XS2000’s use of USB 3.2 2×2 means it is limited to half the speed of cutting-edge Thunderbolt 4 or USB 4 – both newer technologies also ride on Type-C – so it’s something to bear in mind if absolute top-notch performance matters. High-quality metal surrounds a central plastic section which carries a solitary USB Type-C port and blue activity LED. Bevelled chassis edges alongside an indented upper section combine to offer good grip. Manufacturers are often accused of hyperbole, but Kingston’s claim of XS2000 being pocketable is spot on.īuild quality is generally very good. XS2000 measures just 69.54mm x 32.58mm x 13.5mm – not much larger than a pack of gum – and weighs 28.9g. Get past that technical hurdle and there’s plenty to like. Of course, one can use this drive on any board/laptop with USB, albeit with peak speeds dictated by port bandwidth. Such requirements preclude optimal use in the majority of laptops, and going by how the desktop motherboard market has evolved, limits XS2000’s appeal to a niche range of premium boards and to those willing to purchase an add-in USB 3.2 2×2 card. To that end, the pocketable XS2000 deserves review attention.Īvailable in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities and connecting to systems via USB Type-C, you will naturally need a motherboard capable of 20Gbps throughput for this series to make most sense.

Understanding even faster transfer speeds are available via Thunderbolt and incoming USB 4, component giant Kingston believes there’s lots of mileage left in today’s USB. Latest models tout 2GB/s sequential reads and writes, helped by adopting the 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2 2×2 interface. Portable storage has been invigorated by companies using proven SSD technology bridged over to USB.

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