Storage Drives - External

External SSDs are ideal for users looking for lightweight, portable and speedy storage. Their pocket-friendly enclosures are significantly smaller and lighter than external hard drives, and with no moving parts they're also silent, more robust and less prone to physical shock damage. They use the USB 3 interface, which is 10 times faster than and backwards compatible with USB 2.

The latest revision of the USB standard, version 3.1, doubles the theoretical speed from 5Gbit/s or 625MB/sec to 10Gbit/s or 1,250MB/sec, meaning much quicker data transfers when copying files to and from a USB device such as a pendrive. USB 3.1 devices are backwards compatible with USB 3 and USB 2 ports, but you'll need a motherboard or add-in card that supports USB 3.1 to get the full advantage of the new standard.

These external drives use mobile 2.5in hard disks, which mean they're a lot more portable than desktop drives. Most use super-fast USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt connections, and many include backup applications and cloud storage deals for added security.

These larger drives use desktop-style 3.5in hard disks, which means they're better suited to sitting on a desk than being carried around in a bag, but their larger profile does mean big capacities. Their 7,200rpm spindle speeds mean file transfer are quicker than 2.5in drives, too.