Roger Fingas
Transcend on Thursday launched a trio of Mac-compatible portable SSDs with USB-C, supporting Gen 2 and UASP for speeds up to 520 megabytes per second.
The ESD230C comes in 240-, 480-, and 960-gigabyte configurations, but is notable mainly for its small size, roughly the width and length of a credit card. The ESD240C is bigger, and comes only in 240- and 480-gigabyte configurations. The ESD250C offers the same capacities as the 230C, but in a candybar form factor.
The 240C and 250C are the more durable of the group, featuring aluminum housing. The 240C in particular is described as shock-resistant, making it more suitable for field work.
If need be the drives can be used with USB-A ports thanks to bundled adapter cables.
Pricing wasn't immediately available for all models and configurations. Amazon, however, is selling the 240-gigabyte version of the ESD250C for $109.99.
Malcolm Owen
Wesley Hilliard
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
6 Comments
These look really nice, actually...
Never had issues with my USB3 Transcend mobile SSD.
I have a 250 GB PCIe-based SSD that came out of the Mac Pro (cylinder) which I upgraded with parts from OWC. I was sold an adapter case (that cost nearly as much as this Transcend 250GB) to utilize the old one, that comprised of a flimsy case with two USB 2 connectors. It is totally useless with very slow transfer rates. I am guessing these beauties are similar internally but using a USB-C adapter instead of the two USB 2s. I'd love a PCIe to USB-C adapter, I wonder if such a thing exists ... /popping over to Amazon ... My worry is I seem to recall Apple's PCIe SSDs are a one of size/design.
Seems rather slow for a USB 3.1 Gen 2 drive. Seems they could have used an NVMe SSD inside to get closer to the throughput of a 3.1 Gen 2 interface. Even a cheap NVMe SSD could reach the 1000MB/s throughput of Gen 2.
Less than a gig for an SSD. Prices are getting nice.