Thanks to SSDs, the days of slow spinning hard drives are long gone. While SSDs are fast, they are still pretty expensive. Regardless, the speeds on offer are usually worth it. An external SSD offers users the same speed as internal SSDs but in a portable format. Add some ruggedness to the mix, and you’ve got a device that is apt for travellers. Here’s a look at some rugged SSDs that are currently available on Amazon. Please note that these products were selected based on the features on offer.
The ADATA SD600Q is a portable, rugged and lightweight SSD. The drive is protected by a rubber sleeve to absorb shocks and protects it from drops of up to 4ft. It meets the Military MIL-STD-810G 516.6 standard, which should ensure adequate protection against shock. The company notes that the QLC (Quad-Level Cell) technology makes the drive suitable for its size and durability. It has speeds of up to 440MB/sec, which should be enough for most use cases.
The Crucial X8 Portable is a portable SSD with insane speeds of up to 1GB/sec. It is compatible with a variety of devices ranging from gaming consoles to Android phones, PCs and Macs. The drive can withstand a drop of up to 7.5ft with its rubberised ends to add shock protection. Given the QLC implementation of the flash storage, it has a custom firmware which is aimed at boosting the speeds of the drive.
If you want space above all else, then this Sandisk Extreme Portable SSD might be just what the doctor ordered as it offers a whopping 2TB of space. It also comes with an IP55 rating meaning it is dust and water-resistant. As if that wasn’t enough, it is also shock, vibration and temperature resistant. The drive also comes with a loop that allows you to attach a carabiner.
My Passport SSD offers a relatively stylish option for those looking for a rugged portable SSD. The shock-resistant body with the aluminium casing is said to give more grip to the SSD and along with drop protection of up to 6.5ft. The drive also boasts 256-bit hardware encryption which can be used with the bundled software WD Security.