Tech
This tiny portable SSD has USB-C and USB-A connectors
Even though we’re over a decade into the USB Type-C era, there are still many desktops, laptops, and other electronics without the port. Thankfully, SanDisk has a new portable SSD with both Type-A and Type-C ports, making it easy to move files across all your devices.
The new SanDisk Dual Portable SSD is not a unique form factor: we’ve seen plenty of flash drive-shaped storage devices with both Type-A and Type-C ports. I use one as an operating system installer/recovery drive, and even if a drive doesn’t have both connections as built-in options, you can usually swap the cable or use an adapter when needed. Still, it’s an incredibly convenient design that makes transferring files across any desktop, phone, tablet, laptop, or other device a breeze.
However, this isn’t just a 2-in-1 portable drive, it’s also a real SSD with 3D NAND storage. SanDisk is claiming much higher read and write speeds than a typical flash drive, with “up to 1,050MB/s read and 950MB/s write.” That’s presumably the sequential read and write speeds, not random reads and writes, but SanDisk didn’t clarify that. You’ll also need a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port or better to get that level performance. It’s still backwards compatible with older USB versions, but you will get slower speeds.
Even though this has faster performance than most flash drives, the physical size is close. It has a “durable metal casing,” measuring 71.85mm x 21.1mm x 8.6mm or 2.8 x 0.83 x 0.34 inches, and weighing 13g. That larger size might block any surrounding USB ports when you connect it, but that depends on your PC’s design.
The drive will be available in 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities. That makes it a great option for transferring or backing up large files, but you should make sure to back up your important files in other places as well. You could also store many ISO boot images with Ventoy or another multi-boot solution and still have room for other files.
The SanDisk Dual Portable SSD should eventually be available at all of Kingston’s usual retail channels and distributors, including Amazon, B&H Photo, Newegg, and Walmart. The product listings don’t seem to be live yet at any stores. We also don’t know pricing yet.
Source: Kingston
