

Note that, while no software is included with the SSD, you can download Crucial's handy Storage Executive app if you'd like to monitor the health and usage of your Crucial (or other) drive and also install firmware updates. (You may need another adapter in order to connect to Androids, and keep in mind that you'll want a USB 3.1 Gen 2-also known as USB 3.2 Gen 2-connection to get the most throughput with any device.)
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There's a good chance you may want to reformat the drive, because the X8 is compatible with just about anything you'd want to connect to it, ranging from Windows and macOS to iPad Pro, Xbox, Chromebook, and Android devices. By default, the drive is formatted as exFAT, but if you need to reformat it for your device, go right ahead the lack of onboard software means you won't have to copy and then reinstall any utilities after the reformat. If you're using your computer's USB Type-A port, just insert the Type-A adapter onto the USB-C cable first.

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Setup, therefore, is limited to…well, plugging it in (which also explains the lack of a manual or any startup instructions). The unit comes in a bare-bones retail package and lacks even a carrying case. There's not much to the X8: no software, no add-on subscriptions to Adobe services.

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If you do need a truly ruggedized drive, consider the somewhat more expensive SanDisk Extreme Pro or ADATA SE800. (Like most diminutive external SSDs, it's easy to lose, so take care.) Though shockproof, the drive doesn't carry an ingress protection (IP) rating, so it's best not to assume that the unit is water- or dustproof to any significant degree. The Crucial SSD measures just 0.5 by 4.3 by 2.1 inches-roughly the size of a standard mouse, but much thinner-and weighs a mere 3.5 ounces. If you're shopping for shirt-pocket-sized storage, check it out. At 16.5 cents per gigabyte of storage, it's also easy on your wallet. The USB bus-powered NVMe drive can theoretically read data at a speed of 1,050Mbps we didn't quite reach that mark in our benchmark tests, but the X8 proved impressively fast. (Crucial also offers a 500GB model for $119.95.) The anodized aluminum gizmo's sleek black case is set off by rubberized ends to add shock protection to an already rough-and-tumble unit-the drive can withstand a drop of 7.5 feet onto a carpeted floor and handle 1,500 Gs (which you can't). There's a lot to like about the 1TB Crucial X8 external solid-state drive, and for the money ($164.95), almost nothing to dislike. Best Malware Removal and Protection Software.
