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Suppose you have been holding up on getting one of those portable SSDs from Western Digital because it just doesn't have enough storage. Well, no more excuses. The storage vendors today announced at CES 2021 the 4TB versions across the board.
A fist full of terabytes
That's right. Virtually all portable SSDs the storage vendor released in 2020 now get a 4GB version. That's double their current top capacity. All of them are tiny devices to boot.
And despite the significantly increased storage space, their physical size remains the same. Take the 4TB version of the SanDisk Extreme Pro, for example. It has the exact physical measurements as the 2TB version.
In storage devices, larger space is always better. But if you wonder if you ever need 4TB, and the answer is sure, why not? As the world is moving to 8K video and faster data transition speeds, such as those of 5G cellular and Wi-Fi 6 (especially with Wi-Fi 6E), the need for larger storage space only increases.
Also, 4TB of storage feels good in your palm, whether or not you have enough data to fill it at all. I speak from experience.
The new 4TB versions and their costs
Following is the list of four portable SSDS that gets the 4TB version. Note, though, that maximum capacity isn't cheap, so if you still need an excuse, there's that.
SanDisk Extreme Pro
SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD's Rating
Pros
Super-fast performance thanks to the combo of USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 and NVMe SSD
Compact, rugged, and beautiful design
Excellent security feature with built-in hardware encryption
Android support
Cons
A bit expensive
Slightly bulkier than the non-PRO model
Runs hot
The SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable SSD is the top-notch drive that houses an NVMe SSD on the inside to deliver up to 2000MB/s of copy speed. The 4TB version is slated to cost $750.
SanDisk Extreme
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD's Rating
Pros
Fast NVMe-based performance
Compact yet rugged and beautiful design
Excellent security feature with built-in hardware encryption
Android support
Cons
No support for USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
Runs a bit hot
The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD is a lesser version of the Pro above. Still, it manages to deliver up to 1050MB/s in speeds. The new 4TB version carries an also new price tag of $700.
WD Black P50 Game Drive SSD
WD Black P50 Game Drive SSD's Rating
Pros
Super-fast NVMe-based performance
Compact, rugged design
Top USB specs with USB-C port
High compatibility
Cons
Expensive
Currently, there are no game consoles with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
No security feature for general use
The WD Black P50 Game Drive SSD is for the hardcore gamer who wants a drive that gives them an edge. Seriously, think of the number of games you can store with 4TB.
My Password SSD
The My Passport SSD is a stylish drive that is drop-resistant up to 6.5 feet (1.98m). It has a rated copy speed of up to 1050MB/s. The 4TB version is slated to cost $680.
WD My Passport SSD 2020's Rating
Pros
Fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 performance
Compact, rugged, practical design
USB-C-ready with cable and adapter included
Useful security feature
5-year warranty
Cons
Runs a bit hot
Useless WD Backup and WD Utilities applications
Slightly more expensive than competitors
Availability
Western Digital says the new 4TB version of these drives will be available during the first quarter of 2021. It's time to start saving, or maybe get that tax return ready.
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