The SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD cost a jaw-dropping $699 when it launched. You can now pick it up for a third of that original cost: $229. Amazon also offers similar deals on smaller-capacity versions for a limited time.
These external drives promise data-transfer speeds up to 1,050 MBps over a USB-C connection, and work with Mac and iPad.
UPDATE: Published reports indicate this SSD has a high failure rate, which might explain why it’s on sale. Buyer beware.
Good things come to those who wait
High-capacity drives always debut at costs that put them beyond the range of typical consumers. But as time goes by and what was once cutting-edge memory tech becomes mainstream, the prices drop dramatically.
The SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD is a prime example. But it’s not the only one. The 4TB Samsung T7 Shield that once fetched $429 now goes for just $249.
Save big on SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD
The SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD uses USB 3.2 Gen 2 for quick data transfers. It can offer up to 1,050 MBps read and up to 1,000 MBps write speeds, though this requires a computer that also supports USB 3.2 Gen 2.
The drive is designed to be somewhat rugged. It includes a built-in loop, and can survive a 2-meter drop. Its IP55 rating means it offers limited protection from dust, and can withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction.
This SSD is portable at 4 inches by 2 inches by 0.4 inches — small enough to be pocketable — and it weights just 1.8 ounces. Still, it can hold plenty of data. With 4TB of storage, it’s ready for large amounts of video.
I haven’t tested the SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD, but I have used many SanDisk products over the decades. The company built a reputation for quality products that, in my experience, it deserves.
As noted, the SanDisk 4TB Extreme Portable SSD is now available for $229. You must pick the one with a black casing to get that super-low price, though. Light blue and darker blue colors run $20 extra.
Buy the 4TB version from: Amazon
Those who don’t need quite so much storage capacity can choose the 2TB version, currently on sale for $114. That’s 75% off the original cost. Again, you’ll find the best deal on basic black.
Buy the 2TB version from: Amazon
Anyone looking for a high-capacity SSD with even faster data-transfer speeds should investigate the OWC Envoy Pro FX. It uses Thunderbolt to transfer data at up to 2,800 MBps.
Ed Hardy has been writing full-time about tech for 25 years, and using it for much longer than that. His intro to Apple was a Macintosh SE/30 (which he still has), but now he uses a 13-inch iPad Pro as his primary computer.
That’s because he’s a “tablet first” type of guy. Rather than use a Macbook, he connects a keyboard case to the iPad. And instead of a desktop Mac, he connects his tablet to a 27-inch display and full-size keyboard. (So don’t try to tell him that everyone has to use a Mac to be productive.)
Before coming to Cult of Mac, Ed wrote for NotebookReview, TabletPCReview and Brighthand, as well as other sites.
