there, you scroll down to the download link for the Mac or PC version - it's simple enough, but the downloads page is generic for all of their products, so not all software on this page is appropriate for this drive, which is worth noting.

While Acronis is a great piece of software, and the implementation here is excellent, enabling you to set source and destination locations for your files, this software really is about the backup of files rather than management. When it comes to security the software does enable you to do a clean wipe of the drive, however, if you're storing sensitive data on the drive there is no default facility to do this other than using a third party software option. For a drive of this type, some type of integral security would have been nice to see. 

Likewise, simplicity makes this drive easy to use. As a desktop drive, it will probably be plugged either directly into a hub or the machine it's being used by. It would have been nice to see an additional USB Type-C port so other accessories or card readers could be daisy-chained into the drive.

However, the pure simplicity of the design and ease of use is what should make this drive so appealing to anyone running a small or home office looking for decent amounts of storage capacity. 

  • Score: 4/5

Should you buy the SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB?

The SanDisk Desk Drive 8TB is best suited for professionals in creative industries who handle large media files regularly and require quick, reliable access. It's also a great choice for those needing a robust backup solution for important data, combining speed with large capacity in a user-friendly format. This drive excels in environments where speed and capacity are critical, making it ideal for photographers, videographers, and digital artists.

SanDisk Desk Drive

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

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We've tested the best laptops for photo editing - and here's the ones we recommend checking out

Lexar SL500 portable SSD review
7:39 pm | April 9, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Lexar SL500: 30-second review

Specs

Capacity: 512GB/1TB/2TB/4TB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen2x2
Performance: Speed up to 2000MB/s read, up to 1800MB/s write
Operating Temperature: 0°C to 50°C
Storage Temperature: -40°C to 85°C
Dimensions (L x W x H): 85mm x 54mm x 7.8mm (The thinnest part is 4.8mm)
Weight: 43g
System Supported: Mac OSX 10.6+, Windows 11/10/7/8, Android 4.4+, Harmony OS
Warranty: 5-year limited warranty

The Lexar SL500 is part of a new generation of ultra-slim portable SSDs that traditionally appeal to videographers and imaging professionals needing to travel light while maintaining sufficient capacity and speed to edit images and video files on the move. Lexar, a company with a long history in the photographic sector, is known for its flash memory cards, which are popular among professionals. 

This SSD stands out as one of the slimmest and most lightweight options available, and for video editors and photographers pairing it with any of the best video editing laptops or best laptops for photo editing, the small form factor and weight are significant advantages. The key selling point is its lightweight design, and the metal casing, while stylish, is reassuringly tough. 

This makes it an excellent choice for linking to cameras that need additional storage, such as the Blackmagic 6K. In an interesting twist, it can also be linked in with the iPhone 15 Pro and Max and used to store Apple Pro Res recording at up to 4K 60FPS—this takes iPhone filmmaking to a new and interesting level. 

When used on a PC, the speeds with the write cache switched off are impressive. We've tested loads of the best portable SSDs, and and even when reformatted for macOS, the transfer speeds here settle around the 1000MB/s mark. Under sustained load, such as editing 4K video, the drive keeps up with the pace, and the transfer speeds ensure smooth editing with plenty of headroom and storage. Heat is well managed, and considering the compact size, this drive delivers impressive performance.

Lexar SL500: Price & availability

Lexar SL500 Portable SSD Review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Lexar SL500 Portable SSD is widely available from retailers and can be purchased directly through the Lexar website, Amazon.com, and many other retail sites.

  • Score: 3.5/5

Lexar SL500: Design & build

Lexar SL500 Portable SSD Review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

At 4.8mm thick, the main body of the slim portable SSD features a solid aluminium unibody design, giving the drive a smooth, minimalist look and enhancing its durability. The drive includes only a single USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C connector, with a short cable provided in the box. Due to its size and weight, the drive may not initially sit flat on the desktop, with the cable's strength elevating one end. However, a bit of wiggling and rebending the cable can allow the drive to lay flush. 

The lightweight design means that despite some curvature in the drive's design, velcro can easily be attached, enabling the drive to be affixed to the back of, say, the best video editing monitor. This setup offers a convenient way to move around with your laptop with the drive attached without the concern of it dangling freely from the cable and becoming detached. The slight curve of the casing is also practical, making it easy to grip and remove the drive when needed. 

This SSD is one of the smallest portable SSDs available. It measures 85mm x 54mm x 7.8mm, with the thinnest part curving down to 4.8mm, and weighs 43g (excluding the cable). Impressively, the drive comes in various capacities, including 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, and a large 4TB option.

  • Design & build: 4/5

Lexar SL500: Performance

Lexar SL500 Portable SSD Review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark: read: 1034.20MB/s Write: 942.07MB/s
AJA: read: 952MB/s Write: 866MB/s
ATTO: read: 984.05MB/s Write: 907.80MB/s
AS SSD: read: 917.05MB/s Write: 818.62MB/s

What really stands out about this portable SSD is its size. It can slip into a backpack or jacket's side pocket without adding weight or bulk, although the relatively short cable must still be managed. Once connected, the Type-C cable easily links the drive to a Mac or PC, and the included Lexar DataShield software enables password security, a prudent feature for a portable device that might be lost or stolen.

The drive's out-of-the-box transfer speeds are impressive, and it can be reformatted from the ultra-compatible ExFAT to a more secure format for Mac or PC. The drive's speed is notable, with excellent performance in both reading and writing. With write caching turned on (the default setting), transfer speeds reach around 1,000MB/s, below the advertised speeds, but a significant increase is observed once write caching is switched off.

For general file storage, the drive's performance is outstanding, with a 140GB file transfer completed in about three minutes on the Mac, during which the drive remained cool to the touch. For video and image editing tasks in Photoshop, no issues were encountered when handling large files from cameras like the Canon R5 C and Sony A7 IV. In more demanding video editing scenarios with Final Cut Pro X, the drive maintained impressive performance, keeping up with the application's demands even though it did not match the advertised speed. During these intensive tasks, the drive's temperature increased but not excessively.

One of the most interesting features of this drive is that it is fully compatible with Apple iPhone 15 Pro and Max. This means that you can plug it directly into the USB Type-C port to record Apple Pro Res at up to 4K 60FPS. This feature enables far greater flexibility for iPhone film makers when it comes to grading in post with higher-quality video and far greater potential for the footage. Given this compatibility with Apple devices, it may be one of the best external hard drives for Mac users.

Overall, this compact storage solution delivers outstanding performance. Its small size makes it convenient and easy to mount onto the back of a laptop screen without concern.

  • Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the Lexar SL500?

As an all-around portable SSD, its small size and variety of capacity options make this a discreet and easy choice. The minimal size and weight will appeal broadly, as it takes up very little room in the pocket of a jacket or bag, making it an ideal partner for imaging professionals.

The cable's weight influences its position on a desktop, but with a little Velcro, this drive can be perfectly attached to the back of a monitor. This feature is particularly beneficial for those on the move, working in various locations like trains, coffee shops, or hotdesking around an office, as it ensures the safety of the driver's connection during movement.

Although small pen drives with large capacity options are available, this dedicated drive offers sustained performance, making it an ideal choice for activities that require fast transfer speeds and reliable access to data. It is particularly suited for those in the video sector who demand reliable file access and need storage that is safe, secure, and lightweight enough to be easily transported in a busy environment without excessive concern about cables disconnecting.

iPhone 15 Pro and Max users will also benefit from the connection to greater storage when shooting video in the Apple ProRes format. This is a superb, slightly unique feature. There's the issue of how to attach the drive comfortably, but ultimately, it pushes the function and features of the iPhone 15 Pro even further. In real terms, the video that you can store on an iPhone with around 70GB of storage goes from 18 minutes to 1,183 minutes with the 2TB drive attached.

Overall, considering the capacity, size, and speed, this is an outstanding SSD that will suit many uses but will find particular appeal with photographers and videographers. 

Lexar SL500 Portable SSD Review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

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Using the Lexar SL500 to store creative assets? We tested the best monitors for photo editing

Lexar Professional SL600 portable SSD review
7:25 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Lexar Professional SL600: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
Size: 112.6 x 59 x 10.6 mm
Weight: 64g
Enclosure material: Aluminum
Connector: USB 3.2 Gen2x2
Technology: 256-bit AES encryption with Lexar DataShield
Warranty (in years): 5
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): Up to 2000MB/s
Software bundle: Lexar DataShield software

One of the major issues with the latest cameras is the significant amount of storage required for the files they produce, including both images and videos. Thankfully, products like the Lexar Professional SL600 portable HD are designed with speed, capacity, and durability in mind. 

The review sample, at 2TB, offers ample storage for most image and video shoots. With its USB Type-C connection, transfer speeds between the drive and the computer are sufficiently quick, allowing you to use this drive as both a mass storage and working drive if desired. 

The internal specifications highlight this as a great choice for imaging professionals, but there are also design considerations that attract users on the move. 

Firstly, like any of the best portable SSDs we've tested, the lightweight and compact design makes it easy to transport without adding excessive weight or bulk to a kit bag. Then there's the full metal case that adds durability. However, what really stands out is the carabiner loop that allows you to securely attach the drive to an internal backpack pocket, preventing it from getting lost. 

With such a great design and solid, high-quality build, it's a shame that Lexar didn't go a step further and produce this drive in a brighter, easier-to-locate colour or include a writable surface for easy labelling. 

In terms of performance, the drive delivers impressive results on both Mac and PC systems, even if it performs lower than Lexar advertises.

Lexar Professional SL600: Price & availability

Lexar Professional SL600 Portable HD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Lexar Professional SL600 Portable HD is widely available at most photographic and video stores, such as B&H Photo and Adorama, as well as on Amazon.com.

  • Value: 4/5 

Lexar Professional SL600: Design & build

Lexar Professional SL600 Portable HD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

This small portable SSD immediately stands out with its distinctive all-metal casing and integrated carabiner loop at the top - if you're looking for the best external hard drives for Mac, this one certainly has the pleasing focus on design aesthetic you'll find with Apple devices. The size and weight mean it easily slips into a pocket, making it convenient to transport along with the rest of your gear. The sleek black design is nice and understated, although something a bit brighter may be more practical in the field. However, this design allows you to loop it onto a bag hook, making it a bit more difficult to misplace compared to similar-sized portable SSDs.

The simple design is complemented by a USB Type-C connector, which facilitates both data transfer and bus power to the drive. Lexar has ensured that the drive draws minimal power while still providing decent performance, so along with the drive, the only other accessory you need is the connecting cable.

Once connected, the drive is recognized quickly and comes formatted in the universally recognized ExFAT format, which can then be reformatted to the file system of your choice. Included on the drive is the Lexar DataShield software, which takes a few seconds to install but then enables you to apply password protection to the drive, ensuring the contents remain secure in the event of loss or theft.

  • Design: (4/5) 

Lexar Professional SL600: Performance

Lexar Professional SL600 Portable HD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark: read: 1036.38MB/s Write: 952.34MB/s
AJA: read: 953MB/s Write: 857MB/s
ATTO: read: 984.62MB/s Write: 914MB/s
AS SSD: 956.14MB/s Write: 230MB/s

Out of the box, it only takes a few seconds to connect the USB Type-C cable and plug it into your intended computer or device. Once installed, the drive is instantly recognized by most systems and comes pre-formatted in the ExFAT file system. Before reformatting into a more suitable file format for Mac or PC, there's the DataShield software on the drive that can be installed and enables you to add file encryption to the drive. This software is available for both Mac and PC and is incredibly easy to install and understand; really, it's a one-time setup unless you need to change the password again in the future.

The drive features a USB Type-C connector with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2, which means that under the right conditions, it has the potential to max out the transfer speed at 2,000MB/s. During testing with a MacBook Pro 16" M1 and Intel Nuc 9 Extreme Ghost Canyon, the real-world transfer speeds were closer to 1,000MB/s, which is still good but well below the speeds documented by Lexar on the packaging.

In use for file transfer, the drive's capacity of 2TB provided ample storage for image and video files, with 140GB of data taking around 3 minutes to transfer, which is quick. Used as a storage drive, the 2TB of space allows for plenty of flexibility. Likewise, used as a working drive, the aluminium case and build quality help keep things cool. When used to edit 4K video, the drive coped with an intensive workflow without issue; although it did generate some heat, it wasn't overly hot to the touch.

While the drive didn't quite live up to the quoted transfer speeds, it proved to be an exceptional drive for use in the field. The carabiner loop is a really nice touch that is both practical and adds to the drive's visual appeal.

  • Performance: 4/5

Should you buy the Lexar Professional SL600?

The portable drive's 2TB of storage is substantial, and with the USB Type-C connection, the Lexar SL600 manages to keep up with the speed required for video and imaging workflows. The transfer speed is excellent for downloading and storing image files, even if it could be better to live up to the quoted speeds.

Likewise, used as a working drive while out and about, the drive performs well, providing fast access to files required for video editing in 4K. If you're running any of the best video editing laptops. the best video editing PCs or the best video editing Macs, this is bound to be a useful addition to your set-up. 

What really stands out is the design of the drive, with the quirky carabiner hook nicely integrated into the solid and robust aluminium casing, giving the drive a great look. While the style is sleek, the dark grey matte finish can make it difficult to locate in a kit bag, even when tethered to an internal hook, and a bright fluorescent version would be handy. However, the flat surface of the drive does make it easy to label and attach Velcro, so the drive can be monitor-mounted if needed.

Considering the price and features, this drive is outstanding, even if it can't quite live up to the quoted transfer speeds.

Lexar Professional SL600 Portable HD

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

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We tested the best business laptops - and these will pair great with the Lexar Professional SL600 

Kanguru Defender 3000 review
4:35 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

Kanguru Defender 3000: 30-second review

Specs

Capacity: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 1x1
Software: Command Centre
Memory type: Solid State flash
Encryption features: FIPS 197 Certified, 256-bit AES Hardware Encryption XTS Mode, Overall Module FIPS 140-2 Certified, Level 3

The Kanguru Defender 3000, despite appearing to the uninformed like any other USB key due to its small, lightweight, and ultra-portable design, is far from average. Without the text and logo on its side, there would be nothing outwardly to suggest its advanced capabilities.

But this isn't your standard flash drive. In reality, it is a fully secure drive, FIPS 140-2 Certified, Level 3, with brute-force protection and FIPS 197 Certified AES 256-bit hardware encryption (XTS-Mode). It can be set up and controlled remotely using the Kanguru Remote Management Console, making it an ideal choice for business. It also features USBtoCloud, USB 3.0 technology (USB 3.2 Gen 1x1) for fast transfer speeds, onboard antivirus, a browser, and a clever Self-Service Password Management system.

Given all these features, the Kanguru Defender 3000 is expensive compared to other secure digital drives. Still, only some other drives are used or trusted by so many top-level companies and agencies

Kanguru Defender 3000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The setup and use are straightforward with the newly designed Management Console, providing an easy-to-use and administer interface for the drive. It's worth highlighting that there are two interfaces; the Command Console on the drive that is used by the user to manage their drive, and KRMC (Kanguru Remote Management Console) which is a different console used separately by an IT Administrator or Security Officer to manage and provision all of the drives in an organization.

The user console enables individual users to set passwords and access parameters in case the drive is lost or stolen, ensuring the contents remain secure. For corporations, the KRMC (Kanguru Remote Management Console) can be used to adminster multiple drives from one location, so they can set access, protection, limit logins, and secure drives either in groups or individually.

While use of the drive, once set up, is simple, the level of security and device management it offers goes well beyond any typical password-protected drive. If you have data, whether financial, passwords, or other sensitive information, that you need to ensure is absolutely safe, then the Kanguru Defender 3000 is one of the best secure drives available.

Kanguru Defender 3000: Price & availability

The Kanguru Defender 3000 is widely available from online stores, including Amazon.com. Prices range from $79.95 to $399.95, and it can also be purchased directly from the Kanguru website.

  • Score: 4/5

Kanguru Defender 3000: Design & build

Kanguru Defender 3000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Kanguru Defender 3000 embodies the characteristics of a high-quality USB drive, with its all-metal alloy casing safeguarding the internal electronics. Additionally, the USB Type-A connector is protected by a cap with a rubber seal to prevent water ingress. The drive is rated as waterproof as long as the cap is firmly in place to offer enhanced protection against water and dust.

The full metal construction makes this drive heavier than its cheap plastic counterparts, at 38g. It measures 72.19mm L x 19.47mm W x 8.92mm H, making it convenient to slip into the bag or jacket's side pocket without adding significant weight or bulk.

A notable design feature is the small lanyard eyelet at the base, facilitating easy attachment to a bag. The drive uses a USB Type-A connector, ensuring maximum compatibility with Windows and PC machines. While USB Type-C is becoming more common, Type-A remains the prevalent choice for corporate Use.

The drive is built to withstand harsh conditions. Its operating temperature range is 0°C to +70°C and its storage temperature range is -25°C to +85°C, making it suitable for most environments. It can also function in humidity levels between 20% and 90%, provided the machine it is connected to can handle such extremes.

Internally, the drive offers options ranging from 16GB to 512GB of Solid-State flash memory. Our review sample is the smallest, at 16GB. Notably, the drive's interior, hidden from view, is designed to ensure maximum data protection. It features built-in brute-force protection, with a water-resistant epoxy compound encasing the cryptographic controller, preventing physical tampering. Any attempt to remove the epoxy will destroy the flash chip, rendering the drive irrecoverable.

Despite its exterior resemblance to a standard USB key, the Kanguru Defender 3000's design is far more sophisticated, intended to uphold the integrity and security of the stored data.

  • Score: 4.5/5

Kanguru Defender 3000: Features

Kanguru Defender 3000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The features of the Kanguru Defender 3000 secure flash drive centre on data security, ensuring compliance with various regulatory standards. It holds a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 Certification, signifying its ability to secure sensitive information, making it a valuable asset for transporting data in sectors like government, healthcare, and finance.

The drive offers robust physical brute-force protection with its rugged alloy and tamper-proof engineering both inside and out. Enhanced by a water-resistant epoxy compound, it effectively shields the cryptographic controller, neutralizing physical threats.

At its heart, the Defender 3000 employs FIPS 197 certified AES 256-bit hardware encryption in XTS mode, providing advanced data security while minimizing performance impact during transfers.

Setup and management are streamlined with a graphical user interface via the Command Console. This offers a user-friendly way to manage drive settings and status, monitor storage, and handle antivirus and remote management subscriptions, alongside other onboard applications.

USBtoCloud compatibility adds an extra security layer through encrypted cloud backups, ensuring data remains secure and recoverable even if the physical drive is lost or stolen.

Defender 3000's defence against cyber threats is enhanced by RSA-2048's secure, digitally-signed firmware, which protects against malware tampering and secures network integrity.

Its SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology allows for quick data transfers, which is essential for accessing large files rapidly, while USB 2.0 compatibility increases the drive's versatility.

BitDefender's onboard antivirus protection provides real-time scanning, and depending on the drive's setup, subscriptions are available for additional security.

For organizations needing centralized data security control, the Kanguru Remote Management Console (KRMC) offers a platform to manage multiple Defender 3000 drives as well as other Kanguru defender drives, enforce security policies, manage configurations, and respond to security incidents. It also allows administrators to send secure messages to the drive, which appear when the user connects the drive to a computer with network connection.

The drive includes self-service password management, simplifying password recovery for users.

Finally, the Defender 3000 complies with regulatory standards, including TAA compliance, ensuring it meets the legal and ethical requirements of government and regulated industries.

  • Performance: 4.5/5

Kanguru Defender 3000: Performance

Kanguru Defender 3000

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark: Read: 157.26MB/s Write: 121.56MB/s
AJA: Read: 115MB/s Write: 148MB/s
ATTO: Read: 116.63MB/s Write: 149.42MB/s
AS SSD: Read: 114.95MB/s Write: 148.33MB/s

If you're accustomed to plugging in a USB drive, setting basic password protection, and then using it for file storage, the Kanguru Defender 3000 will initially seem like a different world.

Upon the first insertion, the drive launches a setup console that guides you through the setup process, including email and personal association, passwords, and other protection and encryption settings. This relatively quick process secures the drive and its data.

For individuals, this offers peace of mind with various security options, like the number of password attempts before locking, offline usage, and renewals for self-service password management ($6.95 per year) or antivirus subscriptions ($7.95 per year)—both very affordable. Remote login via the KRMC web interface allows access to all drive settings and options, a feature that proves invaluable for larger organizations.

For companies handling sensitive data, these drives ensure hardware-level security. If a drive is lost or stolen, the data remains inaccessible. Changes at the access level, rather than the data itself, can be managed through the KRMC interface for individual or multiple drives.

Administrators can manage numerous drives in the field, adjusting access settings as needed. For example, they can limit offline access to three uses, updating these settings through the console, which then applies when the drive connects to a server. Settings can also be adjusted to allow freer access.

The drive allows setting a homepage for the onboard secure Firefox browser, providing not just security but also monitoring and access adaptability for corporate Use.

For anyone needing secure data storage, this drive is essential. For individuals concerned about securing passwords and digital data, it offers a reliable solution.

After setup, the drive functions differently from standard USB drives. It prompts for a password through a hardware-based interface, similar to a CD or DVD, before accessing the drive's storage. Users can easily switch to the console to adjust settings or administer online, both interfaces being user-friendly and accessible.

  • Performance: 5/5

Should you buy the Kanguru Defender 3000?

If security is paramount and you handle sensitive data in sectors like government, healthcare, or finance, the Kanguru Defender 3000 is an excellent investment. Its top-tier security features, including FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification and AES 256-bit encryption, provide peace of mind. The ability to manage remotely and secure cloud backups adds to its appeal. However, consider the cost and complexity before purchasing; if your data security needs are minimal or budget is a concern, then Kanguru do offer more cost-effective solutions available such as the Kanguru Defender Elite300, Defender Elite30, and Defender Bio-Elite30..

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We tested the best business laptops - and these are the professional-grade devices we rate

Integral SlimXpress Pro Portable SSD 2TB review
4:20 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: | Comments: Off

Integral SlimXpress Pro: 30-second review

Specs

Capacities available: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
Size: 74mm (L) x 34mm (W) x 7mm
Weight: 28g
Enclosure material: Aluminum
Connector: USB 3.2 Gen2x2
Technology: SSD
Warranty (in years): 4
Rated R/W speeds (MB/s): Up to 2000MB/s
Software bundle: None

The Integral SlimXpress Pro Portable SSD 2TB is an incredibly compact portable SSD, offering a substantial storage capacity. Our review sample is 2TB, but it also comes in smaller 500GB and 1TB versions, as well as a larger 4TB version. This drive represents a growing trend of relatively affordable, high-performance drives with ample storage designed to meet the demands of modern life. The drive is simple in design, with BUS power allowing connection to a computer or other device via a single USB Type-C cable.

This simplicity extends to the drive's operation, with no features beyond the storage capacity to add complexity. Consequently, it boasts compatibility with nearly any device that needs extra storage and has the appropriate connector. In our tests, the SlimXpress Pro Portable SSD was used with an Intel NUC 9, MacBook Pro, and Blackmagic 6K video camera, all of which recognized the drive without issues.

We've tested hundreds of the best portable SSDs in our time, and while the performance was good, it did not fully reach the potential indicated in promotional materials, with transfer speeds in all tests less than half the advertised rate. Although simplicity and compactness are advantages, managing content on a drive of this size can be somewhat daunting, particularly without built-in security or software collaboration features. Nevertheless, this drive is an excellent choice if you need to transport general files or require additional storage for your gaming console or TV.

Integral SlimXpress Pro: Price & availability

SlimXpress Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The SlimXpress Pro Portable SSD is widely available at most electronics stores and outlets. Considering its capacity, size, weight, and speed, the drive is priced in the mid-range for an SSD, with a slight premium due to its compact size.

  • Score: 3/5

Integral SlimXpress Pro: Design & build

SlimXpress Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Portable storage has always been relatively small, especially since the introduction of the 2.5" HDD. However, the advent of SSDs has dramatically changed the size and shape of external hard drives, with external drives not only decreasing significantly in size and weight but also increasing in speed, durability, and now capacity.

Before delving into the size options of this drive, it's worth highlighting its compact size, which measures 74mm x 34mm x 7mm. This size will comfortably fit into a pocket, not just a jacket pocket but even a small shirt pocket. Not only is the size incredibly compact, but it is also paired with a weight of just 28g, excluding the USB Type-C cable, making it impressively light.

On the exterior, there is little to see, but the silver metal casing feels durable, and the rounded edges provide a good tactile feel.

The design is simple yet extremely functional, with the flat sides making it easy to attach Velcro and adhere to the back of a laptop for neat increased storage, or to the back of a TV or console. Its small size and weight make it easy to position and discreet.

Along with the simple aesthetic, there's just a single USB Type-C port on one end that connects to the cable to make the connection with your computer. A small white light indicates that the drive is connected and ready to go. Having this light viewable from both sides would be beneficial, especially if the drive is attached to something or you need to plug it in quickly; it's convenient to have an easy line of sight to the status light to confirm that everything is connected correctly.

One of the best features of the design is the raised detail by the USB port. This allows you to feel which way up the drive is and where the port is located. In normal situations, this might not matter, but there are occasions, such as when linked to the back of a mounted TV or working with video or camera equipment, when you can't always see what's happening. Therefore, being able to feel your way around the device is extremely helpful.

Aside from the design aesthetics, which are simple and functional, there's little else to the build and handling except that Integral has ensured this drive is as straightforward as a plug-and-play storage device can be. 

  • Score: 4.5/5

Integral SlimXpress Pro: Features

SlimXpress Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Integral SlimXpress Pro Portable SSD has capacities ranging from 500GB to 4TB, making it one of the external SSD drives with the largest capacity ranges available. The latest SSD technology makes this capacity possible, with Integral quoting transfer rates of up to 2000 MB/s for both read and write speeds. To deliver these speeds, the SSD utilizes USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 technology, which also contributes to the drive's small and lightweight profile.

Simplicity is a key feature of the SlimXpress Pro, offering straightforward plug-and-play functionality without the need for setup, software, or any other complications. This ensures the drive's extensive compatibility, allowing it to be used out of the box with Windows and Mac computers, Linux systems, Android devices, Smart TVs, and game consoles. While not a native Thunderbolt drive, it is compatible with Thunderbolt 3.

Design-wise, the SlimXpress Pro is compact, featuring a slim metal case that is durable and ultra-portable. Measuring 74mm x 34mm x 7mm and weighing 28g, it is one of the smallest and lightest storage solutions available, particularly considering the range of storage capacities offered.

In addition to its performance and capacity, the drive comes with a 4-year warranty or coverage until it reaches a maximum of 3000 terabytes written, whichever occurs first.

  • Score 3.5/5

Integral SlimXpress Pro: Performance

SlimXpress Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
Benchmarks

CrystalDiskMark: read: 1030.32MB/s Write: 953.79MB/s
AJA: read: 946MB/s Write: 864MB/s
ATTO: read: 982.33MB/s Write: 912.59MB/s
AS SSD: 913.39MB/s Write: 843.33MB/s

Every portable SSD has a unique selling point (USP), and the SlimXpress Pro's USP is its sheer simplicity. The large capacity and transfer speeds are impressive, but the drive still needs to be completed.

However, it's important to note that this is strictly a storage drive, lacking extra features like security software; it's essentially a digital cupboard. Plugging it into almost any device instantly recognizes the standard ExFat file system, allowing immediate use of the storage capacity for files on computers, cameras, TVs, and more. While some small intricacies of connections may require consideration, overall use is straightforward.

When used on a MacBook Pro, the drive was instantly recognized and could be reformatted to APFS via Disk Utility, serving as a working drive for Final Cut Pro, Apple's best video editing software. The drive consistently met the demands of the application and workflow, proving sufficient for editing 4K video without proxy media. And overall, a fine companion with any of the best video editing laptops for mobile editors. The drive did warm up during use but maintained consistent performance throughout the day's editing. File transfers were quick, with 140GB moving in about 4 minutes.

Benchmark tests yielded read speeds of 1030.32MB/s and write speeds of 953.79MB/s in CrystalDiskMark, with other tests showing similar results. While these speeds are around 50% of the quoted values from Integral, they are still impressive and more than adequate for most daily tasks.

In real-world applications, such as with a PS5, the SlimXpress Pro's high transfer speeds and large capacity facilitated the easy storage of numerous games and data once it was configured as external storage.

The drive also worked well with a Blackmagic 6K camera, directly storing large 6K raw files, and with an iPhone 15 Pro for storing Apple ProRes files. Additionally, its small size and light weight made it convenient to connect to and position with a Smart TV, where its 2TB capacity served well for storing recordings and a media library.

In conclusion, the SlimXpress Pro delivered an impressive performance across various devices. Although it didn't fully match the quoted transfer rates, its performance was more than sufficient for most use cases.

  • Performance: 3.5/5

Should you buy the SlimXpress Pro?

SlimXpress Pro

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

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We've tested the best laptops for photo editing - and here's the ones we rate

Review: Kingston SSDNow V300 120GB
3:05 am | February 3, 2013

Author: admin | Category: Cameras | Tags: , , , | Comments: None

Review: Kingston SSDNow V300 120GB

This must be a frustrating time for any manufacturer producing SSDs with the SandForce controller. You’re sat waiting for the next generation of contr[……]

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