A removable media is a form of computer storage inserted and removed from outside the system. There are some types of removable media like optical discs that require reading software to do the processing. Meanwhile, others like USB flash drives that do not need any software to read the device.

Punch cards and tapes are the earliest removable media devices. While a jacquard loom of h 1801 is the predator that used interlinked cards to control the machine. Years after the invention, the CD-ROM was introduced in 1985. This disc used to offer a higher capacity than a floppy disk. Later in 1990, some medication made it possible for users to write personalised data on these disks. However, the turn of the millennium saw an introduction of the solid-state removable media. It is shortly known as the SD card. The USB flash drive followed the invention of 2000. Today there is an influx of removable media devices in the market. Here are some of the common types of removable media.

Common types of removable media drives in the market

In today’s market, flash memory has replaced most of the magnetic and optional media storage devices. The reason for this appreciation is that they are cheaper, lightweight, durable and portable. Plus, they are a more reliable and efficient means of transferring large files from one place to another. However, in the meantime, other types of removable storage devices have also polished their abilities. The hard drives are getting smaller physically while getting more prominent in their capacity. Plus, they are coming with improved performance, easy connectivity and better speed. Here are some of the most common types of external removable drives and their features that make them ideal to buy.

A USB Hard Drive or External SSDs

These are the two most common types of removable media storage. They are used to keep a backup other than the internal storage media of a computer or a laptop. One can simply plug these drives into a computer or a laptop with the help of a USB cable. Despite the same functioning, there is a slight difference in the shape and size of the USB hard drive and an external SSD drive. At times, the SSD drives are also used to replace internal drives in the computer or laptops. However, they are not necessarily needed when used as an external drive. In addition, these drives run faster than commonly found pocket-size pen drives.

USB flash drive or pen-drive

These are also known as memory drives, memory sticks or thumb drives. This is one of the famous portable media storage devices. These devices are a size of a pack of gum with a built-in USB plug. These devices help to insert the plug directly into the USB port of any computer machine. Once the device is inserted, the computer automatically reads it as a mass storage device. You can copy and paste the data you need to write on the USB drive and unplug it by pulling it off. However, one drawback of this type of removable data storage is its minimal and limited capacity. But this limitation is well balanced by the convenience as one can carry it pocket or a keychain.

External hard drive

These are perhaps the most useful types of removable storage devices. They work well for the one who deals with a large amount of data. These types of drives are self-contained versions of an internal hard drive that is built-in the computer. These drives help to offer additional space to copy and store all the data. Like an SSD drive, a USB port helps connect external hard discs with the PC or laptop. The ease of access and excessive storage is the reason why they are best suitable for professional use. These devices can carry all types of data, including programs, videos, audio etc.

Memory Cards

You may know them as Compact Flash cards, Secure Digital Card, and Memory Stick. These types of devices are ideal for storing all kinds of media files. In addition, it offers a permanent medium to store data from attached devices. These devices are small portable devices like mobile phones, game consoles, PDAs, printers and digital cameras. These memory devices vary in space, generally ranging from 2 GB up to 128 GB. Just like a pen drive, these removable media devices do not need any software to process. However, one major pro and con of these devices is the size. It’s due to the extent these cards can easily be stolen or misplaced.

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