I bulldozed over this SSD enclosure so you don’t have to – here’s the result

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.

As solid-state drives (SSDs) gradually replace the spinning platters of traditional hard drives, portable data storage has become far more reliable. I remember the days of taking hard drives outside when they were at risk of being crushed around, exposed to dirt, water and all kinds of grime. All it took was one unfortunate leak or knock to render your storage useless and put a big wrench in an otherwise smooth day.

Also: I tested DJI’s tiny 4K action camera for weeks — and now I’m ditching my GoPro for it

What I would have given for storage at the time would have had no moving parts, wouldn’t break if knocked around, and could be housed in an enclosure that was practically bombproof. enter the Terramaster D1A portable SSD enclosure that offers it all – and at a competitive price.

TerraMaster is a well-established brand with a long-standing reputation in the data storage industry. I’ve trusted their NAS boxes for years, so when I got the chance to try out their new portable enclosure, I didn’t hesitate. At that time I had no idea how difficult this small circle would become.

The TerraMaster D1 is small enough to fit in your pocket, measuring just 4.5 x 1.8 x 0.8 inches and weighing just over five ounces (without drive). Once you add the M.2 2280 NVMe SSD, you’re looking at about half an ounce more. The enclosure supports drives up to 8TB and offers read/write speeds of up to 10Gbps, or approximately 1,010MB/s (tested using samsung 990 pro SSD).

Plus: I hogged 4 Bluetooth trackers (including AirTags) to test their reliability — here’s how Android rivals compare

Of course, your final speed will depend on the quality of the M.2 NVMe SSD you install and your host system. A $60 ssd will perform differently over a $600.

It’s all about how much you are willing to spend. I should note that the D1 only supports 2280 NVMe SSDs. This means that 2230, 2242, 2260 drives or SATA SSDs will not fit.

critical stability

If the D1 were just a sleek, fast casing, I would already consider it a great product. But what sets it apart is its sturdy build quality.

The hoop is crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, which is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and incredibly durable. It can withstand up to 1.2 tons of crushing pressure, making it ideal for rugged environments. The aluminum construction also doubles as a heat sink, dissipating the heat generated by high-performance SSDs.

Also: I spent two years testing wind power at home – which is why solar is still my favorite source

The enclosure design maximizes surface area to aid in heat dissipation, and TerraMaster has also included a thermal pad inside for added efficiency.

Apart from physical strength, the D1 is also IP67-rated for dust and water resistance. This means it can be submerged in up to a meter of water for up to 30 minutes – as long as the enclosure is completely sealed, the covers are aligned, the gasket is intact, and the screws are tightened. Just be careful not to lose the little silicone port cover.

I hammered the drive well, threw it around, stood on it, and drove an excavator over it (not as impressive as it sounds since it spreads across the entire surface area of ​​the tracks).

Compatibility and Backup Features

The TerraMaster D1 is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, making it a versatile device for users of all platforms. If you’re using an iOS or Android device, you can download the TDAS mobile app (iOS/Android), which allows you to perform one-click automatic backups of your photo albums.

This feature is a lifesaver for those who want to free themselves from the ongoing costs of cloud storage while keeping their data secure.

ZDNET’s shopping advice

Terramaster D1 An exceptional SSD enclosure that combines impressive durability, speed, and portability. With its aerospace-grade aluminum construction, IP67 water and dust resistance, and fast data transfer speeds, it’s a handy addition to anyone who needs reliable portable storage.

And the price is right: $39.99. Yes that is correct. Forty rupees.

I would recommend it to professionals working in this field, digital nomads, or anyone who values ​​their data and is tired of fragile storage solutions. Additionally, anyone who wants to stop overpaying for cloud storage will find that the D1 offers everything you want in a sturdy enclosure—at a price that feels like a steal.