Adding storage to 2017 MBP

[Elwots]

I have very little knowledge in this area, so I’m hoping someone might be able to offer some advice. I have a 256GB 2017 MacBook Pro and I’m looking to add some storage. I know I can’t replace the SSD, so would it make any sense to buy an external SSD and use it as additional storage (not even sure if that’s how it works, tbh)?

I’ve heard that hard drives are more reliable, so I’ve also considered buying an external HD and regularly backing up and deleting from the built in SSD. Does this sound like it would be a better option? Would I be able to access everything directly from it without transferring it back to the SSD?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[BLUEDOG314]

Hard drives are not more reliable than an SSD. That being said if an external hard drive fails, you are probably more likely to be able to recover the data with a (costly) data recovery service than if an SSD or logic board fails in your Mac. I don't thing getting an external hard drive and doing the regular backup and delete makes much sense. You could get an external SSD which is more expensive and just have some of your data on there, but remember if it breaks, you lose it, etc, that data is gone. If you are willing to pay a premium, Samsung just released the X5 which over TB3 can come close to the internal drive speeds of your Mac.