Create a Faster SneakerNet

[Click here to read my Disclosure on Product Reviews.]

With all the ways we have to transfer data – servers, The Cloud, Dropbox, et al – sometimes it’s just faster to grab a hard disk and carry it from one computer to another. This low-tech solution to data transfer is called “SneakerNet” because you are moving the data using your own two feet.

I use SneakerNet all the time when I’m traveling for training or just moving files between my desktop system and my laptop. I use my trusty, well-used 1 GB Thunderbolt hard disk that travels everywhere with me.

(Image courtesy of OWC.)

However, recently, I’ve started using a pocket-sized SSD solution – the Envoy Pro mini from OWC. If you are looking for a better SneakerNet option that takes virtually no space, yet has performance better than any hard disk or thumb drive, this is worth considering.

This SSD slips into your pocket, connects via USB, and holds more than any thumb drive.

PERFORMANCE

The free AJA System Disk Test reports write (record) speeds about 350 MB/sec, with read (playback) speeds around 250 MB/sec. A single spinning media hard drive only transfers data around 150 MB/sec and is far larger.

The free Blackmagic Design Disk Speed Test reports write speeds around 120 MB/sec, with read speeds around 200 MB/sec. I’m curious why the Blackmagic Test underreports speeds for SSD systems. I’ve noticed this fact in testing other SSD gear as well.

However, even if the BMD results are accurate, the write speeds are about the same as a spinning media drive, with read speeds about 50% faster.

SUMMARY

The Envoy Pro Mini is available as an SSD only, in 120 GB and 240 GB sizes. It connects via USB 3.0, which will be slower than any version of USB 3.1.

There are three downsides to the Envoy Pro mini:

• It gets really warm when you are moving a lot of data, which means you’ll need to let this cool a bit before you put it back in your pocket.
• It doesn’t hold as much data as a spinning media drive
• It costs more than a spinning media drive of the same storage capacity

On the other hand, the pluses are:

• Much smaller than any hard disk
• Much faster than a single spinning media drive
• Much more sturdy – that is, like all SSDs, there are no moving parts to break if the unit is dropped

Overall, if SneakerNet is your network of choice, this is a very cool tool.

Product: OWC Envoy Pro mini
Website: https://www.owcdigital.com/products/envoy-pro-mini
Price: $179.99 US for 240 GB — $119.99 US  for 120 GB (both prices MSRP)

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