Lexar’s Muse is an ultra-slim portable SSD that’s less than 4mm thick

• Lexar will launch the Muse Ultra‑Slim Portable SSD in 512 GB and 1 TB versions later this year.
• The drive is less than 4 mm thick, making it one of the thinnest portable SSDs on the market.
• Lexar has removed a USB‑C port to achieve the ultra‑slim profile, following a trend set by companies such as Xteink.

Lexar announced that its new Muse Ultra‑Slim Portable SSD will arrive later this year in 512 GB and 1 TB capacities. The drive’s thickness is under 4 mm, positioning it among the slimmest external storage options available. The design choice to forgo a USB‑C port mirrors a recent industry move toward thinner hardware, a shift that could influence how professionals and consumers balance portability with connectivity. The internal architecture relies on a compact NAND flash module that is stacked tightly and a controller that has been engineered to sit flush against the metal enclosure, eliminating any protruding components that would add bulk.

Why does the thickness matter to users?

Most professionals who travel with laptops and tablets need external storage that adds little bulk. A drive thinner than 4 mm fits easily into a pocket or a slim laptop sleeve, and the reduced cross‑section means it can slide into narrow compartments that would reject a thicker device. The reduced profile also lowers the risk of snagging on belts or bags, a practical benefit for field workers and photographers who handle equipment daily and cannot afford to have a dangling accessory catch on a strap or a piece of gear. By offering 512 GB and 1 TB capacities, Lexar provides enough space for high‑resolution media without forcing users to carry multiple devices, and the slim form factor means the drive can be kept alongside a notebook or a tablet without creating an unbalanced load.

What are the trade‑offs of dropping the USB‑C port?

Lexar’s decision to omit a USB‑C connector mirrors the approach taken by Xteink. Removing the port allows the chassis to be slimmer because the internal space that would normally house the robust USB‑C receptacle and its associated shielding is reclaimed for the storage module itself. However, this also limits the drive’s compatibility with newer laptops that rely on USB‑C for fast data transfer, meaning that users will need an adapter or a device with a legacy USB‑A port to connect the Muse. The adapter acts as a bridge, translating the signal while preserving the thinness of the SSD itself. This trade‑off may appeal to a niche that values size over speed, while others may prefer a slightly thicker drive that retains universal connectivity, especially those who prioritize plug‑and‑play convenience in fast‑paced environments.

How might this launch affect the portable SSD market?

When Lexar releases the Muse, it will join a small group of ultra‑thin SSDs that prioritize form factor. Competitors may feel pressure to match the sub‑4 mm thickness or to innovate alternative ways to keep devices thin without sacrificing ports. If the Muse gains traction, manufacturers could see a shift toward modular designs where adapters become standard accessories, encouraging a market where the core storage unit remains ultra‑slim and the connectivity layer is optional. Conversely, if demand for USB‑C connectivity remains strong, the market might split between ultra‑slim, adapter‑dependent models and bulkier but fully featured drives, creating distinct product lines that cater to different user preferences.

Looking ahead, Lexar will likely reveal pricing and exact release dates as the launch window approaches. Retailers and reviewers will test the Muse’s real‑world performance, especially how well it works with adapters, and they will examine factors such as sustained transfer rates, heat dissipation, and resistance to everyday wear. If the drive demonstrates reliable speeds and durability despite its thinness, it could set a new benchmark for portable storage, encouraging other brands to adopt similar engineering solutions. Should consumer feedback highlight connectivity frustrations, Lexar may introduce a revised version with a USB‑C port in future iterations, showing responsiveness to market demands while still exploring ways to preserve the ultra‑slim aesthetic.

For readers who are following this development, the next step is to watch for hands‑on reviews that detail the adapter experience, as well as any official statements from Lexar about potential accessory bundles. Keeping an eye on trade‑show announcements and firmware updates will also provide insight into how the company plans to refine the balance between thinness and connectivity in subsequent releases.

Source: The Verge.