An external hard drive can be useful for almost any profession. Whether you are a creative, photographer, filmmaker, or digital artist, an external hard drive can be connected to your computer via a USB or other interface to provide additional storage capacity. They’re often used for data transfer, archiving and perhaps most importantly, backing up your valuable data.
External hard drives come in a range of capacities, from a few gigabytes to several terabytes, and can be powered by a USB connection or an external power supply. Some external hard drives also include additional features such as encryption, password protection, and automatic backup software.
First things first, it's best to look at the data you have and decide what would be most appropriate. Do you have large files? Do you need a fast transfer speed? Do you need your data to be encrypted? We’ve put together this page to discuss what we have on offer, the types of hard drives and the best brands.
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We split our external hard drives into several categories to help you narrow down the choices that are appropriate to your needs. However, if we take a step back, we can break external hard drives down into two main types: HDD (hard disk drive) and SSD (solid-state drive).
HDD
HDD external hard drives use magnetic disks to store data. HDDs tend to be affordable and can be easier to recover data from should any issues occur. However, typically speaking, HDDs are larger, slower and arguably less reliable (in some cases). This isn’t to say that they’re not worthy devices - they are the more affordable option and depending on your needs, an HDD may be a suitable option.
SSD
SSD external hard drives use NAND flash memory to store data. NAND flash memory is a type of non-volatile storage technology that does not require power to retain data. SSDs are generally smaller, more rugged, offer faster transfer speeds and are more reliable! Of course, for all these benefits over an HDD, SSDs are consequently more expensive. Both types can be used for data storage and backup, but SSDs are often used for tasks that require faster data access, such as running operating systems and applications or editing video footage.
External Hard Drive Brands
LaCie specialises in professional storage solutions, such as external hard drives and network-attached storage devices. Known for its design-focused products, Lacie often partners with artists to create unique and visually striking storage solutions. Lacie produces a range of products including desktop external hard drives and portable hard drives.
Founded in 1988, in California, USA, Sandisk has a wide range of products including SD cards, USB drives, and solid-state drives (SSDs) for consumer and professional use. SanDisk is well-known and highly regarded for its high-performance and reliable memory storage solutions. Sandisk’s range of professional-grade SSDs for use in high-end cameras and video equipment is coveted among industry professionals.
Angelbird is known for its high-quality and reliable products that are designed to meet the demanding needs of professional photographers and videographers. Founded in 2011 in Austria, Angelbird designs and manufactures a wide range of products, including external hard drives, SSDs, memory cards and card readers. Furthermore, Angelbird's products are built to be durable and resistant to extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration.
G-Technology's products are known for their high performance, reliability and durability. They are designed to meet the demands of professional content creators, who require high-speed data transfer, large storage capacity, and protection against data loss. G-Technology external hard drives and SSDs are often used as high-speed storage expansion for laptops and desktop computers, as well as for use in professional cameras and other video equipment.
Established in 1970 in California, USA, Western Digital is a multinational data storage company that designs, develops, and manufactures storage solutions for consumer and professional use. Known for its storage options for personal and professional use, from simple external hard drives to advanced data centre solutions, they also manufacture consumer-grade hard drives and SSDs, which are widely used in laptops, desktop computers, gaming consoles, and other electronic devices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an external hard drive?
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An external hard drive is a portable storage device that connects to a computer through a USB or another interface. It allows you to store and backup files/data and can be used to transfer files between computers.
- Which is better HDD or SSD?
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Generally, SSDs are faster, smaller, quieter and more durable. But, because of this, they are more expensive than HDDs. Depending on your needs, an SSD may be more suitable e.g. if you’re a travelling content creator. But if you work from home and are simply requiring a data backup, an HDD may suffice.
- Why do I need an external hard drive?
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An external hard drive provides additional storage space for your computer, allowing you to store more files, photos, music, and videos. While additional storage is the main purpose for most, they also provide a way to back up important files and data, protecting them from computer crashes or other issues.
- What are the different types of external hard drives?
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There are two main types of external hard drives: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). HDD are typically slower but cheaper and have larger storage capacity. SSDs are faster, more expensive and have lower storage capacity compared to HDD.
- Will my external hard drive work on both Windows and Mac?
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External hard drives are generally compatible with both Windows and Mac computers, but you may need to format the drive for the specific operating system. Some newer drives may require specific drivers to be installed in order to work with certain computers.
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