Lexar has launched a new portable SSD in a thumb drive sized body. The Lexar D70E features built-in USB-C and USB-A connections, fast transfers and capacities up to 2 TB.
Compact design
The Lexar D70E dual drive SSD is tiny, with the form factor of a thumb drive. However, it still offers capacities of 512 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB. It also features a metal housing and built-in USB-C and USB-A plugs. These are hidden behind retractable protective port covers at either end, which fold back in use. There’s also an integrated lanyard loop.
Transfer speeds
The Lexar D70E offers fast transfer speeds whichever connector you choose. Using the USB-C connector, Lexar claims read speeds up to 2000 MB/s and write speeds up to 1,800 MB/s. The USB-A connector delivers read speeds up to 1,000 MB/s and write speeds up to 900 MB/s.
Compatibility
Lexar says you can use the D70E with a wide range of devices. These include smartphones, PCs, Macs, tablets, printers, projectors and smart TVs. The company also promises plug and play compatibility. However, one notable absence from the compatibility list is any form of camera or camcorder.
What can I use this drive for?
Lexar suggests you can use the D70E as backup storage for your smartphone to offload pictures and videos. The company also lists phone to PC backup and a “seamless all-device workflow.” You can automatically back up your smartphone using the Lexar app for Android and iOS.
Durability
With the fast transfer speeds, you might be tempted to use the D70E as an SSD for recording video with your mirrorless or cinema camera. However, thumb drives are considerably less robust than regular portable SSDs. They also lack the thermal designs which prevent throttling during sustained file writing. As a result, the D70E might struggle to keep writing data at the speeds needed for video over a continuous period. You might experience dropped frames or lost data.
What we think
The Lexar D70E is a neat device that offers a lot of storage in a tiny form factor. It also gives you fast transfer speeds and the convenience of dual built-in USB connectors. This means it could be great for quickly transferring files between devices like a smartphone and a computer. It’s also an ideal low-cost option for sharing larger files with a client in person or by post. Unfortunately, we wouldn’t recommend using the drive for recording video from your camera, or as a source drive for editing. However, the Lexar D70E could still be a useful addition to your kit bag.
Pricing and availability
The Lexar D70E dual drive portable SSD is available now. It retails at $120 for the 512 GB model, $200 for the 1 TB option and $300 for the 2 TB drive.
