Kingston gives two fashions of exterior Stable State Drive (SSD), the XS2000 and the XS1000. The XS2000 is the higher of the 2 and retails at £52 for 500GB and £272 for 4TB, with choices in between. The XS1000, alternatively, prices £69 for the 1TB capability and £106 for the 2TB. That is due to this fact the extra reasonably priced of the 2 Kingston choices.
Kingston XS1000: Specs
Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10GBs)
Capability: 1TB, 2TB
Efficiency Sequential: As much as 1,050MB/s learn, 1,000MB/s write
Working temperature: 0°C to 40°C
Non-operating temperature: -20°C to 85°C
Weight: 28.7 g
Measurement: 69.54 x 32.58 x 13.5mm
The machine is extremely small and compact with a steel and plastic mixture of components. You’ll need to hold your eye on it because it’s so small that it’ll be very straightforward to misplace. When it comes to construct, it lacks any of the extra options that mark out a strong exterior SSD. There isn’t a rubber sleeve, no soft-touch supplies, and no IP score for overseas objects comparable to mud and moisture. You may due to this fact need to contemplate whether or not that is really a transportable machine.
Whereas we’re with regards to lacking options, there’s additionally no {hardware} encryption. That is prone to postpone all enterprise customers and any security-sensitive shopper. This is similar for the XS2000 so it’s clearly not a part of their marketing strategy for this vary.
On a greater observe, the learn/write speeds of 1,050MB/s and 1,000MB/s respectively are greater than respectable. After all, the XS2000 is quicker however you’ll pay additional for the privilege.
Kingston XS1000: Key options
The XS1000 comes with two completely different storage capacities, 1TB and 2TB. If you would like a smaller (500GB) or bigger (4GB) capability then you definitely’ll must go for the XS2000. The truth that it tops out at 2TB appears somewhat shocking contemplating most rivals are actually providing as much as 4GB and even now 8GB. Possibly it’s to separate out their two fashions however it appears missing.
The XS1000 has 1050MB/s learn and 1000MB/s write speeds. The interface is USB 3.2 Gen 2 which gives a switch charge of 10 Gbps over the present USB-A and USB-C connectors. The truth that it gives backwards compatibility to USB 3.2 Gen 1 is an enormous plus because it permits seamless connectivity with legacy gadgets.
One space that I believe this exterior SSD is missing is that there isn’t any {hardware} encryption. This appears loopy at the present time the place retaining information safe is of paramount significance to most individuals, particularly enterprise customers storing delicate information. Opponents like SanDisk and Samsung have ensured their newest fashions have included this essential safety.
Kingston XS1000: Design & Dealing with
The XS1000 is small and light-weight, two qualities that make it tremendous moveable. The case is just 69.54mm lengthy, 32.58 large, and 13.5mm thick. This can match simply into any pocket whether or not that be your trouser pocket or a pocket in your laptop computer bag. The burden is lower than 30g so there’s no threat of including any quantity of uncomfortable weight to your on-the-go setup.
The case itself is made from steel and plastic with a severely strong development. I attempted pushing the outside casing in to break it however it didn’t budge in any respect. The contents inside are certain to be protected. I’ve a private choice over soft-touch exteriors however this doesn’t have any of that. I believe soft-touch makes it really feel prefer it’ll stand up to a number of drops and knocks however in actuality this machine will probably be tremendous in these circumstances too.
The unit itself has a USB-C port at one finish which is recessed barely giving it somewhat additional safety over undesirable mud or liquid that may fall on it. The cable included within the field is a USB-C to USB-A sort though you need to use a USB-C to USB-C cable in case you have one.
Kingston XS1000: Efficiency
One of the vital vital options that may concern most customers is the learn/write speeds of an SSD. The XS2000 was launched first and boasted 2000MB/s learn and 2000MB/s write pace. The XS1000 is half that at 1050MB/s learn and 1000MB/s write. That is removed from the quickest available on the market however it’s quicker than the lately launched Samsung T5 Evo which we’ve additionally reviewed.
This SSD will work on USB 3.2 Gen 1 however the switch speeds are going to be round half the marketed speeds of the Gen 2 various.
There isn’t a drop score which suggests Kingston is just not too involved about this drive needing to resist a drop. The truth that this can be a moveable drive would certainly counsel that is an oversight. It additionally has no point out of an IP score which additional communicates that that is most actually a no-thrills SSD.
The XS1000 and XS2000 are an identical by way of working and storage temperatures. The working temperature for this SSD is between 0°C to 40°C and though it’s unlikely to transcend the 40°C it isn’t as excessive because the Samsung T5 Evo for instance. The storage temperature additionally solely goes right down to -20°C quite than -40°C for the T5 Evo.
Kingston XS1000: Closing Verdict
The XS1000 is a no-thrills exterior SSD that tops out at 2TB capability. The learn/write speeds of 1,050MB/s and 1,000MB/s respectively usually are not too dangerous however there are quicker alternate options. This machine is let down by a lot of issues together with the utmost capability of 2TB, the dearth of {hardware} encryption, and no point out of an IP55 score. Regardless of all this, at this worth level, it’s tough to complain.
Options
Samsung’s T7 Protect might be the closest competitor at this worth. It’s bigger in measurement however way more strong, largely resulting from its drop and IP65 rankings. One other various is the Netac ZX20 which though it has a most capability of 1TB does have quicker learn/write speeds.
