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Drive type
USB flash drive (thumb drive), solid state drive (SSD), or portable hard drive (HD).
Capacity (GB)
Storage capacity in gigabytes (GB). One terabyte (TB) is equivalent to 1000 gigabytes.
Average read speed (MBps)
Real-time throughput is averaged over multiple runs of transferring data sets (large and small files) to and from each drive. Megabytes (MB) were used in the results figures because this is usually the measurement used on packaging.
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Average write speed (MBps)
Real-time throughput is averaged over multiple runs of transferring data sets (large and small files) to and from each drive. Megabytes (MB) were used in the results figures because this is usually the measurement used on packaging.
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Connector type
The "USB-A" style rectangular plug is used on both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 devices, and is still very common on USB 3.2 Gen-1 devices and many computers. The smaller round-ended Type-C plug is use for USB 3.1 Gen-1 (5Gbps) and Gen-2 (10Gbps) and Thunderbolt 3 (40Gbps) devices.
Ease of use score
Ease of use makes up 30% of the overall score and comprises an assessment of hardware installation (30%), design advantages/disadvantages (20%), overall style (20%) and software installation (30%).
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Performance score
Performance makes up 70% of the overall score. We transfer 20GB worth of large files (movie files) and 20GB worth of small files (photos, music, and office documents), and record the read and write speeds. Units with two connector options (USB Type-A and USB Type-C) are tested using both connectors.
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Software versatility score
Software Versatility score is made up of backup (50%), security (40%) and Power Management(10%) support, but is not included in the overall score.
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Availability
A Similar model is identical in most aspects except for a few. This means that a majority of its test results are identical so you can reasonably expect to get the same results from the model we tested, but for those aspects which aren't identical, we'll note these as "Not Tested" in the Compare tables.
A Tested model refers to a model that is still current and available in the Australian market. You should be able to order this model through your local retailer, or find it online.
These models can't be found in retailers or online or are no longer manufactured. You may still find them on second-hand websites, or in second-hand dealers. Test methods may change over time, so criteria which can't be directly compared will contain an N/A.
An Identical model is exactly that. Performance characteristics will be identical and the only difference will be something trivial such as colour, which won't have an impact on performance.
These are models we haven't yet tested but that are available.
Included in this review
- Recommended
- Overall score
- Performance score
- Ease of use score
- Software versatility score
- Average write speed (MBps)
- Average read speed (MBps)
- Weight (g)
- Good points
- Bad points
- Brand
- Model
- Availability
- Buy now
- Price
- Drive type
- Capacity (GB)
- Cost per GB ($)
- Power management software
- Hardware encryption
- Software encryption
- File backup software
- Image backup software
- Needs reformatting for Mac
- Online storage
- Size DxWxH (mm)
- Connector type
- USB Type-C cable included
- USB Type A cable included
- USB Type-A 3.0 or 3.1 port (5Gbps)
- USB Type-C 3.2 Gen-1 port (5Gbps)
- USB Type-C 3.2 Gen-2 (10Gbps) port
- Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) port (40Gbps)
- Default file format
- Full model name and number
- Warranty (years)
