Notes
The Good
- Tiny size
- Superfast operation
The Bad
- Relatively high price
X-Factor
- 1,000GB in your pocket!
Introduction
Samsung's new T1 drive makes it easy to slip up to 1TB of superfast solid-state storage into your pocket, with optional data encryption to keep your stuff safe from prying eyes.
Content
If you've been around long enough to remember the first time you clamped eyes on a USB thumb drive – especially the original IBM Memory Key with its now-meagre 8MB capacity – you'll recognise the same lusty must-have feelings stirring at the sight of the Samsung T1.
Up to 1TB of lightning-fast solid-state storage sandwiched into a stylish little bento box that's smaller than a credit card, and at 30 grams makes barely a dent in your pocket?
Even if you don't actually need it, there's no denying that you want it.
But as a road warrior's companion to an ultrabook, or in some cases a Windows or Android tablet, it's not hard to justify that desire.
The T1's raw speed – a quantum faster than the spinning disks of any hard drive or conventional USB flash drives – makes it a doddle for backing up your work or dealing with large and complex project files such as design, multimedia and CAD work.
Samsung's preloaded software offers password-protected data encryption when used with Windows and Mac machines – a sensible move, as a lot of the files you'll want to store on the T1 will likely be sensitive 'eyes only' material.
The supplied microUSB to USB 3.0 cable hooks the T1 up to any laptop or desktop.
You can also connect the Samsung T1 directly to some tablets via their USB port, provided they work with 'USB on the Go' – there's no need to hook up a power supply, and the battery drain isn't much of a hit.
Prices kick off at $269 for the 250GB version, hitting $429 for 500GB and topping out at $799 for 1TB.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Sep 2012
Total posts 131
I was excited when I read the article. Tech makes me get that way.
....then I saw the cost. $799?
Qantas
22 Oct 2012
Total posts 319
Agreed. I like the size and speed, but the price is way to high for most of us.
Especially when one compares with the Seagate 4TB USB3 2.5" drive, available for $400.
29 May 2015
Total posts 4
I wish it didnt have that awful micro USB-connector. We now have the reversible type C, wish they had used that.
$800 bucks is a lot to pay even for 1TB.
British AIrways
08 Feb 2011
Total posts 22
T1 is a brilliant external SSD drive.
If one wants to do an economy version, there are cheap USB3 SATA3 enclosures with UASP support that will house an internal 2.5" SSD drive. You can DIY a very fast USB3 1TB SSD for half the price.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Nov 2014
Total posts 8
Wow, much complaining about the relatively reasonable cost of a fast, portable 1TB storage solution on a site that generally reviews methods of air travel that regularly approach (if not exceed) 5 figures.. I guess everything is relative..
These have just plummeted in price by about 20% in the U.S. to $399USD. You can buy the 1TB model from Amazon.com shipped direct to Australia for just over $500AUD right now, including shipping.
American Airlines - AAdvantage
13 Jul 2015
Total posts 276
This looks solid, will probably plop for a 500GB one soon
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Samsung T1 Portable SSD drive