SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD (500GB) Review

The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD offers amazing storage capacity at unbelievable speeds and is definitely unique in every way. SanDisk decided to raise the bar for performance and currently uses a rugged design for its portable SSD. It is designed to be resistant to water and dust, which is indeed good for its appeal. This device is attractive to those who are often outdoors and busy.

There are four drive models and we’ll review one that comes with a three-year warranty. These capacities are available: 250GB, 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.

What is in the box?

Inside the box, we find the SanDisk Extreme Portable 500GB SSD and USB. The package also contains USB 3.1 Gen 2 cable and USB Type-A. (using the same cable).

Designs

SSDs can be small in size and sometimes less than half the size of a normal HDD. This SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD can easily fit in your pocket and you will hardly notice that it is there. It comes in a plastic case in front with a slightly protruding SanDisk logo on it. There is a textured rubber surface on the sides of the drive and back of the drive with the SanDisk logo engraved on the surface. The USB Type-C connector is located at the bottom of the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD.

There is a small orange border all around the hole at the top right corner of the drive. The plastic case appears strong enough to last for a while, but much more is required to ensure that it does not wear out over time. They appear black when viewed by the side and flash a very dark blue, but are actually a very dark grey. It is surprising that there is no indicator light to tell you that the unit is working when in use.

Performance & Features

SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD comes with a transfer rate of 550 megabytes per second. Due to the USB 3.1 Gen2 (10Gbps) protocol, it is double the speed of the standard USB 3.0. The drive is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Mac OS High Sierra, Sierra, Mac OS X El Capitan.

This hard drive scores points for its durability thanks to the shock-and-vibration resistant solid-state core, which is rated to withstand a 6.56 feet drop, and its IP55 protection rating (IP) offers some safety against dust and water. It’s still potentially vulnerable to fine dust, and you wouldn’t want to leave it underwater for a while.

When you plug the hard drives, it will show you SecureAccess software and documentation. SanDisk SecureAccess is a fast and simple way to store and protect critical and sensitive files on any SanDisk Drive. You can create a private vault and simply drag-and-drop your valuable files inside. Access to your vault is protected by a personal password, and your files are automatically encrypted – so even if you share your SanDisk USB flash drive or it becomes lost or stolen, access to your files are safe.

When you try installing the software a window will pop-up and you can follow the instruction to set up the SecureAccess Software.

Key Specs of SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD

SSD vs HDD, Which is better?

When choosing an external hard drive, one of the big question that a user’s face is the storage system, Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive (SSD)? We will be sharing why you need SSD?

• SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is superior in both speed and performance to Hard Disk Drive (HDD). so if you want to have a fast computer, you will choose an SSD without much doubt about it.
• SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD has no moving parts, so your files are less likely to be lost due to component damage in the event of a drop, or a poor or loose drive component. Compared to HDD, it is made up of different moving parts that are more susceptible to being damaged by any type of movement, so you have to be very careful when transporting them.
• SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD does not make any noise because it lacks mechanical parts but even the quest HDD will make some kind of noise when the drive is running.

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PROS

• High-speed USB connectivity.
• This product is IP55 dust and water-resistant.
• Light and easily transported.
• Can be used as a keychain
• SanDisk SecureAccess software

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CONS

• Quite costly.
• Dust will stick to the outside.

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