From memory cards the size of a SIM card to portable hard drives that can store over 2TB of digital data, we have a solution for your data storage needs.
Things to consider when buying data storage devices are:
• the capacity of storage you’ll need for your files (see graph below)
• the physical size of the device – portability is important if you’re always on the move
• data transfer speed – for data-hungry tasks like music production or transferring high resolution
files, faster transfer speeds are preferable
• automatic back-up – a useful feature for securing important business documents
Here is a guide to the approximate volume of files per storage capacity:
| Capacity (GB) |
Digital photos |
Songs (MP3) |
Standard video (Hrs) | High definition video (Hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160GB | 45,000 | 40,000 | 71 | 19 |
| 320GB | 91,000 | 80,000 | 140 | 38 |
| 500GB | 142,000 | 125,000 | 220 | 60 |
| 750GB | 214,000 | 187,000 | 330 | 90 |
| 1TB | 280,000 | 250,000 | 440 | 120 |
Servers
A server is a centralised computer that provides essential services to a network of computers or thin clients. For small businesses with large data storage requirements or network-based programs like email, it may be beneficial and cost-effective to consider a server with multiple thin clients or terminals for employees to work on rather than many individual desktop PCs. Servers can provide large amounts of centralised data storage and generally have high performance RAM and super-fast CPUs, making them ideal for busy office environments.
Hard drives
Desktop external hard drives are most suitable for storing large amounts of data in your office or work space.
Portable external hard drives
- Are built for life on the go with plug and play functionality rather than requiring a power supply. They may not be as fast as desktop external hard drives but can be conveniently stored in jacket pockets or laptop bags.
Media player hard drives
- Bridge the gap between your computer and high definition (HD) television. Capable of holding vast amounts of data, these hard drives play movies and images on your television screen with an HDMI cable – ideal for presentations or education purposes. The latest models can hold entire multimedia libraries and connect with other hard drives across a network.
Network hard drives
Allow users of multiple computers to access data from a single source – ideal for small offices or homes with multiple laptops and/or desktops. The largest of network hard drives on the market are capable of backing up data from multiple computers.
Other data storage devices
CDs, DVDs & Blu-ray discs
-Are cheap solutions to storing data, although they are not the most reliable or durable option. CDs are best for storing and backing up relatively small amounts of data. DVDs are ideal for storing larger files like complex animations and videos, or for sending large files or presentations cheaply through the post. Blu-ray discs can hold six times more data than DVDs and are commonly used for high definition movies. Writable discs (CD-R, DVD-R) can only used once, whereas data can be deleted and added many times to rewritable discs (CD-RW, DVD-RW).
USB memory sticks
- Are finger-sized hard drives that are useful for storing relatively small amounts of data like word documents, spreadsheets and presentations. Small enough to clip on your keyring, USB sticks can be password-encrypted for security, and with capacities nearing 64GB, they can also store multimedia-rich presentations, playlists and video.
SD cards
- Are small flat memory cards typically used for storing small amounts of data in mobile devices like cameras, mobile phones and tablets. Most modern PCs and laptops will have SD card slots so you can plug your memory card directly into your computer to transfer pictures or data, otherwise you may need an SD card reader and adaptor.
