SanDisk’s 1TB USB-C SSD: So Compact, It Stays Connected
▼ Summary
– SanDisk has released the world’s smallest 1TB USB-C flash drive, designed to be left permanently plugged into laptops.
– The Extreme Fit drive features an L-shaped design that sits flush against laptops while preventing the lid from hitting it when closed.
– This “leave-in design” serves as a semi-permanent storage upgrade, though users should handle laptops carefully due to fragile USB-C connectors.
– Available in capacities from 64GB to 1TB, it offers transfer speeds up to 400MB/s using USB 3.2 Gen 1 technology.
– The drive is currently available for purchase in the US and other regions, with prices ranging from $15.99 for 64GB to $117.99 for 1TB.
SanDisk has introduced what it claims is the world’s smallest 1TB USB-C flash drive, designed to be so compact that users can plug it into a laptop and leave it there permanently. This new model, called the Extreme Fit, offers a practical solution for expanding storage without the usual bulk associated with external drives.
The Extreme Fit features a unique L-shaped design that slots directly into a USB-C port, extending vertically rather than horizontally. This configuration keeps it nearly flush with the laptop’s body while ensuring the lid can close without making contact. Roughly the size of a standard wireless mouse dongle, its slim profile minimizes the risk of it catching on objects when the laptop is moved. However, users should still handle their devices with care, as USB-C connectors remain delicate and aren’t built to endure significant lateral pressure.
Available in capacities ranging from 64GB to 1TB, the standout offering is clearly the top-tier terabyte version. It employs USB 3.2 Gen 1 technology, delivering read speeds up to 400MB per second, or 300MB per second for the 64GB model. While these transfer rates won’t break records, the drive’s main appeal lies in its convenient leave-in design rather than raw performance.
For those who don’t require a full terabyte of space, an alternative exists from Suneast, a slightly smaller 512GB version released in May. That model, however, is currently only sold in Japan. SanDisk’s Extreme Fit is now available for purchase in the United States and other international markets, with pricing starting at $15.99 for the 64GB version and reaching $117.99 for the 1TB model.
The drive’s vertical orientation means it stands slightly taller than some ultrabooks when connected, though it remains shorter than many laptops in their closed position. This clever engineering makes the Extreme Fit an intriguing option for anyone seeking effortless storage expansion without the hassle of constantly plugging and unplugging a conventional flash drive.
(Source: The Verge)
