Samsung and WD Take Note — Team Group Launches New Mini External SSD That Weighs Just 22 Grams and Offers Up to 4TB
Team Group, one of the most well-known manufacturers of SSDs, has announced a new external SSD that weighs just 22 grams, yet can offer up to 4TB of storage.
The PD20 Mini External SSD is the company’s entry into the coveted market for the best portable SSD. Based on our initial impressions, this is an impressive device that pairs perfectly with a MacBook Pro when you’re on the go.
As you might expect from an SSD weighing just 22 grams, it’s pretty small: Team Group says it fits in the palm of your hand, and its thin design is perfect for slipping into a bag or laptop case.
Portable and powerful
Available in three sizes – 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB – the PD20 offers transfer speeds of up to 2,000MB/s, which compares very favorably to our best SSD for speed, the Samsung X5 Portable SSD, which can reach read speeds of up to 3,412MB/s, especially for an SSD not specifically intended for high-speed transfers.
There are two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports on board, which make these speeds possible. According to Team Group, the PD20 is aimed at business professionals, as it is compatible with all major devices you can think of, making it perfect for transferring documents, photos, and videos on the go.
Mini and mighty
In terms of design, the PD20 is IP54 resistant to dust and splashes, and the USB-C ports are covered with a silicone cover. This means that the device should be more than capable of withstanding the rough conditions of everyday life, and perhaps even a few knocks.
The product packaging is also made from recycled materials. It would be nice if the product was actually made from environmentally friendly materials, but Team Group is at least taking a step in the right direction.
Unfortunately, we don’t know the price of the PD20 series yet. The company says the SSD will be available in August 2024, so stay tuned for pricing and availability information when Team Group announces it.
In TechRadar’s tests, we found the Samsung T7 Touch to be the portable SSD to beat, thanks to blisteringly fast speeds, an affordable price tag, and a platform-agnostic mindset. Only time will tell how the PD20 compares.
