Mike Wuerthele
While small SSDs aren't new, ones with USB-C compatibility are. AppleInsider examines the forthcoming Data SE730H USB-C portable SSD.
SSD or Flash storage is great but it can be costly. When you buy a new MacBook Pro, budgets may not allow for a fully upgraded kit — at least for AppleInsider staffers.
So, turning to external solutions for storage needs isn't uncommon. A RAID array of conventional hard drives allows for mass storage either locally or across the network, but isn't particularly portable. Cloud storage can get expensive in a hurry.
If you don't need double-digit terabytes, a portable SSD like the Adata SE730H is a good option.
Spec-wise, the SE730H uses 3D NAND in 256GB and 512GB capacities, and uses a second generation USB 3.1 type C connector with an included USB-C to USB-C cable. The drive is rated for IP68 dust and waterproofing, assuming the USB port door is closed.
The SE730H isn't widely available yet, but we've got one on hand. So far, we've used it for Time Machine, a Windows 10 install, an external MacOS Sierra install, and assorted file migration needs. We're pretty happy with performance.
The drive is rated by Adata at a max speed of 500MB/second, and initial testing of large file transfers is in that ballpark. Transfers containing smaller files look to be about 300 MB/sec, but that's not all that surprising.
Look for a more in-depth examination of the drive in the coming weeks.
Charles Martin
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24 Comments
...indeed if mbp drives could be user changed this user would be very happy with a much larger if slower SATAII ssd at ~500MB/s (like the 1TB drives I already own), rather than the ~$600 premium for the 2GB/s screamer... Cut another ~$500 off for a touchbar less option and we are into the realm of a much more cost effective hardware performance upgrade. Add foreign exchange, inflexibility and external drive hassle on top of that and it all seems just a little much. Is this a computer 'for the rest of us'...?
I agree with you, Bobolicious, but only if Apple will also: (1) restore the SD card slot, (2) add one USB-A port, (3) give us a 3rd gen keyboard that actually feels good, (4) restore Magsafe somehow, (5) add an LED on the charger to show us it's actually charging, (5) perfect anti-palm rejection software so that silly black arrow pointer doesn't jiggle at all when you type, (6) restore the glowing Apple logo on back, (7) give us a bigger battery so we can get all day battery life even when using FCPX and Compressor, (8) finally give us a 32GB RAM option, and (9) use iOS display tech so the stupid antiglare coating won't come off (yes, people are reporting this even on 2017 models, just like MBP models made over the last several years). None of this is crazy or unthinkable or impossible. If Apple wants to gut their mobile machines, I say fine, so long as they do it on the MacBook and MacBook AIR lines. PRO features should never be gutted from the PRO. I'm all for USB-C TB3 ports, but there's plenty of room for legacy ports too, especially on the 15" model.
... price?
Earlier this year I replaced my older Lacie Rugged 256GB SSD disk with a Samsung T3 2TB for moving client work around.
The Samsung T3 is much more attractive and a better shape for slipping into a small pocket in your bag.
It was also my first USB-C device. And it completely sold me on USB-C. Love it. It's easy to carry one A to C cable for using with various devices (including my current MBP) and eventually that cable will be less necessary as USB-C takes over, and replaces several other cables I keep on hand (or even carry in my gig bag everyday).
More options are better, but I prefer the Samsung at first glance.