Kingston Technology, a memory company… as in Desktop computer and laptop memory, not human memory, like a psychiatrist or a psychologist… has unveiled its XS1000 External SSD. This joins the XS2000 in Kingston’s expanding portfolio of external SSD hard drives. Both drives have an ultra-compact design and weigh less than 29g for pocket-friendly portability.
The XS1000 offers potential read speeds of 1,050MB/s and storage capacities up to 2TB. For universal connectivity, the drive comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable and retains backward compatibility with older devices.
Each unit undergoes Kingston’s torture testing. That’s not whips and waterboarding or any kind of weird kink stuff, in the world of laptops and components that typically means drop, squish, heat, humidity, dust and water resilience testing – so kinda like being in the special forces.
With a size comparable to a key fob, the XS1000 is, “Positioned as a trusted ally for effortless file backups, ensuring uninterrupted access to crucial data and cherished media files.” As fluffy as that sounds, doesn’t everyone have a cherished, fast, high-capacity hard drive that they’d struggle without? Maybe it’s only geeky types and laptop reviewers.
A representative from Kingston commented on the launch, “Our clientele demands convenient, swift, and dependable storage solutions at a competitive price point. The XS1000 meets and exceeds these expectations. This drive, which stands out due to its sleek and compact design, is currently the market’s most diminutive external SSD, offering speeds up to 1,050MB/s and measuring half the dimensions of a conventional SSD. Such characteristics make it an ideal choice for those prioritising both convenience and superior performance.”
For those interested in acquiring the XS1000, it is available in 1TB and 2TB variants. The product also comes with a limited five-year warranty, complemented by complimentary technical support. As an added incentive, purchases of the XS1000 external SSD between now and September 30th puts buyers into a draw with potential prizes, including an Asus Gaming Laptop, Apple iPad 10 or a $100 gift Card.
You can see more about these drives, here. There’s also a video of the drive in action. It’s not quite Michael Bay, but they’ve done a pretty good job for a 30-second video.
We’ve actually now received a review sample and that reminded us that we haven’t posted the news release yet. So, here we are. We’ll test and review it soon. Hopefully.
XS1000 External SSD Key Features:
- Ultimate Portability: A sleek, all-black design that weighs just under 29g. This SSD comfortably fits in the palm, making file transportation a breeze.
- Reliable File Backup: Smoothly transfer and archive documents, large images, and videos.
- Ample Storage: Capable of storing up to 2TB, it’s ideal for conserving precious memories.
- USB 3.2 Gen 2 Support: This feature enables read speeds of up to 1,050MB/s and ensures compatibility with USB 3.2 Gen 1 and older devices.
- Specifications:
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Speed: Up to 1,050MB/s read, 1,000MB/s write
- NAND: 3D
- Capacities: 1TB, 2TB
- Dimensions: 69.54 x 32.58 x 13.5mm
- Weight: 28.7g
- Casing Material: Metal + Plastic
- Operating Temperatures: 0°C~40°C
- Storage Temperatures: -20°C~85°C
- Warranty/Support: 5-year limited warranty with free technical support
- Compatibility: Windows 11, 10, macOS (v.10.15.x+), Linux (v. 4.4.x+), Chrome OS, Android, iOS/iPadOS (v.13+)
Last Updated on 16 September 2023 by Nick Ross




