Asus has unveiled the Adol High Speed Solid State USB Drive PM310 in China-a compact external SSD featuring both USB-A and USB-C connectors. Designed to bridge the gap between older PCs and modern mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, the PM310 offers file transfer speeds up to 500 MB/s. Storage capacities range from 128 GB to 1 TB depending on the model.
The Asus Adol PM310 occupies a niche between traditional USB flash drives and full-fledged external SSDs, catering to users who need compatibility across devices with legacy USB-A ports and newer USB-C ports. While most new ultrabooks and smartphones have adopted USB-C, many desktop PCs and older laptops still rely on USB-A connectors. Asus aims to cover this transitional use case with a single, versatile drive.
However, the PM310’s performance is modest compared to some competitors. High-end USB 3.2 Gen 2 devices like Kingston’s DataTraveler Max and Samsung’s T7 external SSDs boast roughly double the read speeds at around 1000 MB/s. Still, the PM310’s dual-port design and compact form factor distinguish it from simpler flash drives and bulkier external SSDs that require cables.
Asus Adol PM310 external SSD specifications
The PM310’s design is straightforward and utilitarian, featuring USB-A on one end and USB-C on the other, allowing for direct connections without adapters. Its metal body includes a flip cover that protects both connectors when not in use, adding a layer of durability.
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Sequential read speed: up to 500 MB/s
- Storage capacities: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB
- Dimensions: 82 × 20 × 7.5 mm
- Weight: 42.9 grams
- Support for macOS, Android, HarmonyOS, iOS, and iPadOS
While 500 MB/s read speeds place the PM310 solidly in the category of compact USB SSDs, it lags behind full-sized portable SSDs such as the recently launched Colorful RP600X Pro, which offers up to 1000 MB/s and supports features like Apple ProRes recording. The advantage of the PM310 lies in its flash drive form factor-small enough to carry like a traditional USB stick, avoiding cables that are often misplaced.
The device’s compatibility list signals a shift in how external storage is marketed: away from PC peripherals and towards universal storage solutions that easily shuttle large media files between phones, tablets, and laptops. This is especially relevant in light of Apple’s switch to USB-C on iPhones, which has increased demand for dual-connector drives to bypass cloud transfers for sizable video files.
Asus prices the PM310 in China as follows:
- 128 GB model: 280 yuan (~$40)
- 256 GB model: 409 yuan (~$59)
- 512 GB model: 629 yuan (~$90)
- 1 TB model: 959 yuan (~$141)
These prices position the PM310 above typical USB flash drives but below many external SSDs with similar capacities. Buyers will likely weigh how much they value dual USB-A and USB-C support over peak speed and capacity.
In a market increasingly dominated by USB-C, Asus’s Adol PM310 represents a practical compromise for users juggling legacy and modern devices. Its success may hinge on how well it serves those who frequently transfer data between older computers and new mobile devices without fuss. The broader trend suggests that storage manufacturers will continue emphasizing multi-port compatibility and compactness over outright speed in this segment.