What USB drive to buy

How big a drive you need, and what to look for at the store.

SavedSafe tells you the size to buy. It is about twice the size of your photos, videos, and documents today, so there is room for new ones. It can also save a shopping note with pictures that you can print and take to the store.

Steps

1. In SavedSafe, click "Save a shopping note". It opens with pictures, and it is also saved on your Desktop.
2. Click "Print", or keep it open while you shop online.
3. Buy a USB drive that holds at least the size on the note. 1 TB is the same as 1,000 GB.
4. When you get home, plug it in, open SavedSafe, and click "Check my computer". SavedSafe will offer to copy your files to it.

Which kind?

• USB flash drive, also called a thumb drive or memory stick: about the size of your thumb, and plugs straight in. Fine for smaller sizes.
• Portable hard drive: a small box about the size of a deck of cards, with a cable. Holds more. Best for 512 GB and up.
• Check the plug. Most computers have the rectangle plug (USB-A). If yours only has the small oval plug (USB-C), buy a drive with a USB-C plug, or one with both.

Good to know

• Any well-known brand from a store you trust is fine. Be wary of very large drives at prices that seem too good to be true.
• You do not need to set anything up. SavedSafe works with a new drive straight out of the box.