The Verbatim Pocket SSD is not only small, light and robust, but also offers clever transport solutions. It should also give you a lot of speed with USB 3.2. ntv.de tried out the variant with a terabyte of memory, which you can get for less than 100 euros.
External SSDs are not only practical on the go, they can also save you from having to use extremely expensive storage on notebooks and smartphones. For example, the new Verbatim Pocket SSD with a terabyte (TB) capacity can be found online for less than 100 euros; its recommended retail price is 120 euros. ntv.de has tried out what it has to offer.
Small, light and sophisticated
The SSD, which weighs 58 grams, deserves its name because at 96.1 x 45.1 x 10 millimeters you can fit it in any pocket. It makes a very robust impression, and its simple housing made of fireproof polycarbonate is flawlessly processed. However, it is not officially waterproof or dustproof, so you should pay a little attention to it. An included transport bag offers some additional protection.
The cable sits firmly and securely in the silicone holder.
(Photo: kwe)
In one corner of the case, the SSD has a silicone-lined eyelet on which there is a solid carabiner hook. You can use it to attach the SSD to a key chain or backpack, among other things. The highlight is the loop that hangs on the ring, because it is the almost 13 centimeter long USB-C cable. Its ends are in a silicone holder. To get the cable off you have to pull hard. You don't have to worry about losing it.
Data rates up to 1000 MB/s
The Verbatim Pocket SSD supports data transfers with USB 3.2 Gen 2. According to Verbatim, it achieves speeds of up to 1000 megabytes per second (MB/s). This is easily enough to read photos, videos and other files from or write to the SSD at lightning speed. Provided, of course, that the speed information is correct. To try this out, ntv.de carried out tests with Blackmagic Disk Speed ​​Test, AS SSD Benchmark and Magic Disk Benchmark using appropriately equipped Mac and Windows computers.
The test result with Blackmagic Disk Benchmark on a Windows PC.
(Photo: kwe)
In all tests, the read rates were between 900 and 1000 MB/s, while the differences in write speed were significantly larger at 810 to 1450 MB/s. The tests can only roughly reflect the data rates in real use, but they largely confirm Verbatim's information.
Also works on the iPhone
This means that the SSD is also fast enough for backups, among other things. The manufacturer provides the Nero Backup software for Windows PCs. On a Mac computer you simply use the on-board tool Time Machine. There is also software on the SSD to format the memory.
The Verbatim Pocket SSD is delivered with FAT32. This means it not only works on Windows and Mac computers, but also on iPhones and Android smartphones. You can use the SSD to easily exchange data between different devices, which is not always easy otherwise. If necessary, the memory can be formatted using a specialized file system.
Conclusion
The Verbatim Pocket SSD is a solid and smart solution for on the go or as a replacement for very expensive permanently installed storage. This is especially true if you can get a bargain and find the SSD for less than 100 euros online. Otherwise, there are good alternatives in this speed and price range, as Stiftung Warentest found last January.
