#externalstorage

Choosing between a Portable SSD and a Portable HDD can be confusing — especially in 2025, when both offer better speed, storage, and affordability than before. Whether you’re a gamer, student, or content creator, understanding the difference will help you buy wisely.

What’s a Portable HDD?

A Portable HDD (Hard Disk Drive) uses spinning disks to store data. It’s been a trusted storage option for years and still offers the most capacity for the lowest price.

Pros: Affordable, large capacity (up to 5TB or more), good for long-term backups. Cons: Slower data transfer, heavier, and more fragile because of moving parts.

If you just need extra space for movies, photos, or backups, a Seagate Portable HDD is a reliable and budget-friendly option.

What’s a Portable SSD?

A Portable SSD (Solid State Drive) stores data using flash memory — no spinning parts, just pure speed. SSDs have become the top pick in 2025 for those who need fast and durable storage.

Pros: Super-fast transfer speeds, compact, shock-resistant, and energy-efficient. Cons: Higher price, smaller storage options (usually up to 4TB).

If you move large files often, edit videos, or need quick performance, options like the Lexar Portable SSD or Corsair Portable SSD will save you time every day.

SSD vs HDD – What to Choose in 2025

If you want speed, durability, and performance, go for an SSD. If you prefer storage size and affordability, stick with an HDD.

In 2025, SSD prices have dropped a lot, making them a great investment for most users. Still, HDDs remain the best pick for affordable bulk storage.

Where to Buy in Bangladesh

The Rising Demands of Creative Workflows

In recent years, creative workflows have become more complex than ever before. It’s no longer just about editing simple photos or videos ,  the scope has evolved to include: - Editing 4K video content. - Running massive game libraries. - Handling the growing world of augmented reality experiences. This evolution has pushed storage needs far beyond what traditional internal devices can provide. The Real Challenge of Storage It’s no longer just about having enough space; the urgent need is to find a solution that balances several factors, such as: - Ultra-fast file transfer and playback speeds. - Strict security to protect data. - Versatility across multiple uses without sacrificing capacity. The Limitations of Current Options When looking at most portable SSDs, it’s clear they usually meet only one or two of these needs. For example: - Some drives offer high speed but lack security features. - Others provide good security but compromise on speed. - And some are versatile, yet limited in capacity. As a result, users often feel forced to choose between speed, security, or storage capacity ,  instead of having one complete solution that fits the demands of modern digital life.

Toward a New Generation of Portable Storage

Instead of focusing solely on technical specifications, some modern storage drives have started to adopt a different approach ,  one that combines high performance with compact design. The goal is no longer just to save data, but to provide a complete tool that can be relied upon in mobile work environments. Small Dimensions, Big Capabilities The idea that a tiny drive can carry terabytes of data is no longer a fantasy. Today, there are storage devices weighing only a few dozen grams, yet capable of offering up to 2TB of capacity ,  enough to cover the needs of most professional users, such as: - Content creators working with high-quality video files. - Designers handling massive projects. - Users who require a constantly portable data library. Design as Part of the Experience Innovation is not limited to performance alone; it extends to external construction. Using materials such as aluminum and tempered glass provides these drives with remarkable durability while also delivering a professional look that complements modern laptops and camera gear.

Security as a Core Element of Storage

As the value of digital data continues to rise, security has become just as important as speed and capacity. Relying on passwords alone is no longer sufficient, especially in work environments that demand fast and uninterrupted access. Fingerprint Authentication as a Practical Solution One of the most notable innovations in this field is the integration of fingerprint encryption into certain SSDs. This technology goes beyond file protection, offering: - The ability to register multiple fingerprints (sometimes up to 20) for easy device sharing among team members. - Instant access without the need to type long passwords. - Reduced reliance on third-party software that might affect performance speed. Balancing Security with Workflow Efficiency What makes this approach stand out is that it provides a strong layer of protection without becoming an obstacle to creative workflows. A quick touch is enough to unlock files, striking the perfect balance between strict security and practical efficiency ,  without sacrificing one for the other.

Cooling as a Hidden Factor in Performance

One of the challenges portable storage drives face is overheating during heavy tasks such as transferring large files or running them for extended periods. This rise in temperature often results in a noticeable drop in speed over time. The Solution: Built-in Cooling Fan To overcome this issue, some drives have adopted internal cooling fans that regulate temperature and maintain performance stability. What makes these fans remarkable is that they: - Operate almost silently without disturbing the user. - Prevent sudden drops in transfer speed. - Support continuous use during long work sessions. Sustained Performance Under Intensive Use With this approach, gigabytes of data can be transferred or creative projects can continue for hours without worrying about unexpected slowdowns. In this way, cooling shifts from being just an added feature to becoming an essential requirement for ensuring the efficiency of modern storage devices.

Speed as a Critical Factor

When it comes to modern storage drives, read and write speed is the primary measure of performance. Reaching transfer rates exceeding 1000MB/s means the drive can handle massive files and move them within seconds, placing it firmly in the professional category relied upon in high-demand work environments. Real-Time Performance Monitoring Another standout feature is the inclusion of a small LCD display that provides essential information such as: - Actual transfer speed. - Drive temperature. - Overall operating status. This addition allows users to monitor drive performance moment by moment ,  something that was once limited to enterprise-grade devices. Practical Applications of Speed These capabilities are not just theoretical; they translate directly into real-world use cases, such as: - Editing professional ProRes 4K video files directly from the drive. - Expanding storage for handheld gaming consoles like the Steam Deck without sacrificing performance. The result is a smoother, more stable experience even when handling the most demanding tasks.

Flexibility as a Key Element of Use

Storage is no longer just a place to keep files ,  it has become part of an integrated ecosystem that supports a wide range of modern devices and technologies. This is where flexibility in portable storage design becomes essential. Integration with Smartphones A leading example of this trend is MagSafe compatibility, which allows the drive to attach directly to iPhones. This opens the door to practical applications such as: - Recording video directly while saving it to the drive. - Transferring files quickly without the need for extra cables. More Than Just a Storage Drive Thanks to a USB-C Hub, these devices can also deliver additional functionality, such as: - Video output via DP1.4 for external displays. - Providing up to 40W of power delivery for charging other devices. This transformation makes the storage drive more of a connectivity hub than just a data medium. Toward a Fully Integrated Work Environment Flexibility becomes even more evident when combined with emerging technologies like XREAL or RayNeo augmented reality glasses. With the ability to stream 4K content directly from the drive to virtual displays, these devices are evolving into a central component of future work and entertainment ecosystems.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

Google Cloud Direct Peering

In the era of cloud computing, users require highly available and straightforward networking options. Many clients use Direct Peering, a connection solution made for carrier-level network operators, to access Google Workspace, Google Cloud, or Google APIs. These operators possess the internal know-how to oversee Direct Peering connectivity, which frequently necessitates intricate routing configurations to safeguard against outages. Nevertheless, not every customer is eager or equipped to handle Direct Peering connections because of these intricate operating requirements.

Many clients are also utilising latency-sensitive secure access service edge (SASE) solutions at the same time, or they are transitioning to SD-WAN solutions hosted on Google Cloud that use the internet as a means of transportation. In order to achieve low latency and highly available connectivity, these clients need to know where internet service providers (ISPs) are connected to Google’s network with enough degrees of redundancy. However, acquiring this connectivity data frequently necessitates extensive and time-consuming technical research, which causes needless diversion from essential business functions.

They are pleased to introduce the Verified Peering Provider (VPP) programme, a new service that makes connecting to Google’s network easier, in an effort to address these issues. ISPs who provide enterprise-grade internet services and have complied with numerous technical standards, such as having a variety of peering connections to Google, are recognised by the Verified Peering Provider programme.

Google’s website contains details on every Verified Peering Provider, including markets where they provide internet services, redundancy information, and locations of their Google network connectivity. You can choose a supplier who can manage all the difficulties of Direct Peering with Google by using this list of Verified Peering Providers, which gives you visibility into where Google is connected to Google Cloud Verified Peering Providers.

There are several benefits to using a Verified Peering Provider for your connectivity requirements:

Google Direct Peering

The hassle of maintaining Direct Peering connectivity is eliminated when connecting to Google using a Verified Peering Provider. You can concentrate on your main business as Verified Peering Providers take care of all the Direct Peering connectivity-related tasks, such as capacity management, network operations, provisioning, and troubleshooting. Google users do not have to fulfil Google’s technical Direct Peering standards in order to use a Verified Peering Provider.

Enterprise-grade connectivity

To obtain internet services, you can deal directly with a Verified Peering Provider. Verified Peering Providers provide a range of internet services tailored for businesses, from high-bandwidth IP transit to business-class internet access. Concerns with internet connectivity can also be operationally supported by Verified Peering Providers.

GCP Direct Peering

In order to minimise latency changes during network failures, each Verified Peering Provider complies with requirements such having redundant and physically diverse connectivity to Google’s network. There are two ISP tiers recognised by the Verified Peering Provider programme: gold and silver. When it comes to physical diversity, Gold Verified Peering Providers are connected to Google in several different metropolitan areas, while Silver Verified Peering Providers are only connected to Google in one.

Beyond the network redundancy standards that Google Cloud previously revealed, there are additional requirements to become a Verified Peering Provider. Providers must also maintain current operational contacts in order to facilitate prompt troubleshooting in the event that network problems occur. Google conducts biannual validations of enrolled providers against programme requirements to guarantee that you will always receive high-quality service.

Broad provider base

Variety of suppliers They have been collaborating closely with several Verified Peering Providers to find methods to improve the network speed and experience for Google Cloud’s common customers. To build deep and diversified network connectivity to Google’s worldwide network, they have specifically worked with a wide choice of Verified Peering Providers. They have also provided this information to assist you in selecting the best provider for your workloads.

The opinions of Google Cloud Verified Peering Providers

Google Cloud is thrilled to introduce a few of their primary launch partners for Verified Peering Providers.

Light Bulb

One of the world’s most deeply peered networks is run by Lumen Technologies. Using the Lumen network, Lumen, a gold Google Verified Peering Provider, can offer straightforward connectivity options that are tailored for Google services. All publicly accessible Google services, such as Google Workspace, Google Cloud APIs, Google Cloud VPN, and Google Public IPs, are connected to high-performance levels via Lumen.

AT&T

AT&T provides a range of internet services to assist companies in establishing cloud connections. Businesses may select a 5G internet connection option that best suits their cloud workloads and end user requirements thanks to fast, secure, and affordable fibre alternatives like AT&T Business Fibre, AT&T Internet Air for Business, and AT&T Dedicated Internet.

Arelion

Arelion’s AS1299, the top-ranked Internet backbone globally, guarantees a direct path between content and end consumers. With 70% of all Internet routes coming from Arelion’s IP customer base and a highly developed Tier-1 network connectivity ecosystem, traffic is given a clear path to its destination, including Google Cloud.

Vodafone

The biggest telecom provider in Africa and Europe is Vodafone. With partnerships with mobile networks in 43 additional countries, Vodafone offers fixed and mobile services to more than 300 million users across 17 nations. It also boasts one of the biggest IoT platforms globally. More than 76 million consumers in eight countries are served by Vodafone’s financial technology operations in Africa, handling more transactions than any other supplier.

Telekom Deutsche

One of the top integrated telecommunications businesses in the world, Deutsche Telekom boasts over 252 million mobile clients, 25 million fixed-network lines, and 22 million broadband lines. Its international wholesale division is called Deutsche Telekom Global Carrier. Deutsche Telekom, one of the top carriers in the world, can meet the needs of over 900 external clients globally as well as the overseas affiliates of the Deutsche Telekom Group.

With a Tier 1 backbone found in more than 80 PoPs across more than 30 countries, Deutsche Telekom is the owner of one of the biggest IP networks in the world (AS3320). Deutsche Telekom has over 25 years of experience in the global wholesale communication industry. On the basis of the dependable, dependable, and superior quality of Deutsche Telekom’s global IP network, the company provides unmatched business-class IP Transit and Internet Access solutions.

Beginning

Viewing the list of Verified Peering Providers or looking for the Verified Peering Providers emblem on participating providers’ websites are two ways Google customers interested in using a Verified Peering Provider can get started right away. Please be aware that not all ISPs are currently able to access the Verified Peering Provider Programme, which is presently being released as a limited rollout.