How big can an SSD-based external storage device get? According to SanDisk the answer is at least 8TB, as the company presents a prototype portable SSD of such capacity at CES 2020.
While massive in terms of storage size, the 8TB prototype SSD remains portable in terms of physical size, being small enough to fit in the pocket. The interface of choice for the device is a SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps, and the company claims it is "inspired by consumers’ desire to capture rich content and keep it with them." That said, for now it remains a prototype, even if it will probably become an actual product once flash memory drops further in price.
SanDisk does have actual products on show at CES, mind-- such as the 1TB Ultra Dual Drive Luxe, a dual-connector thumbdrive featuring both USB-A and USB-C connectivity. Small enough to fit on a keyring, it is built out of metal and allows the easy transfer of content between USB-C smartphones, tablets and laptops and USB-A PCs. Another product is the WD_Black P50, an external SSD designed for use with game consoles featuring a SuperSpeed USB 20Gbps interface.
“Consumers are generating more content than ever and require more advanced solutions to help them capture, access, share and manage it all," the company says. "Our top priority is to empower people by giving them complete control of their content, so they have peace of mind that it’s reliably stored and at their fingertips when and where they need it.”
The 1TB Ultra Dual Drive Luxe ships on Q1 2019, whereas the WD_Black P50 is available now.