External drives are a handy tool for backing up important files and storing data that doesn’t need to be on your computer’s internal storage. They are also great for transporting data between locations and devices. The main reason to have an external drive is to have reliable backup protection for your data. It is crucial to store your data off-site on the cloud and back it up to an external drive to ensure its safety in case of any computer issues.
PCWorld, a well-known hardware testing company, recommends external drives based on rigorous benchmark testing and real-world use. Recently, they added a new recommendation for the best portable hard drive: the WD My Passport, Works with USB-C. This drive offers up to 6TB of capacity at an affordable price per terabyte, making it ideal for backups.
When choosing an external drive, it’s important to consider the speed, capacity, and price. The Crucial X9 Pro is a great 10Gbps external SSD that offers top performance at an affordable price, making it a win-win for consumers. The SK Hynix Beetle X31 is another top performer in the 10Gbps realm, but it comes at a slightly higher cost. The Crucial X6 Portable SSD is a budget-friendly option that offers good everyday performance and affordability.
For those looking for the best thumb drive SSD, the SK Hynix Tube T31 combines the convenience of a thumb drive with SSD performance. The Lexar SL600 Blaze is a top performer in the 20Gbps external SSD category with good performance and a five-year warranty. The Teamgroup M200 is a budget-friendly 20Gbps SSD that offers fast everyday performance and attractive styling.
The Samsung T7 Shield 4TB is recommended for high-capacity performance needs, offering fast sustained transfers and a vast 4TB capacity. The Sandisk Pro-Blade Transport is a modular storage system that allows for easy organization and expansion of storage capacity. The OWC Express 1M2 USB4 SSD is the best USB4/Thunderbolt combo external SSD for blazing-fast data transfer rates.
When purchasing an external drive, it’s important to consider factors like capacity, speed, interface, and ports. The Rule of Three in backup recommends maintaining three copies of your data, including the original data, a backup, and a backup of the backup. It’s also important to automate the backup process and back up your data regularly to ensure its safety.
In conclusion, external drives are essential for backing up important data and ensuring its safety. By following best practices for backup and choosing the right external drive based on speed, capacity, and price, you can protect your data and have peace of mind knowing it is secure.
