As data volumes continue to explode, the evolution of storage devices has become a crucial advancement in the field of information technology. From the earliest mercury delay line to modern solid-state drives (SSDs), each innovation has propelled the capabilities of computing and data processing forward. Particularly in the smartphone sector, products like Apple's iPhone 16 series, with their outstanding photography features and support for high-quality video recording, have raised the bar for external storage solutions. In this context, the KingSpec US5 emerges as an ideal choice, meeting the urgent demand for fast and reliable storage options.

With the rapid development of emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and cloud computing, the global and domestic data volume is experiencing explosive growth. The massive generation of data drives the demand for high-performance servers and storage devices. Modern enterprises rely on fast and secure storage solutions to ensure data reliability and accessibility. In this context, storage technology is continuously innovating.

1. Mercury Delay Line: The First Electronic Memory

In 1950, under the leadership of Dr. John von Neumann, the world's first computer with stored-program functionality, EDVAC, marked a significant breakthrough in computing technology. One of EDVAC's key features was its use of a mercury delay line as memory. The mercury delay line temporarily stored data in the form of sound waves. Despite its limited capacity and speed, it laid the foundation for future memory design.

The main drawback of this storage device was that it could only hold data for a short period and could only access information sequentially. Nevertheless, the mercury delay line remains a milestone in the history of computing as it introduced the concept of memory to computer systems.

2. Selectron Tube: The Early Evolution of Electronic Storage

After the mercury delay line, the mid-20th century saw the development of the Selectron tube, an early form of electronic memory. The Selectron tube helped transition computers from intuitive storage to machine storage. Although this device is no longer in use today, it played a pivotal role in pushing forward more efficient and higher-capacity storage devices.

3. Punched Cards and Paper Tapes: Pioneers of Mechanical Storage

Though punched cards were initially used as data input devices, they also served as a form of storage medium. As early as the 19th century, punched paper tape was used to control mechanical looms, helping automate the textile industry. In the 20th century, punched cards and paper tapes became widely used for data storage and processing, particularly in the computing industry of the 1970s.

Despite being bulky and having limited capacity, punched cards and tapes offered durability and low cost, which made them essential in early information processing.

4. Magnetic Drum Memory: Early Random Access Storage

In the 1950s, magnetic drum memory became a mainstream storage device for early computers. The magnetic drum was a cylindrical device that stored data on its surface, enabling read and write operations. Due to its relatively fast read/write speed and larger storage capacity, it was widely used, with the IBM 2301 fixed-head drum storage being a typical example.

However, the major drawback of magnetic drums was their limited capacity and large physical size. With the rise of disk storage technology, drums were gradually phased out.

5. Magnetic Tape Storage: The Era of External Storage

With the introduction of UNIVAC-I, magnetic tape storage became the mainstream external storage solution. The key advantages of magnetic tape were its large capacity, ease of preservation, and interchangeability. This storage method was particularly suitable for long-term data storage, and its high error correction capabilities and read/write speed mean it’s still used in some data backup systems today.

However, magnetic tape storage is a sequential-access device, meaning you must read data in order to access a specific piece of information. This limitation led to its gradual replacement by faster random-access storage devices.

6. Floppy Disks: Icons of the Personal Computer Era

In the 1970s, IBM introduced the first 8-inch floppy disk, marking the beginning of a new era for storage devices. Floppy disks were portable, low-cost, and easy to use, playing a crucial role in the rise of personal computers. With the introduction of 3.5-inch floppy disks, they became the most widely used storage devices from the 1980s to the 1990s.

Despite limited capacity (maxing out at 1.44MB), floppy disks facilitated the spread of personal computing and laid the groundwork for the development of larger-capacity storage devices.

7. SD Cards: Compact and Secure Storage Devices

The SD (Secure Digital) card, jointly developed by Panasonic, Toshiba, and SanDisk, was initially used in digital cameras and portable electronics. Unlike early magnetic storage devices, SD cards use flash memory to store data, and their encryption feature ensures data security.

As storage technology progressed, SD card capacity increased from a few MBs to now TB levels, finding widespread use in photography, videography, smartphones, tablets, and more.

8. TF Cards: Smaller Flash Storage

The TF (TransFlash), also known as MicroSD card, was invented by SanDisk as an expansion memory for mobile phones. Its compact size and low power consumption make it ideal for portable devices. With increasing storage capacity, TF cards have expanded to other applications such as GPS devices and MP3 players.

Compared to other flash memory cards, TF cards' biggest advantage lies in their tiny size yet large capacity, making them a crucial storage solution in mobile devices.

9. USB Flash Drives: Convenience and Versatility

In 1999-2000, the world saw the first commercial USB flash drives. With their small, portable design, plug-and-play functionality, and cross-platform compatibility, USB drives quickly became mainstream portable storage devices. Whether storing documents or transferring data, USB flash drives have become popular due to their ease of use and reliability.

Compared to traditional storage devices, USB drives require no additional reading equipment and offer fast read/write speeds and large capacities.

10. PSSD: The Pinnacle of Modern Storage Devices

The PSSD (Portable SSD) extends solid-state drive technology by combining high-speed performance with portability, representing modern mobile storage. Unlike traditional HDDs, PSSDs have no mechanical parts, offering shock resistance, low heat generation, and silent operation, while consuming just one-fifth the power of traditional drives.

PSSDs are widely used in scenarios requiring large data storage and fast reading, such as video editing, gaming, and large-scale data migration. With increasing capacity, PSSDs are gradually replacing traditional portable hard drives.

From the mercury delay line to the modern SSD, storage devices have undergone rapid technological evolution. Each breakthrough has been driven by the growing demand for data storage. With the rise of IoT, AI, and big data, the demand for data storage will continue to grow, and SSD technology will evolve to become a core element in the future of data storage.

As computers have become an essential part of modern life, portable storage devices like USB flash drives and external hard drives have become indispensable. People often store small amounts of data, documents, or personal files on USB drives, while large files, movies, or backups are typically kept on external hard drives. While both devices serve the purpose of data storage, they differ in several ways. Below is a detailed comparison of the two.

1. Storage Principle

The primary difference between USB flash drives and external hard drives lies in their storage technology. A USB flash drive uses semiconductor material, also known as solid-state storage, meaning it has no mechanical parts. This makes it more durable and efficient for reading and writing data. On the other hand, external hard drives use magnetic media for storage, containing mechanical components such as spinning disks and read/write heads. These parts can be prone to wear and tear over time.

2. Power Consumption

USB flash drives are highly energy-efficient due to their lack of moving parts. They generally require minimal power, typically less than 100mA, which is easily supplied by a standard USB port. In contrast, external hard drives tend to consume more power due to their mechanical components. Some external hard drives may even require a dual USB cable or an external power source to operate smoothly, particularly for larger drives. This is one of the reasons external hard drives may malfunction if not adequately powered.

3. Size and Portability

One of the most noticeable differences between USB flash drives and external hard drives is their size. USB flash drives are significantly smaller, lightweight, and highly portable, making them easy to carry in a pocket, wallet, or on a keychain. External hard drives, however, are bulkier, often requiring a dedicated bag or case for safe transportation. While external drives offer larger storage capacity, their size limits portability, especially when compared to the compact USB drive.

4. Data Security and Durability

USB flash drives generally offer better durability because they lack mechanical components, making them resistant to shocks, vibrations, and moisture. In contrast, external hard drives are more vulnerable to physical damage, such as being dropped, because their mechanical parts can be easily damaged. While external drives often offer larger storage capacities, they may require more care and maintenance due to their delicate components.

5. Storage Capacity

Currently, USB flash drives typically offer smaller storage capacities compared to external hard drives. USB drives range from a few gigabytes (GB) to hundreds of gigabytes, which may not be sufficient for users who need to store large files such as HD videos, extensive photo libraries, or software backups. External hard drives, on the other hand, range from hundreds of gigabytes to several terabytes (TB), making them ideal for users with substantial data storage needs. However, with advances in technology, USB drives' storage capacity may significantly increase in the near future.

6. Speed of Data Transfer

In terms of data transfer speed, both devices have seen improvements over time. External hard drives equipped with USB 3.0 or higher interfaces offer impressive read and write speeds, often reaching several hundred megabytes per second (MB/s). This allows users to transfer large amounts of data quickly. USB flash drives, though traditionally slower, have also benefited from technological advances, with some high-speed models offering read/write speeds comparable to external hard drives. However, in most cases, external drives still outperform USB flash drives in terms of raw data transfer speed.

7. Energy Efficiency

Since USB flash drives lack mechanical components, they are more energy-efficient, making them a preferred choice for users who prioritize battery life in portable devices like laptops. External hard drives, however, consume more power due to the spinning disks and motors that facilitate data storage and retrieval. This higher energy consumption can be a disadvantage for users relying on battery-powered devices.

On September 10, 2024, Apple officially launched the new iPhone 16 series, which includes four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. As one of the most anticipated smartphone releases of the year, the iPhone 16 series features significant upgrades in design, performance, and photography capabilities. Notably, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max support Apple ProRes video recording format, catering to the needs of professional photographers and video creators.

Apple ProRes is a professional video codec designed for high-quality video editing and post-production. It offers excellent image quality with efficient file sizes, supporting up to 8K resolution. Widely used in filmmaking and broadcasting, ProRes ensures smooth playback and fast rendering while maintaining high color fidelity. Its various formats, like ProRes 422 and ProRes RAW, provide flexibility for different workflows and are compatible with major editing software.

With the launch of the iPhone 16 series, the camera performance of Apple phones has reached new heights, especially in high-resolution video recording. To complement this powerful feature, Apple users urgently need an external storage device that offers high transfer speeds and large capacity to ensure a smooth shooting and storage experience. In this context, the KingSpec US5 emerges as the ideal choice.

KingSpec US5: The Perfect Storage Device for Seamless Video Recording with iPhone 16 Series

The KingSpec US5 is a USB solid-state drive (SSD) designed for high-speed data transfer and stable storage. With sequential read speeds ranging from 1650 to 2050 MB/s and sequential write speeds of 1500 to 1850 MB/s, it can effortlessly handle the substantial high-quality video files generated by the iPhone 16 series, especially for ProRes format recordings.

The US5 is available in four storage capacity options

256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, catering to different user needs. Additionally, the included Type-C USB3.2 interface seamlessly integrates with the iPhone 16 series, allowing users to connect directly via USB-C to transfer video recordings to the US5 easily—plug and play, stable and efficient.

Design and Specifications 

The KingSpec US5 features a stylish aluminum alloy casing that is not only aesthetically pleasing and durable but also offers excellent heat dissipation. Its compact size make it ideal for portability. This solid-state drive consumes low power, supporting a stable current range of 0.35A to 0.53A, ensuring reliability during prolonged use.

In terms of performance and lifespan, the KingSpec US5 boasts an average time between failures (MTBF) of up to 1 million hours, with an operating temperature range of 0℃ to +70℃, ensuring stable operation in various environments. Its sequential read speed can reach up to 2000 MB/s, providing users with a lightning-fast data transfer experience.

Perfect Compatibility with Apple Devices 

The design of the KingSpec MemoStone US5 aligns perfectly with the color scheme and style of the iPhone series, maintaining visual consistency with Apple devices. Functionally, it integrates seamlessly with the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, particularly for ProRes video recording. Through the USB-C interface, users can connect the US5 directly to their iPhone 16 for high-quality video recording without worrying about data loss or overheating issues.

The evolution of storage devices showcases how technology continually meets the growing need for data storage. From mercury delay lines to portable solid-state drives, each leap in storage technology has driven industry progress. In today’s digital age, especially with the increasing prevalence of high-resolution video recording, high-performance external storage devices like the KingSpec US5 provide users with efficient and stable data storage solutions. As technology continues to advance, we can anticipate that future storage devices will become even more powerful, offering exceptional experiences for a wide range of users.