If you’re looking for a physical storage option as opposed to cloud storage, then an external storage device is the ideal solution for your back up needs. Whether you're an individual or a small business, being able to back up your data safely and securely is essential. There are plenty of storage options available today, however choosing the right option for you can be tricky. In this blog we'll discuss what to look for when shopping for a new external storage device.
Naturally enough, the amount of storage needed will determine what storage solution you choose; generally speaking, hard disk based devices carry the best combination of price and storage capacity. A good rule of thumb to follow when choosing a hard disk device is to choose one that has twice the storage capacity that you currently need; this will accommodate for any future storage needs.
Some external hard drives are bulkier than others, the size of the drive you choose will depend on how portable you require the drive to be. If you don’t plan on moving the external hard drive frequently, it makes sense to invest in a bulkier option than a portable version as they tend to provide more storage capacity at any given price. If portability is your prime concern, there are plenty of large capacity USB flash drives available today, which could potentially suit your needs. However, bear in mind that they tend to be pricier than the bulkier counterparts.
As we mentioned previously, the bulkier hard drives tend to be less expensive than the portable versions, another point to note is that external hard disk drives are slightly more expensive than their internal counterparts. Your allocated budget will help determine which option is right for you.
Drive speed is another important factor to consider when looking for a new hard drive. Storage devices using desktop based components are likely to be much quicker, but only when matched with an equally capable interface.
Some manufacturers offer warranties on their storage solutions, which will come in handy should one of them fail to boot. A good warranty is extremely important in many cases, as unfortunately sometimes technology can fail.
The platform you hope to use your new storage device with will also determine which option you choose. For example, if you are a PC user it may be better to opt for a cheaper, bulkier option, as they tend to be better value for money. However, if you’re a laptop user who tends to work in different places ,more frequently, a USB flash drive or portable hard drive solution may be better suited to your needs. Although more expensive, these options offer much more flexibility in terms of traveling and portability.
This is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider before purchasing a new storage device. Generally speaking, storage devices based on traditional hard disk drives are by default fragile, especially the bigger options which are more likely to suffer damage if dropped. If you intend to travel with your storage solution frequently, it may be better to opt for a flash drive rather than a spinning hard drive.