SanDisk’s Extreme Fit: A Compact 1TB Solution for MacBook Air Users
SanDisk has recently unveiled its Extreme Fit USB-C thumb drive, a compact yet powerful storage solution boasting a capacity of 1TB in its top model. This tiny drive, designed for efficiency, might just become the perfect accessory for those looking to enhance their MacBook Air experience, especially with Black Friday around the corner.
Design and Functionality
The Extreme Fit is part of SanDisk’s innovative ‘plug and stay’ range, indicating that it is engineered to remain connected to your laptop, effectively serving as a permanent storage solution for your device. Available in multiple capacities—including 512GB, 256GB, and 128GB—this USB 3.2 Gen 1 drive provides impressive read speeds of up to 400MB/s. Its L-shaped design ensures that it fits snugly against the laptop chassis, making it a streamlined addition.
Those familiar with Apple’s pricing strategies may appreciate the cost-saving benefits of this drive. Apple’s pricing for storage upgrades can significantly inflate the cost of devices like the MacBook Air. For example, enhancing storage from the base 256GB to a larger 1TB could lead to a jaw-dropping increase of nearly 40% in the total price.
The recommended price for the Extreme Fit is around $118, and it is currently available at a slightly lower price of $110 directly from SanDisk, although stock levels can be variable.
Cost-Effective Storage Solution
With the MacBook Air starting at approximately $999 for the base model, storage is a crucial determining factor for potential buyers. The convenience of opting for a lower storage option paired with the SanDisk Extreme Fit can lead to considerable savings. For instance, a typical purchase of a MacBook Air with 256GB of storage alongside the Extreme Fit would total around $1,109, offering 1.25TB of storage at a relatively small overall increase compared to purchasing a model with built-in 1TB storage for around $1,399.
Compromises and Considerations
While the SanDisk Extreme Fit provides an attractive alternative, there are some trade-offs to note. Its read speeds, while decent, do not match the performance of Apple’s built-in SSDs. If speed is essential for your workflow, this discrepancy might be a significant consideration.
Moreover, even though SanDisk has aimed to make this USB drive as flush as possible, it still protrudes slightly from the laptop. This could lead to concerns about the durability of the drive, particularly if the laptop is frequently moved around. Hence, for users who primarily keep their devices stationary on desks, this drive might fulfill the ‘plug and stay’ promise; however, frequent travel could pose risks to the drive’s longevity.
Still, the Extreme Fit remains a compact, reliable option for anyone seeking additional storage for their MacBook Air without the steep price tag associated with Apple’s proprietary upgrades. With a five-year warranty and its compact design, it’s a solution worth considering, especially as we approach potential deals during Black Friday.
For more detailed information and sourcing, you can check out the full article here.
(Image credit: SanDisk)
(Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol)
(Image credit: SanDisk)
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