Transcend ESD400 Portable USB 3.0 SSD Review

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A little less than a year ago, we had the first portable SSD from Transcend in the lab, the ESD200. The ESD200 offered decent performance for a compact solution, and today Transcend has sent over their latest portable SSD.

The ESD400 is the latest from Transcend featuring capacities from 128GB to 1TB, all utilizing UASP technology to get the most out of USB 3.0. Marketing specifications allow 410 MB/s read and 380 MB/s write for the larger capacities, and the 128GB model we have in house is capable of 360 MB/s read and 160 MB/s write. Compatibility extends to modern Windows operating systems and OS X 10.5+.

MSRP of the Transcend ESD400 in the 128GB capacity is set at $99.99 with a one-year warranty.

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Packaging for the ESD400 allows a look at the drive. Marketing information can be found below and to the right.

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Scope of delivery includes the USB 3.0 cable, a carrying pouch, and reading materials.

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Aesthetically, the ESD400 is nearly identical to the ESD200. The top houses a diamond patterned exterior with the Transcend logo centered.

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The edge of the drive houses the USB 3.0 connection, and the one touch backup button to the left.

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The Transcend ESD400 is factory formatted with the FAT32 file system. Useable capacity after formatting is 119GB.

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Here we have our sequential read chart, and as you can see the ESD400 sits near the bottom at 360 MB/s.

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Moving over to sequential write, the ESD400 topped out at 161 MB/s making it the slowest drive in our charts at this point in time.

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Our last chart, Price/Performance put the ESD400 right in the middle at 85% due to its great pricing at 78 cents per GB.

The Transcend ESD400 is a great drive for anyone wanting something ultra-portable and lightweight. The footprint of this drive allows for you to throw it in a pocket and take it with you on the go and the materials used in making this solution, while being plastic, feel quite durable.

Performance of the drive wasn't the highest we have seen from a portable solution, then again, 360 MB/s isn't the worst either, it's actually quite good.

While the drive didn't take top honours in our sequential read and write charts, the Price/Performance chart showed the drive to have an excellent mix of performance to go along with Transcends aggressive pricing at 78 cents per GB.

PRICING: You can find the Transcend ESD400 128GB Portable SSD for sale below. The prices listed are valid at the time of writing but can change at any time. Click the link to see the very latest pricing for the best deal.

United States: The Transcend ESD400 128GB Portable SSD retails for $89.99 at Amazon.

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