If you’re running low on storage but don’t want to open up your computer to upgrade the drive, you need an external hard drive. External hard drives connect to your computer via a USB port, functioning exactly as an internal drive without any of the hassle of installation. So, if you’re in the market, which external hard drive is best for you? Let’s take a look at a few of the most important things to consider.
Consider Storage Size
Everyone’s storage needs are different, so when you’re shopping for a storage expansion, you should buy accordingly. If you just need a little bit of extra storage, something like this 500 GB Toshiba drive should do the trick, but for people like gamers who burn through storage at a rapid rate, a larger 2 TB drive like this one from Transcend will be a much better investment.
Buy From Reputable Brands
Whenever you’re browsing for a new portable hard drive, be sure to stick to buying from reputable brands. Unfortunately, the market has a large number of low-quality drives and even scams, (more on that later) so to ensure you’re getting the product you paid for, look at drives from established and trusted tech companies such as Seagate or Lenovo. Not only will you be sure to get your money’s worth, but these more reputable companies typically make products that will last longer, keeping your files safe and secure for years to come.
Watch Out for Scams
Whenever you buy a product, you typically get what you pay for, and external storage is no different. While there are times when you may happen across a great deal for an external hard drive, if it seems too good to be true, that’s probably because it is. A popular scam involves hacking a cheap, low-capacity drive to seem much more spacious than it actually is.
For example, your PC may register a hacked 100 GB drive as a 1 TB drive, but after those 100 gigs have been filled up, all the data you put in the drive past that point will become corrupted. Of course, if you’re buying from reputable sites and brands, this isn’t typically a problem, but either way, be sure to stay vigilant!
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