The best external drives: 9 top picks for portable storage

Here is a 170-word summary of the key points from the news article: The article discusses the best external USB/Thunderbolt drives for portable storage and backup. It covers a range of options, from affordable hard drives to high-performance SSDs, highlighting the pros and cons of each. Key recommendations include the Crucial X9 for a balance of 10Gbps performance and value, the SK Hynix Tube T31 for a fast and cable-free thumb drive, the Lexar SL600 for top-tier 20Gbps speeds, and the Seagate Expansion Desktop for massive 24TB capacity at a low cost-per-terabyte. The article also explains the differences between SSD and HDD technologies, as well as the importance of backup strategies. It advises that external drives can serve as either a primary backup medium or a secondary backup to an internal drive, with the speed of local storage being crucial. The review covers testing methodologies and factors to consider when choosing an external drive, such as capacity, price, interface speeds, and physical design. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive guide to selecting the best external storage solution for a variety of needs and budgets.