Choose a portable SSD when one editor normally works with a RAW project at a time and needs direct transfers or controlled hand-offs. If several people need continuing access to the same live library, a NAS or another central file-sharing system better addresses that requirement. Check the workstation connection before paying for a drive’s advertised speed, and keep a separate offline or disconnected backup whichever route you choose.
When one person normally ingests or edits a project, a portable SSD can carry the active files between workstations. The computer’s port and cable still matter to transfer speed, and the working drive needs a separate backup.
When several people need continuing access to the same files, central storage is more relevant than passing around one USB drive. Plan how the team will share files, manage access and back up its workstations.
Identifiable client, model or event images call for decisions about access, recoverable copies and whether encryption is appropriate to the risk. Transport protection on a drive does not replace those procedures.
Decide whether the RAW library must be shared continuously or used on one connected workstation at a time; then size the active project store and plan its recovery copy.
Choose when: One workstation uses the active project at a time, with occasional physical hand-offs.
Accept: The drive does not itself provide a centrally managed, continuously shared library.
Choose when: Several team members need continuing access to the same working files.
Accept: An enclosure, internal drives, network setup and a separate backup destination need planning.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Shared access | Count the people who need continuing access and decide whether permissions and workstation backups are required. | If several of us need the live RAW library, passing one attached drive between desks interrupts access; around 38% of consumers could put central access first. |
| Direct transfers | Check the workstation port, any dock and the cable against the SSD interface. Treat stated transfer rates as conditional maximums. | I regularly move large RAW folders to one editing workstation and want the connection to make use of the drive; about 31% of consumers could prioritise direct-transfer speed. |
| Recovery and security | Plan a disconnected backup and restoration checks; assess access and encryption where files identify people. | My shoots need to remain recoverable, and identifiable client files need controlled access; roughly 31% of consumers could make resilience and security their primary concern. |
The National Cyber Security Centre notes that incidents can affect original files and connected backup drives together. A second drive left permanently connected may therefore fail to provide an independent recovery route.
Keep an additional copy offline or digitally disconnected when it is not in use, and check that files can be restored.
A failed recovery can mean substantial work reconstructing a project or the loss of RAW files that cannot be recreated.
Samsung specifies a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host, compatible cable and UASP for the T9’s maximum speed. Kingston says the XS2000 will not reach its advertised performance on a Mac because that USB protocol is unavailable there.
Check the exact computer port and every dock, hub and cable in the connection before choosing a drive for its stated transfer rate.
Fast storage attached to one computer does not by itself give several people continuing, managed access to the same files. Synology describes its DS224+ NAS route in terms of centralised sharing and backup for small-to-moderate teams.
If ongoing team access is the requirement, assess central storage, its internal drives and the studio network before settling on a portable-drive workflow.
Moving an established library later also takes migration and access-planning time.
Physical protection does not preserve a deleted file or replace an independent backup. The Information Commissioner’s Office describes encryption as a measure whose appropriateness depends on the nature and risks of the data processing.
Assess the files being stored, control who has access and how keys are managed, and maintain a recoverable copy separately.
These product lines illustrate different storage arrangements; the brand alone does not determine whether a drive or NAS fits a studio’s workflow.
The portable T9 line is a direct-attached SSD option for projects handled on one workstation at a time.
The portable XS2000 line offers another direct-attached route where drives may be carried between locations.
The One Touch External SSD line provides a portable option to consider for a smaller working set or secondary copy.
The DS224+ represents a central-storage route for a team that needs shared files rather than a portable project drive.
These portable SSDs suit RAW-project storage attached to one workstation at a time or carried between workstations. Choose capacity against the active library and retention period; use central storage instead if the team needs continuing shared access.
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Consider this 4 TB portable drive for an active RAW project used on one workstation at a time.
Samsung UK states that the corresponding 4 TB T9 model reaches up to 2,000 MB/s sequential read and write with a compatible USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 host and cable, and UASP enabled.
Confirm that 4 TB fits the working library and keep a separate disconnected backup; this drive does not create a centrally shared library.
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This 2 TB portable drive is an option for a project passed between workstations rather than accessed by several people continuously.
Its listed interface is USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; check the computer port and cable when assessing transfer speed.
Compare the capacity with the active RAW files and retention period, and maintain a separate recovery copy.
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Consider the 1 TB variant for one-at-a-time project work if that capacity accommodates the files you need to keep active.
The listed interface is USB 3.2 Gen 2x2; confirm the workstation’s connection before choosing it for transfer speed.
Use an independent backup rather than relying on the portable working drive as the only copy.
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This 4 TB portable SSD is an option where project capacity matters and one workstation uses the drive at a time.
The listed interface is USB 3.2 Gen 2. Check the available connection and whether 4 TB meets the active-library requirement.
Keep a separate recovery copy; a directly attached SSD does not provide continuing access for the whole team.
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This 1 TB portable drive is an option for a smaller active project carried between workstations.
Its listed interface is USB 3.2 Gen 2. Check that the project fits within 1 TB and that the workstation has a suitable connection.
Transporting a drive does not remove the need for a separate, recoverable copy of the RAW files.
Yes, if it is a controlled project or hand-off drive used by one workstation at a time. If several people need continuing access to the same working library, compare central storage instead; Synology describes its small-team NAS route as providing centralised file sharing and backup tools.
No: the connector alone does not establish the computer’s supported USB protocol. Samsung specifies a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2-capable host and cable, with UASP enabled, for the T9’s maximum; Kingston says the XS2000 will not reach its advertised performance on a Mac because that protocol is unavailable there.
No. A suitably configured two-drive NAS can maintain availability after one drive fails, but RAID is not an independent recovery copy. The National Cyber Security Centre advises considering backups that are offline or digitally disconnected from live systems.
Assess encryption against the nature of the personal information and the risk of unauthorised access or loss, rather than assuming the same measure fits every drive. The Information Commissioner’s Office identifies encryption as an example of an appropriate security measure depending on the nature and risks of the processing; plan access and key management alongside it.
Maintain a documented backup routine and periodically check that RAW files can be restored. Keep at least one recovery copy offline or digitally disconnected when it is not being used, rather than leaving every copy attached to the same workstation or network.