Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Perfect External Storage Solution

Your Guide to buying the best how to choose the best external storage

Overview

Navigating the tech world to find the best external storage for your needs can be a daunting task. With a variety of options available, it's essential to understand what makes a good external storage device. This guide will provide you with a detailed walkthrough on how to choose the best external storage. We will delve into various factors such as the type of storage, capacity, speed, compatibility, and durability - each key in determining the storage solution that meets your needs and preferences. Whether you're a professional seeking large data transfers or a student needing additional space for projects, this guide will aid you in your purchasing decision.

Key features

  1. Storage Capacity: Determine how much external storage you need. This will largely depend on what you plan to store. For instance, videos and games require more storage space than documents and photos.
  2. Type of device: External storage devices come as solid-state drives (SSDs) or hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs are faster and more durable but more expensive, while HDDs have larger capacities and are cheaper but slower.
  3. Transfer Speed: Look at the data transfer speed of the device. A higher transfer speed means files will move faster between your computer and the external storage device.
  4. Portability: If you travel frequently, consider the size and weight of the external storage device. Smaller, lighter devices are easier to carry around.
  5. Compatibility: Make sure the external storage device is compatible with your computer's operating system and has the right type of connection (USB, Thunderbolt, etc).
  6. Security: If you're storing sensitive data, look for external storage devices with built-in encryption or password protection.
  7. Reliability: Research the brand and read reviews to ensure the device is reliable. A device with a long warranty period can also be a good indication of its quality.
  8. Price: Consider your budget. While more expensive devices may offer more features or capacity, they may not be necessary for your needs.

See the most popular how to choose the best external storage on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Capacity: Assess your storage needs to determine the right capacity. Larger capacity drives will allow you to store more data, including videos, photos, and games.
  • Portability: If you plan to frequently move your external storage, choose a lightweight and compact design. Some external hard drives are even rugged for added durability.
  • Transfer Speed: The speed at which data can be read from or written to the storage device is important. Devices with USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt support will provide faster transfer speeds.
  • Compatibility: Ensure the storage device is compatible with your current hardware and software systems.
  • Security: Some external storage devices offer encryption and password protection for added data security.
  • Reliability: Read reviews and research the manufacturer's reputation for reliability. Losing data due to device failure can be devastating.
  • Price: Consider your budget and compare prices and features to find the best value.

Cons

  • Cost: High-quality external storage devices can be pricey. Weigh the cost against the amount of storage and the reliability you're getting.
  • Portability: Some external storage devices may be bulky and inconvenient to transport. If you need to carry your data with you, look for a device that is lightweight and compact.
  • Compatibility: Not all external storage devices are compatible with every system. Check if the device works with your existing hardware and software.
  • Speed: The speed of data transfer can vary between devices. If speed is a priority for you, look for a device with a fast data transfer rate.
  • Durability: External storage devices can be fragile. Consider the build quality and durability if you're likely to use the device in a rough environment.
  • Security: Data stored externally can be vulnerable to theft or loss. Look for a device with strong security features such as encryption and password protection.

Best alternatives

  1. Seagate Backup Plus Slim - This compact and portable external hard drive offers up to 5TB of storage and includes backup software for peace of mind.
  2. Western Digital My Passport - Available in several colors, this external hard drive has a capacity of up to 5TB and includes password protection with hardware encryption.
  3. Samsung T5 SSD - This solid state drive offers fast data transfer speeds and a compact design. It is available in capacities up to 2TB.
  4. Toshiba Canvio Basics - This external hard drive is easy to use, requires no software installation and offers up to 4TB of storage.
  5. LaCie Rugged Mini - This external hard drive is shock, rain, and pressure resistant, making it ideal for those who need to take their data on the go. It offers up to 5TB of storage.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • External Hard Drive - This is a type of external storage that can store large amounts of data. They come in different storage capacities and can be connected to a computer or other device via USB or other connection types.
  • Solid State Drive (SSD) - This is another type of external storage that is similar to an external hard drive. The main difference is that SSDs use flash memory, which allows for faster data transfer speeds.
  • Flash Drive/USB Stick - These are small, portable devices that can store data. They are easy to use and can be connected to a computer or other device via a USB port.
  • External SSD - These are high-speed, portable storage devices that are ideal for transferring large amounts of data quickly.
  • Network Attached Storage (NAS) - This is a type of external storage that is connected to a network. This allows for multiple devices to access and store data on the same storage device.
  • Cloud Storage Subscription - This is a service that allows you to store data in the cloud. This means you can access your data from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Memory Cards - These are small, portable storage devices that are commonly used with cameras, smartphones, and other handheld devices.

Common questions

  1. What is external storage and why do I need it?
    External storage is a device that can store data outside of your primary computing device, like a laptop or desktop. This can be useful for backing up important files, storing large amounts of data that can't fit on your primary device, or transferring files between devices.
  2. What types of external storage are available?
    There are a few types of external storage devices, including external hard drives, external SSDs (solid state drives), and flash drives. The right one for you depends on your storage needs and budget.
  3. What should I consider when choosing between an external hard drive and an external SSD?
    External hard drives usually offer more storage space for a lower price, while external SSDs are faster and more durable but also more expensive. If speed is a priority for you, or you'll be moving the storage device around a lot, an SSD may be a better choice. If you need a lot of storage space and are on a budget, an external hard drive might be better.
  4. What size external storage do I need?
    The right size for you depends on how much data you need to store. If you're just storing documents, a smaller drive might be enough. If you're storing videos, photos, or large software files, you might need a larger drive.
  5. What does the speed of an external storage device mean?
    The speed of an external storage device refers to how quickly it can read and write data. A faster speed means your files will transfer more quickly. This can be especially important if you're frequently moving large files onto and off of the device.
  6. What other features should I consider when choosing an external storage device?
    Other features you might consider include the design and durability of the device, whether it has hardware encryption for added security, and whether it includes any software for backing up files or managing the device.

Trivia

Did you know that the world's first external hard drive, the IBM 350 Disk Storage Unit, was no small thing to carry? With a whopping data capacity of 3.75 MB, this giant external storage system was about the size of two refrigerators and weighed over a ton! That's right, you needed a forklift to move your external hard drive! Brave were those early tech adopters, indeed. Imagine trying to fit that into your backpack! Thankfully, technology has streamlined the size to a point where we can carry multiple terabytes in our pockets. It's amazing to see how far we've come since then. [Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_350)

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.