Soon to school, which means it's time to buy the necessary things. Modern schoolchildren use a computer twice as much as in the previous generation. Good technology is needed to fully exploit the capabilities of the worldwide network. Computers and laptops are quite expensive, and in order to save money, inexpensive smart electronics are purchased, but with minimal memory. In order for the PC to work properly, there is an option to purchase an external hard drive. In the article, we will consider the types of device, the principle of operation and other important characteristics of technology, and in order to facilitate the choice, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" present to your attention a rating of the best external disks for 2020, which will be useful to the student.
Content
- 1 Hard disk - what is it and what is it for
- 2 Varieties and characteristics of hard drives
- 3 Top manufacturers
- 4 Criteria for choosing the best hard drive
- 5 Top Rated External Hard Drives for 2020
- 5.1 External hard drive Toshiba Canvio Ready 1TB
- 5.2 External hard drive Western Digital WD Elements Portable 1 TB
- 5.3 External hard drive Transcend TS1TSJ25M3S
- 5.4 Western Digital My Passport External Hard Drive 1 TB
- 5.5 External SSD ADATA SD700 256GB
- 5.6 External hard drive Transcend TS4TSJ25H3P
- 5.7 External hard drive Toshiba Canvio Basics (new) 500GB
- 5.8 External SSD Samsung Portable SSD T5 1TB
- 5.9 Seagate external hard drive STEL10000400
- 5.10 Lacie STGB12000400 External Hard Drive
- 6 Important components of the device
Hard disk - what is it and what is it for
An external hard drive is a great money saver. Buying budget smartbooks brings with it a problem that relies on a small amount of memory. Usually, in a smartbook, memory does not reach 64 GB, and an external hard drive is measured in terabytes. (1 terabyte = 1024 gigabytes).
Today there are two types of external storage:
- memory card or flash drive - almost any technique has a special compartment for USB input, or a more minimalistic version - SD;
- external hard drive - a complete replacement for the built-in memory of any equipment.
A hard disk is a solid case made of various materials, inside of which there is a circuit (controller) for storing and reading files.
Varieties and characteristics of hard drives
First of all, hard drives of this type are divided according to the type of computer non-mechanical storage devices: HDD and SSD.
HDD is an old generation model. Has a certain volume, which is measured in terabytes. A distinctive feature of such systems is a budget price and a large assortment. Unfortunately, the HDD has unpleasant disadvantages: overheating often occurs, periodic technical failures and, accordingly, the fragility of the disk. Although some professionals believe that it is a hard drive with an HDD that is more suitable for smartbooks as memory.
SSDs are more expensive drives, but they guarantee high quality of writing and reading files, and are also protected from overheating and perform their functions for a long time. The only nuance of this system is memory, which is measured in gigabytes. The maximum is 500 GB. This system uses V-NAND or 3D V-NAND technology and MLC flash memory. NAND helps keep the price of the device down and does not degrade the performance level. The price is high, the memory is small - a dubious benefit, but the user will hardly have any problems with such a device.
What devices are there today? In addition to the criteria for memory, cost and types of storage devices, external hard drives are divided into:
| External hard drive name | Description |
|---|---|
| Mobile | Used for permanent transfer. They are distinguished by their small size and lightness. The maximum size of such a device is 1 terabyte. The positive aspects include fast performance and minimal size. Negative qualities include a high probability of physical damage. |
| Stationary | The weight can be up to 2 kg, and is the size of a laptop. The maximum memory size is up to 10 terabytes. The connection is via USB, but there are other interfaces as well. The advantages of this type of disk include high performance and large memory, the disadvantages are quite heavy and require a network connection |
| Magnetic | The storage memory can be up to 10 terabytes. The weight of this type of hard disk varies from 100 grams to 2 kg. They are not very expensive, but they have a high probability of physical damage. Magnetic external drives are slower than other types |
| Solid state | One of the best options for a hard drive, but very overpriced. The memory holds up to 10 terabytes, the transfer rate is extremely high. Convenient to use and carry. Less susceptible to mechanical damage. The only drawback is that such a device is afraid of sudden changes in temperature. |
| Hybrid | Combines HDD and SSD types. They process information well and quickly, memory - 10 terabytes. Light weight - up to 1 kg. Inexpensive for the price. |
Top manufacturers
Which company is the best to buy the device? Today there is a large assortment of external hard drives and different pricing policies. In order to buy the best model, you should pay attention to the following manufacturers:
- Toshiba;
- ADATA;
- Transcend.
Manufacturers are constantly improving the quality of technology, offering various options and guaranteeing a long-lasting hard drive.
Criteria for choosing the best hard drive
In order to avoid mistakes when choosing a hard drive, the following are the main criteria that you should pay attention to and ultimately help you get a high-quality model.
- Manufacturer's choice. Above, the most popular manufacturers of this product were recommended, but the buyer can also pay attention to, for example, Seagate, Western Digital, and also other brands. The main thing is that there is a guarantee for the product and a proven service center. Purchasing goods on Chinese Internet sites does not provide an opportunity to check the device and also receive free repair in case of breakdown. Also, the estimated opinion of buyers can be attributed to this item, since an active user will be able to advise the best option.
- Storage volume. The price depends on the amount of device memory; the larger the memory, the higher the cost. Therefore, before buying, you need to decide for what purpose the disc is being purchased. If it is a transfer of WORD documents, small pictures or scans, then you can purchase 500 GB. If you need a device for storing photos, videos, which take up quite a lot of space, then it is better to consider the option of a maximum memory capacity of 10 terabytes.
- Dimensions and weight. The size of the device depends on the amount of memory. Therefore, if you plan to frequently transport the device, then it is better to purchase no more than 1 terabyte. When operating within an apartment, you can choose larger devices.
- Device security. Protection from external influences, as well as from mechanical damage is a priority when choosing. This item includes the security of the downloaded files. The price for such devices will be higher, but important information is protected as much as possible, and you should not be afraid if the device falls on a hard surface.
- Interfaces. Usually devices are connected via USB, but there are other types of connections as well. For example, Thunderbolt is perfect for Apple technology users.There are also eSATA, FireWire, SCSI, SAS, but these standards are rather rare, due to low demand.
- Additional options. This device inherently performs only one task - file storage. But some manufacturers supplement the device with protective functionality against shock and overheating, as well as dust.
Top Rated External Hard Drives for 2020
The presented review of devices will help answer the question: which is the best hard drive to buy, as well as how much the best options cost. The rating is based on customer reviews and active users.
External hard drive Toshiba Canvio Ready 1TB
Available in white and black. The total amount of memory is 1 TB. Dimensions - 2.5 inches. Device type: HDD. Rotation is performed at a speed of 5400 rpm, while the interface speed is 500 MB / s. Connection is made via USB, not higher than 3.0 version. The popularity of the model is due to its low price and large buffer. Average price: 3500 rubles.
Advantages:
- quiet operation of the device;
- does not overheat;
- reads and writes files perfectly;
- low price.
Disadvantages:
- short cord for connecting to equipment.
External hard drive Western Digital WD Elements Portable 1 TB
The device holds up to 1 terabyte of files. Device type - HDD. The form factor is 2.5 inches. USB connection. File transfer speed 500 MB / s. Available in black only. Average price: 3700 rubles.
Advantages:
- very quiet operation of the device;
- lightweight and compact;
- fast data transfer.
- average price.
Disadvantages:
- bright indicator.
External hard drive Transcend TS1TSJ25M3S
Capacity - 1000 gigabytes. Dimensions - 2.5 inches. System type - HDD. File processing speed - rotation up to 5400 rpm. Interface - USB 3.1. Handles device up to 500 MB / s. Additional information from the manufacturer: USB 3.1 Gen 1 interface. Average price: 4000 rubles.
Advantages:
- well protected from influences;
- practical;
- quickly processes information;
- easy.
Disadvantages:
- slightly overpriced.
Western Digital My Passport External Hard Drive 1 TB
An original hard drive that comes in 6 different colors. The storage is designed for 1 terabyte of files. Type: HDD. Handles up to 500 MB / s. Weighs only 170 grams. USB connection. Additional information to protect the device: it can work normally at temperatures from 5 to 35 degrees. Average price: 4100 rubles.
Advantages:
- high-speed file transfer;
- very quiet operating mechanism;
- interesting design with rubber feet;
- small-sized.
Disadvantages:
- short cord.
External SSD ADATA SD700 256GB
The case design is made in yellow and black palettes. System type: SSD. Device capacity: 256GB. Memory type: TLC 3D NAND. USB version 3.1, the speed reaches 500MB / s. Read and write speeds range from 430 to 440 MB / s. Working temperature from 5 to 50 degrees. Weight - 100 grams. Average price: 4100 rubles.
Advantages:
- compact;
- high speed;
- interesting design;
- easy.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- small amount of memory.
External hard drive Transcend TS4TSJ25H3P
The device has a capacity of 4 TB. The form factor is 2.5 inches. Device type: HDD. Storage rotation speed is about 5400 rpm. The connection is made via USB version 3.0, the maximum transfer speed is 500 MB / s. Weight - 308 grams. This option is perfect for PS4 as additional memory. Average price: 9,900 rubles.
Advantages:
- large amount of memory;
- fast data transfer;
- perfectly protected from external influences;
- silent.
Disadvantages:
- high price;
- heavy.
External hard drive Toshiba Canvio Basics (new) 500GB
Device memory - 500 GB. Type: HDD. USB 3.0 interface, speed - 500 MB / s. The form factor is 2.5 inches. Weight 140 grams. Average price: 2800 rubles.
Advantages:
- fast file transfer;
- small-sized;
- a budget option;
- easy to use.
Disadvantages:
- little memory.
External SSD Samsung Portable SSD T5 1TB
The device is from one of the most popular equipment manufacturers. Device capacity: 1000 gigabytes. System type: SSD. Interface - USB 3.1 Type-C. The speed of work is 540 MB / s. With support for 4K sectors, TRIM support, data encryption. Weight - 51 grams. Form factor - 1.8 inches. Information from the manufacturer: USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C interface; two cables included (USB Type C -> Type A and USB Type C). Average price: 12,500 rubles.
Advantages:
- lightweight and compact;
- can interact with Apple products;
- dim indicator;
- high data transfer rate.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
Seagate external hard drive STEL10000400
Drive line: Backup Plus. Device memory - 10,000 GB. The form factor is 3.5 inches. System type: HDD. The interface produces speeds of 500MB / s via USB 3.0. There is a power adapter. Weight - 1060 grams. Optional: built-in USB hub. Average price: 18,000 rubles.
Advantages:
- large amount of memory;
- high data transfer rate;
- well protected;
- there is a built-in USB hub.
Disadvantages:
- overall;
- heavy;
- high price.
Lacie STGB12000400 External Hard Drive
A device that can store up to 12,000 gigabytes. The form factor is 3.5 inches. Weight - 2900 grams. Type: HDD in the amount of 2 pieces. Rotation speed 7200 rpm. USB 3.1 Type-C, Thunderbolt 3. Speed 420 Mb / s. Supports RAID 0 and 1. Power adapter included. Additional features: 2 Thunderbolt 3 interfaces; USB-C -> USB-A adapter; DisplayPort; SD and CF card reader; USB 3.0 Hub. Average price: 59,900 rubles.
Advantages:
- great memory;
- suitable for commercial use;
- high speed of rotation and reading;
- many additional connectivity options;
- reliably protected.
Disadvantages:
- very high price;
- difficult to transport.
Important components of the device
For experienced users, purchasing a device will not be difficult. Other buyers who know little about the device may make the wrong choice and get a bad model. The article describes the main points, but it is also worth knowing the important technical characteristics that professionals pay attention to:
- Form factor. It is measured in inches and characterizes the size of the device.
- Rotational speed. The minimum is up to 5400 rpm, the maximum is 10000. Accordingly, the higher the rpm, the faster the work on information transmission is performed.
- Performance. Measured in megabytes per second or GHz. The higher this indicator, the higher the speed of the device.
- In some devices, the characteristics may contain indicators that affect the speed of operation. These include track-to-track seek time - the transition time from file to file (in music).
An external hard drive is a device that ensures the safety of a large amount of information. This device is relevant for children going to school, as in the educational process there is a constant exchange of files necessary for study. Also, the storage is useful for technology such as smartbooks with minimal memory. This will help solve the performance problem of the technique by clearing the internal memory. The best option in terms of cost and capacity would be 1 or 2 TB storage. The rating of quality devices will help you make the right choice and buy the best model. If you purchased one of the products described in the rating, or use another brand of external hard drive, then share your opinion on the device's performance in the comments.
