Samsung launches new portable storage device

By Kang Seung-woo

Samsung Electronics’ new portable SSD T5

Samsung Electronics has unveiled its newest portable solid-state drive (SSD), the T5, hoping it will raise the bar for the performance of external memory products.

The new product, based on Samsung’s latest 64-layer V-NAND flash memory, delivers industry-leading transfer speeds with encrypted data security in a compact and durable design.

The Seoul-based company said the new product will make it easier than ever for consumers to access their data anywhere, at any time. The T5 is available in more than 50 countries.

The SSD is a new generation storage device that is emerging as a replacement for hard disk drives (HDD) as the former provides a quicker and more stable performance.

“Samsung has been pushing the envelope of what is possible in portable storage and solid-state drives for years. And the portable SSD T5 continues our legacy of leadership and innovation,” said Kim Un-soo, senior vice president for Samsung’s memory business marketing.

“We are confident that the T5 will exceed consumers’ expectations for external storage by offering faster speeds and a solid design that is lightweight and conveniently pocket-sized. It is the ideal portable storage product for consumers and professionals who are in search of a fast, durable and secure device.”

Samsung created a market for portable SSDs in 2014 after launching the V-NAND-based T1 and it also introduced the T3 in 2016, shifting focus to portable SSDs among external memory products.

Its data transfer speeds are up to 4.9 times faster than external HDD products _ for example, a 3GB full-HD movie can be transferred in seven seconds. Samsung said the T5 especially is useful for content creators, and business and IT professionals as well as mainstream consumers for instant, easy access to data.

In addition, the new portable SSD is smaller than an average business card and it weighs merely 51 grams, making it comfortable and portable.

The aluminum-body T5 has four lineups _ 1 terabyte (TB) and 2TB models in black, white 250GB and 500GB versions in alluring blue.

The price tag for the device starts from $129.99 (147,000 won) for the 250GB one.