external hard drive Archives - Reactual

The Best USB Thumb Drive Of 2016

Justin Thomas — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 01:22:08 +0000

The Best Overall Thumb Drive: SanDisk Extreme CZ80 64GB
The Fastest USB Thumb Drive: Lexar 128GB JumpDrive P20
The Most Secure USB Thumb Drive: Apricorn Aegis Secure

The Details

USB Thumb Drives use flash memory to store and transfer data. These little guys have been around for awhile, and are a quick and effective means of transferring data. There are a couple factors to keep in mind when purchasing a USB thumb drive. The first is speed. The era of slow-as-molasses thumb drives is gone but not forgotten, and many of today’s USB 3.0 drives still leave something to be desired.

You also want a drive with encryption. The sad truth is that USB drives are easy to lose, especially if you use shared computers. Get a device that can encrypt your files so strangers can’t access them if they find your drive.

Finally, you want a durable device. While the exact level of ruggedness you want may vary, make sure to get a well constructed product that doesn’t overheat or jam up in a slide.

The Best Overall Thumb Drive: SanDisk Extreme CZ80 64GB

For the pasts few years, California-based SanDisk has produced the best USB 3.0 thumb drive. Their 64GB Extreme CZ80 is fast, affordable, and secure.

This drive delivers read and write speeds at a significantly faster clip than most competitors. SanDisk advertises read speeds up to 245MBs and write speeds of 190MBs, and user benchmarks confirm that these speeds are mostly accurate. This means you can transfer a full-length SD movie in about 10 seconds. That’s 50x faster than old USB 2.0 drives (and double the speed of many 3.0 drives). This drive is ideal for transferring large files, both due to its capacity and speed relative to other options on the market.

The drive also protects your files with AES 128-bit encryption and a secure access vault that works on both Macs and USB. It also includes RescuePRO data recovery software. The Extreme is made with durable plastic, not the most rugged USB drive on the market, but it is solidly constructed and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It’s also not the most discrete, coming in at 2.8 inches long. But the speed and value of this device cannot be beat for most users.

The Fastest USB Thumb Drive: Lexar 128GB JumpDrive P20

USB drives get a bum rap for their slow speeds. Earlier models had read and write speeds in the low teens, while even many of today’s USB 3.0 drives take twice as long as an external hard drive. But the Lexar 128GB Jump Drive P20 delivers an impressive read/write speed of 400/270MBs. That speed is fast enough to transfer an HD movie in less than the time it takes a Netflix video to load and buffer.

The JumpDrive P20 is housed in a sturdy metal alloy case with a glossy black mirror finish. It’s a retractable drive, which made me suspicious at first, as retractable drives are prone to jamming or otherwise breaking. But the P20 slides along solidly (if not a little stiff) and is protected by a lock mechanism that keeps it safe when extended. At 25 grams, it has a nice heft to it. Lexar includes a limited lifetime warranty. I also like the 256-bit AES encryption via EncryptStickTM Lite software.

The main draw is the drive’s USB 3.0 capacity. This drive runs faster than many external HDDs. While it doesn’t touch SSD speeds, it gets the job done fast enough to be a viable option for large data transfers. Transfer 1000 photos in 1 minute 15 seconds or a full-length HD movie in 36 seconds.

The Most Secure USB Thumb Drive: Apricorn Aegis Secure

The Apricorn Aegis Secure Key is the perfect storage device for a small amount of data. There are two steps to protect your data. First, it requires you to enter a 7-15 digit code on an alphanumeric keyboard.

The second layer of security comes from 256-bit AES Military Grade Hardware Encryption. The Secure Key is tested by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and receives a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 cryptography specification. It doesn’t need any software or firmware to run. That means there’s no risk of a firmware hack. Finally, it protects against brute force attacks with a mechanism that deletes the encryption key if an incorrect PIN is entered too many times.

You can set up an Admin PIN as well as individual user PINs, so companies can recycle the keys if they are granted to new users. The keypad is powered by a battery and is convenient to use. It also resits dust and water ingress. The rest of the device is also solidly constructed in water-resistant aluminum casing. This version uses USB 2.0. A USB 3.0 version exists, but has a few issues (like overheating) that this version doesn’t have.

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The Fastest External Hard Drive of 2016

Justin Thomas — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 16:28:52 +0000

Our recommendations:

The Fastest External Hard Drive: Samsung T3
The Fastest Mechanical External Hard Drive: Seagate Backup Plus Fast

In our mobile world it is more important than ever to be able to move large amounts of data at quick speeds. Right now there are three popular methods of moving and storing files: flash drives, cloud storage, and external hard drives. Of these options, external hard drives are your best bet.

While affordable, USB Flashdrives are just way too slow for all but the simplest of file transfers. And while cloud storage is an increasingly viable option, it does require an internet connection and opens you up to security threats. The Dropbox hack proves that sensitive data should be stored on physical hard drives. Finally, it takes a long time to transfer data over the cloud. External hard drives have the advantage of both speed and security. I looked at the recent generation to determine the fastest external hard drive.

The Fastest External Hard Drive: Samsung T3

The Samsung T3 combines solid state drive technology with a USB-C connection to provide the fastest read-write speeds of any external storage unit. It achieves 450MBs read/write speeds, which puts it on par with many internal SSDs. But it really shines when compared to even the fastest mechanical external hard drives, which sustain speeds around 230MBs. The T3 isn’t just the fastest external hard drive, it delivers the best overall experience, albeit at a very high price tag.

So why is this drive so fast? First, it benefits from Samsung’s experience as the industry leader in the internal SSD market. Samsung’s 850 PRO and EVO SSDs use V-NAND flash memory to store data, 32 vertical NAND cell layers that have a higher density and better efficiency than regular flash memory. The T3 uses this technology as well, allowing for a capacity of up 2TB in a small case.

It also incorporates a USB-C connector that supports USB 3.1 gen 1, which offers a transfer rate of 5GBps. USB 3.1 gen 2 reaches 10GBps, but is not yet supported by any external SSDs. The T3 also supports UASP, a USB protocol that speeds up data transfer. Reviewer benchmarks found that the T3 excelled at transferring incompressible data such as HD video files.

In addition to speed, the T3 outperforms external HDDs in both portability and durability. The palm-sized device is truly portable, letting you carry 2 TBs in your pocket without a second thought. It’s a lightweight 1.8 ounces, and has a dimension of 2.9 x 2.3 x 0.4 inches, making other SSDs seem bulky. And unlike a mechanical hard drive, a SSD has no moving parts. That makes it shock resistant and protects your data against accidental drops or magnetic fields. The T3 has rugged aluminum casing and an internal frame that is shock resistant up to 1500G force. You can accidentally knock it off your desk without having a heart attack.

In addition to safeguarding against clumsiness, the T3 protects your files against digital threats. It includes AES 256-bit encryption algorithm. It is compatible with Windows, Mac & Android OS.

The downside is that you need to pay for speed. The T3 costs about $0.4 per gigabyte, which is 10x more expensive than the fastest HDDs.

The Fastest Mechanical External Hard Drive: Seagate Backup Plus Fast

The major advantage mechanical hard drives hold over SSDs remains their price. The truth is that they deliver way more storage for a fraction of an SSD’s cost. So if you want both value and speed, go with the 4TB Seagate Backup Plus Fast. It is the fastest external HDD on the market and costs the same as a 500GB T3.

The Backup Plus Fast delivers transfer speeds that top off at 230MBs. That’s about half the peak performance of the T3, but 2x faster than most external HDDs. Inside the black plastic casing you’ll find two hard drives stacked on top of each other. This design accounts for the fast speed and immense memory, but makes the drive very bulky. In fact, it weighs nearly a pound and is almost an inch thick. You definitely won’t be carrying it around in your pocket.

It hooks up to your Mac or PC via a USB 3.0 cable and comes with backup software. Unfortunately, you might need that backup software because the drive is susceptible to RAID0, a type of data loss that occurs if one of the two drives should fail. The Backup Plus Fast comes with a 3-year warranty, but its best to use the drive as a backup for important files.

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The Best Digital Converters of 2016

Justin Thomas — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 22:19:28 +0000

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The Details

The digital video signal is here to stay. Television stations were required to convert to a digital signal in 2009, and the proliferation of DVD, DVR, Blu-Ray and MP4 signals makes it imperative to have a television setup that will process digital video. This can make it very difficult for those who still own analog TV sets, VCRs or mixing and editing equipment.

However, there is an answer to this problem and it is the DTV Converter, or digital television converter. A converter is much less expensive than a replacement television set, and it will make it unnecessary to throw away treasured VHS tapes with priceless memories.

When buying a converter, there are the usual consumer concerns to consider, such as brand reputation, price comparisons, appearance and features. However, the biggest concern for converter boxes is the range of input-output jacks. Not all boxes include the same connections. An analog television set or VCR may have RCA, coaxial, S-video, or other, more proprietary connections. It will be important to ensure that the connections on the box match the connections on the analog hardware. This article will outline three of the best converters available for 2016.

The Best Overall Digital Converter: Tivax STB-T8

The Tivax STB-T8′s main appeal is its high-quality signal. But as an added bonus, Tivax also receives free High-Definition broadcasts. In addition, it has Dolby Digital processing for excellent sound quality. The picture controls are flexible, as the box is capable of supporting 4×3 and 16×9 aspect ratio pictures. The connections haven’t been ignored in this model, either. The Smart Antenna jacks allow for analog signal pass-through for simplified antenna connections.

The converter box has other deluxe features that separate it from the competition. The superior control system includes closed-captioning support as well as a sleep timer and onscreen programming guide with extensive options. The remote control allows complete access to the controls and makes the setup easier.

The Tivax back panel includes coax as well as Smart Antenna in and out jacks, composite video jack, S-video jack, stereo RCA audio outputs, and an antenna/RF output.

Unfortunately, this model does not have an HDMI port. That makes it a disappointment for those looking for an HDMI-enabled converter box in case they upgrade later. Beyond that, this is a superior product that will prove top-notch digital signal, high-definition signal and amazing Dolby-processed sound without breaking the bank. The Tivax seems like the clear winner for converter boxes in 2016.

Best Digital Converter With HDMI Connectivity: iView 3500STBI

The iView 3500STBI value comes from its signal quality and multitude of connectivity options. In addition to standard cable in-out jacks, the control board includes a coaxial output, stereo RCA inputs and outputs, an HDMI connector, and on the front panel, a USB port for connecting to a digital storage source. The only major connection missing from this machine is an S-video jack, so those with this connection will have to look elsewhere. Otherwise, it covers the whole spectrum.

The iView converts digital broadcasts for analog televisions with an excellent, clear signal. The box automatically tunes to all available stations, and it enabled the record both pre-programmed and real-time signals to an external hard drive or thumb drive through the USB port. The extensive programming guide can tune in available programs on demand, and the interface is relatively easy to use despite the plethora of features included. Manipulation of the live signal is also enabled, with fast-forward, pause and rewind capabilities.

This is an excellent choice for anyone wanting high-quality digital reception, a range of ports and in-out-jacks, and extensive control over the video signal.

Easiest Digital Converter to Use: Zinwell ZAT-970A

The Zinwell ZAT-970A suffers from a few distinct limitations. Its has a very basic rear panel, which only includes RF-antenna in and out jacks and a set of RCA video and stereo out jacks for connection to a television. Users should note that a UHF/VHF antenna is required with this model. So those who were hoping for a more extensive and flexible connections would be advised to look elsewhere.

However, this box is a superior choice for those who simply want to watch digital television signals on an analog television. To begin with, it’s fully ATSC-compliant. It can receive signals from channels 2-69. It also supports a full complement of 18 broadcast formats, and is even capable of decoding Dolby AC-3 audio signals.

The Zinwell box is capable of handling nearly any kind of modern digital signal and transmitting it to most analog television sets. One handy function of this model is a parental control system with on-board V-chip and channel-locking capabilities. In addition to these controls, Rating Region tables are downloadable on this converter box. It is capable of receiving both wide and full aspect ratio signals for various sizes of television screen. The Zinwell ZAT-970A is an excellent choice for watching basic digital television signals with a good range of controls.

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The Toughest Electronics

Justin Thomas — Mon, 07 Mar 2016 16:58:45 +0000

We’ve reviewed many durable products on Reactual — electronics built to be waterproof, shockproof and dustproof — but this list features the best of the best, the toughest and most technologically advanced products on the market. Take notice, because these devices can take abuse. Here’s a round-up of the toughest electronics we’ve found:

The Toughest Camera: Olympus TG-4

The Olympus TG-4 is a shockproof and freeze-resistant camera that will capture beautiful images in extreme environmental conditions. It works underwater, and can snap pictures in RAW with a wide-angle lens. See our full review.

The Toughest Tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 8.0

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab Active 8.0 is a rugged water and dust resistant tablet that can survive in rough-and-tumble workplaces. Enjoy the vibrant colors and ultra-high resolution of Samsung’s flagship line of portable electronic secured in a MIL STD 810G rated anti-shock case. See our full review.

The Toughest Laptop: Panasonic Toughbook 31

The Toughbook 31 combines military quality drop-shock protection and best-in-class performance to create the world’s best ruggedized Windows notebook. A full magnesium alloy case safe-guards a powerful touch-screen notebook from hazardous environmental conditions and accidental drops and blows. See our full review.

The Toughest Smart Phone: Droid Turbo 2

Frequent phone droppers rejoice — Motorola has created the world’s first truly shatterproof smartphone, the Droid Turbo 2. An innovative five layer plastic AMOLED screen and aluminum chassis keep the Droid Turbo functioning even after drops of over 900 feet. See our full review.

The Toughest Audio Player: Cowon Plenue 1

Audiophiles in search of a portable audio player with high-fidelity sound and durable construction need to check out the Cowon Plenue 1. This tough device forgoes cheap plastics for a diamond-cut aluminum chassis. The solid-metal frame makes this MP3 player the toughest in the field, and a Burr-Brown DAC gifts the discerning listener with great sound quality and diverse file support. See our full review.

The Toughest Headphones: V-MODA XS

Listen to music with the peace-of-mind that your headphones can survive the use and abuse of daily transit. The V-MODA XS offer hi-fi sound in a solidly constructed shell. It has a steel frame, detachable cloth braided cords and a headband that bends but doesn’t break. See our full review.

The Toughest Portable Charger: Unifun Waterproof Battery

Keep your portable electronics fully charged in harsh environments with this dustproof and waterproof external battery by Unifun. The lithium-polymer battery is water-resistant and protected by a hard plastic case and shock-absorbing rubber edges. Plastic cover seals the Unifun’s two micro-USB charging ports from water. See our full review.

The Toughest USB Drive: Survivor Stealth USB 3.0

Transport your files in aircraft-grade aluminum with the Survivor Stealth USB 3.0, a military-style data transport that can endure extreme environments. An EPDM waterproof seal keeps water out and a molded shock damping collar protects this USB drive from drops and crushing. See our full review.

The Toughest External Hard Drive: U32 Shadow

Edit HD video and store your files on the U32 Shadow, a compact Solid State Drive housed in a stylish and durable aluminum case. Store up to 256 GB of files and run them through USB 3.0 at a speed of up to 400 MB/s. See our full review.

The Toughest Keyboard: Topre Type Heaven

Discover the joy of typing on this luxurious Japanese keyboard, the Topre Type Heaven. The solid, heavy design features electrostatic capacitive key switches at an affordable price point. The Topre Type Heaven will win over any typist with its satisfying tactile feedback and silent stroke. See our full review.

The Toughest Mouse: G602 Wireless Gaming Mouse

Get over 20 million clicks with the G602, a wireless mouse with 11 programmable buttons and a crazy long battery life. The G602 is outfitted with mechanical switches to increase lifespan and uses Delta Zero Sensor Technology for ultra-accurate cursor control. See our full review.

The Toughest Compact Flashlight: Titan Plus

The brightest and strongest ultra-compact flashlight is the SureFire Titan Plus. This flashlight that shines with 300 lumens at its highest setting — more than enough light to illuminate a forest trail. A nickel-plated brass body gives rugged protection that brushes off scratches and prevents corrosion. See our full review.

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The Best Portable External Hard Drive Of 2016

Justin Thomas — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 17:44:40 +0000

The U32 Shadow is the best portable backup drive currently available.

This compact device is a fast Solid Sate Drive (SSD) drive with no moving parts. It’s housed in durable aluminium case. It is compatible with USB 3.0. It comes with a 3 year warranty, and the manufacturer (Oyen Digital) is responsive to customer requests.

Because it’s a SSD drive it’s a bit more expensive than similar mechanical drives. The 256GB version costs about $120 on Amazon. There’s also a 1 Terrabyte version that costs about $380.

The Details: The Best Portable Backup Drive

I’ve been testing the U32 Shadow over the last few months. The drive has been performs quite well on both my Linux and Mac computers. I’m able to play Blu-Ray movies from the drive without a problem. The manufacturer says the drive is great for HD video editing. Oyen Digital has bench-marked the drive at 400 MB/s when connected to a USB 3.0 port, using a MacBook Pro 2012.

I like the fact that the Shadow doesn’t require an external power source — it’s entirely powered by the included USB cable. The drive uses USB 3.0 by default (with transfer rates up to 400 MB/Sec), but it is also compatible with USB 2.0 connections.

The U32 Shadow is a solid state drive — so it’s resistant to shocks. Solid state drives are much less likely to breakdown than a mechanical drive. They also have faster access and seek times. See this article from ServerWatch for more details.

The drive’s dimensions are 4.9 x 2.9 x .48 inches, and it weighs 8 ounces.

The 256GB version costs about $120 on Amazon. and the 1 Terrabyte version costs about $380.

Another Compact Drive Option

The Transcend SSD is another compact and portable SSD with a similar price. This drive is about as small as a playing card, making it a bit smaller than the U32 Shadow. However, it comes encased in plastic rather than aluminium.

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