Device works great, but reformat and use OS native encryption and password protection instead, the Samsung software on my T1 stopped working after a MacOS update and never worked again, data was permanently lost.
If you're planning on using this for a Mac, erase and reformat. It's compact and lightweight. The transfer speed is also faster than I expected. I will by upgrading to 1TB (or higher) strictly for video soon.
I'm a music producer, so when it comes to storage and expedience, I try to find something that makes sense and doesn't break the bank. A friend of mine suggested this product to store my samples externally. When he told me about this, and when I was placing the order, I was just thinking that it will be just a tiny boost in loading times for the samples, but when I started using it in projects, it blew my mind right out of the water completely. When they say it's fast, they mean it's fast. Worth the money.
I was actually surprised at how small and light the drive was when I got it. I'm using it on a 2017 13" MacBook Pro and have it formatted with APFS (Encrypted). While I'm not seeing the quoted average "up to" speeds of 500+ MB/s, they are still impressive (see screenshot). I use this drive for my video editing (scratch disk and saving). It works great for Final Cut Pro and ScreenFlow Pro.
I really love this portable speed demon. It's built very well and is the perfect size for putting in your pocket or laptop bag. However, the software that comes with it should not be installed on a Mac. It caused all sorts of problems and kept disconnecting the Samsung SSD from my 2017 MacBook Pro. I ended up having to copy all the files back to my Mac, uninstalling the software and drivers, and reformatting the Samsung SSD as Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
If you accidentally installed the software on your Mac, back up all your files and follow the instructions below that are listed but hard to find in the Samsung T5 SSD Manual. You can also refer to the screenshot I attached to this review which Samsung explains how to delete it from Windows and Mac.
Software needs to be deleted manually by executing CleanupPSSD_Mac.sh in SW installation path.
(Normally ~/Library/Application Support/PortableSSD/CleanupPSSD_Mac.sh)
*Third party cleaners such as AppCleaner may not delete “Samsung Portable SSD” SW completely.
Feature Product
- Superfast Read-Write speeds of up to 540 MB/s
- Top to bottom metal design that fits in the palm of your hand
- Optional password protection and AES 256-bit hardware encryption
- Includes USB Type C to C and USB Type C to A cables
- 3-year warranty; Compatible with USB 3.1 Gen2 (10Gbps), backwards compatible
- Security: Samsumg Portable SSD Software requires Windows 7, Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks), Android 4.4 (KitKat), or higher. Older versions of the Windows, Mac and Android operating systems may not be supported
Description
The Samsung T5 Portable SSD has the latest in Samsung V-NAND flash memory technology. Its portable design, blazing fast transfer speeds of up to 540 MB/s, shock resistance, and secure encryption make it the best portable SSD on the market.
Kinda stinks knowing how much I paid for the 1TB version of this, and how in a year or two the cost of such a thing will probably be half of what I paid for it, but at least this little thing is a pleasure to use in the meantime. It comes with two USB cables, one standard USB to USB-C, and the other is just USB-C to USB-C - so no matter what type of connections you have, you're covered. The cables even come with velcro straps attached. I work in IT and I keep this thing with me everywhere I go, and it's always loaded up with a few useful tools. It's incredibly small, doesn't weigh much, but still feels durable in the metal housing. Great product.
I slapped this on my PS4 and left it there. Load times are vastly improved. Loading screens really bothered me. No more!!! I’m the first one in game on fortnite. Grand Theft Auto loads too quick for me to get a drink from the kitchen. I’m absolutely amazed with the total 180° in load times. Only thing I regret is debating for years whether or not to get one!
6 month update. Yeah I appreciated this. Good buy. Downloads are faster. Loading screens are quicker. In game runs smoother.
Wanted to give this SSD a few "spins" before I reviewed it.
Current Setup for reference: Macbook pro 13" (2017)
As a video editor I'm always offloading media and dumping several SD cards throughout the day/week, especially when working on a commercial project. The transfer speeds between the internal SSD and the T5 are just quick.
I do not use this SSD as a primary backup. I dump the SD card on this SSD, then back up the data on my NAS. What I use this for however (primarily) is to edit video on. Even though the Read/Write speeds on my internal SSD is faster than this device I honestly do not notice any real use case difference, at all. I can edit multiple video projects on this 1TB device as well as having all of the files housed on here during that process without sacrificing any space on my internal SSD.
I don't think I could add any other details that others haven't already.
The T5 is a very good SSD device. I would imagine that many are returned for the lack of knowledge on how to set it up properly. This reflects on the product rather than the true problem, the lack of complete user friendly instructions. This is sad because the unit is many times blamed when it shouldn't be.
Bottom line: Works wonderfully and harmoniously across computers.
This drive comes with a hardware-based secure log-in system, and when you plug it in you'll see a choice of emulator/"activator" interfaces for login to PC or Mac or device. I ordinarily use it with a Macbook or desktop Mac, but I've guest-visited PC's also, and what happens is: you plug it in and will see the initial choice of platform log-in apps. Choose your OS, click, and enter your password - whatever password you set up initially from your own computer/device, as once you do that your password is hard-wired into the drive, and you can access it from anywhere - if you have the password.
Setting up hardware-based encryption/security is optional, by the way. But really simple, and it really works easily across my own computers and ones I've guest-logged into while traveling. Same routine. Bring up system-specific log-in screen, enter password, you're in. Password required every time it's re-installed. Great basic mobile security.
For Mac there's a known strangeness, despite full compatibility. When first plugging it in or upon ejecting it, you may see an upper-right-hand corner pop-up saying disk was improperly ejected (last time). Maybe on Windows "safely eject" avoids that, but on Mac you'll likely see it. Not to worry, as long as you're not transferring data while unplugging. (In Mac I "eject" and it looks normal but still will get a pop-up nag about safely ejecting.)
What else can I say? I know there's a few reputable makers of 250-500GB SSD portable drives worthy of consideration. (As a scientist, believe me, I read all the reviews and looked at "data", but as a typical computer user I chose based on things like form factor, price, and past experience).
So this is my 3rd Samsung T (2 "3"s and one T-5 now). I've had no problem with any of them (thus my collection has expanded). They are fast, reliable, and practical between the various interfaces, portable security protection, and choice of cable/interface. I'm a fan.
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