[ GLOSSARY DEFINITION ]
Storage
external drive
A portable storage device that connects over USB or Thunderbolt.
Also known as:
external SSD
external HDD
Full Definition & Technical Explanation
An external drive adds storage outside a device's chassis, connecting over USB or Thunderbolt. Speed and capacity depend on the drive and interface.
See data transfer speed.
Where external drive Matters
Laptops
Frequently Asked Questions
What is external drive?
A portable storage device that connects over USB or Thunderbolt.
What terms are related to external drive?
Related Storage terms include SDXC, hybrid drive.