OWC unveils Express 1M2 80G SSD for fast portable storage

Other World Computing has announced the release of the OWC Express 1M2 80G portable SSD, designed for creators, mobile performance users, and gamers who require high-speed data transfer in a compact format.

The new portable solid-state drive offers data transfer speeds exceeding 6000MB/s and is compatible with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 interfaces, making it suitable for a variety of modern devices. The drive is available both as a do-it-yourself (DIY) enclosure and in pre-configured versions with storage capacities ranging from 0TB to 8TB.

Performance and design

The OWC Express 1M2 80G prioritises ease of use and upgradeability, supporting devices such as Macs, PCs, iPad Pro, Chromebooks, and Surface products featuring Thunderbolt or USB4 connectivity. Its fanless, palm-sized enclosure is constructed from solid aluminium and incorporates a heatsink-like finned design to dissipate heat silently. This approach supports throttle-free operation at recorded peak speeds above 6000MB/s and protects the SSD during use.

The device caters to users with varied requirements by offering a DIY "build your own" kit and ready-to-use solutions. Both options can be upgraded to higher capacity by installing compatible 2280 or 2242 NVMe M.2 solid-state drives.

Company perspective

"This is more than just an update – it's a next-gen tool for anyone who refuses to settle for slow," said Larry O'Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing (OWC). "From on-the-go creatives, to tech-savvy DIYers, to portable gaming pros – we built the Express 1M2 80G to deliver unmatched performance, flexibility, and reliability."

The drive is described as "supremely fast" and "exceptionally flexible", allowing users to handle everything from routine data transfers to demanding professional creative projects, with the option to match or even exceed the performance of internal storage solutions.

Compatibility and options

OWC highlights the broad compatibility of the Express 1M2 80G, noting it works with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 ports across a range of current computer platforms. The device also maintains support for earlier Thunderbolt 3-enabled Macs. Each unit is bus-powered using the included USB4 cable, meaning no external power source is required for operation.

In terms of durability, the aluminium construction and the patent-pending heat dissipation system aim to protect the SSD from damage while safeguarding performance during extended, high-intensity use. The form factor is designed to be portable, making it convenient for field-based professionals and users who require mobility without sacrificing speed.

Product range and pricing

The OWC Express 1M2 80G is available as an empty 0TB enclosure for users who wish to install their own storage and as complete solutions at multiple capacities: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, and 8TB. The suggested retail prices are: USD $219.00 for the empty enclosure, USD $349.00 for 1TB, USD $499.00 for 2TB, USD $699.00 for 4TB, and USD $1,299.00 for 8TB.

The product is intended to accommodate both current and future storage needs, with the upgradeable enclosure allowing users to increase capacity or upgrade to newer, faster NVMe M.2 SSDs as technology advances.

User applications

Designed for a broad spectrum of users, the Express 1M2 80G can be deployed in scenarios ranging from large-scale creative projects - such as video or audio production - to everyday data backup and management. Its compatibility with multiple platforms and interfaces positions it as a flexible solution for users operating across different environments and devices.