Transcend has launched the ESD420, a compact SSD that combines MagSafe-style magnetic mounting with a USB 20Gbps interface. This palm-sized drive attaches directly to iPhones or other magnetic surfaces and supports high-speed 4K ProRes recording, making it ideal for content creators who work on the go.
At just 48 grams, the ESD420 is incredibly lightweight and compact, measuring 69.5mm by 63mm and only 10mm thick. That’s about the size of a square drink coaster, but packed with up to 4TB of 3D NAND flash storage. Available in Iron Gray or Champagne Gold, it fits right into the Apple aesthetic while maintaining wide compatibility across platforms.
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The drive connects via USB Type-C using the USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 interface, which supports a theoretical transfer rate of 20Gbps. In practical terms, the ESD420 delivers read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s. While that’s below the full 2,500MB/s bandwidth ceiling, it’s still fast enough for real-time 4K ProRes video capture, large file transfers, and heavy creative workflows. SLC caching helps maintain high-speed write performance without stalling mid-transfer.
Designed for mobile use, the ESD420 attaches magnetically to MagSafe-compatible iPhones or accessories, eliminating the need for Velcro straps or dangling cables. It’s been tested to meet U.S. military drop-resistance standards (MIL-STD-810G), so it should hold up well in outdoor shoots, remote locations, or just a rough commute.
Beyond raw speed and portability, the ESD420 adds some real-world durability and data protection. The operating temperature range is 0°C to 45°C, and while the drive can heat up under heavy data loads, Transcend notes that this is normal and does not impact performance. It runs at 5V and includes support for hardware-level AES 256-bit encryption. Transcend’s Elite software adds further features like file encryption, backup and restore, and cloud sync.
If you forget your password, there’s even a one-time password recovery feature to help regain access without wiping your data. The drive ships with a USB-C cable and works with Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, and even game consoles. No extra drivers are required.
It’s also worth mentioning the eco-conscious packaging. Transcend is using recyclable, plastic-free materials and eco-friendly ink to reduce waste. That might not be a reason to buy it, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Built in Taiwan and backed by a five-year limited warranty, the ESD420 offers serious performance in a tiny package. If you’re tired of limited internal storage or flaky wireless transfers, this is a smart upgrade. Prices are unknown, but will obviously vary by capacity. All configurations will soon be available on Amazon.
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