MacBooks with 128GB of SSD storage purchased within the last few years are probably running out of space for apps and files. The answers have been either purchase an external storage device or buy a new MacBook. Now there is a third, and possibly the best option, for quickly adding internal storage. Enter the TarDisk Pear 2.0 256GB SSD upgrade.
Overview
The TarDisk Pear 2.0 256GB SSD is a fast, thumbnail sized memory card upgrade for a MacBook’s SDXC memory card slot. From out of its tiny box to combining with a MacBook’s internal storage takes about 15 minutes.
The box contains:
• TarDisk Pear 2.0 256GB SSD memory card
Once the decision has been made that it is ok to permanently utilize a MacBook’s SDXC storage slot, visit TarDisk’s website to configure a Pear 2.0 in either 128GB or 256GB. There are multiple modules to choose from depending on the year and model of MacBook or MacBook Pro.
The Pear 2.0 card arrives in a tiny box that has everything needed for installation. This is nearly the easiest hardware upgrade I have made to any Apple product.
TarDisk recommends utilizing their Pear 2.0 SSD technology to combine with the MacBook’s internal memory. However, it can be used like a fast SD card for extra storage.
Installing the TarDisk Pear 2.0 takes a few steps, which have been outlined here. It asks for a Time Machine backup to be completed before the permanent upgrade occurs, great idea, and 8GB of free space will be needed for the pairing process.
To begin, boot up the MacBook into Single-User mode and run a health check command to scan its internal storage memory. Once these steps are completed, it is time to insert the Pear 2.0 256GB SSD.
Once the TarDisk is inserted into the SDXC slot, launch its installer. If it does not pair on the first try that is ok, restart and try again. In case anything goes sideways, the Time Machine backup will restore everything.
The pairing is completed when a message pops up of how much total storage is available on the screen. Congratulations, there is now 128GB or 256GB of extra 4K fast SSD memory installed in the MacBook.
Mac OS X sees the Pear 2.0 upgrade as one logical volume. However, the system is intelligent enough to move files that are used most often on to the TarDisk, while the others will reside on the MacBook’s factory installed internal memory.
Final Thoughts
The TarDisk Pear 2.0 SSD upgrade does expand the internal storage space of MacBooks with an extra 256GB of 4K-speed memory. If the MacBook is nearing its factory internal storage limit, this could be a worthwhile upgrade.
There are some caveats to the Pear 2.0 SSD upgrade to consider such as price and future needs. If budgets need to be considered, TarDisk’s 128GB option might be better. There is no guarantee that the card purchased for a MacBook today will fit into one purchased after Apple’s next upgrade round.
With all things considered, installing and using a TarDisk Pear 2.0 256GB in a MacBook Pro does provide a permanent upgrade storage solution that almost anyone can do. The upgrade takes about 15 minutes and will certainly give any user peace of mind that they can continue to work on projects that demand hundreds of gigabytes of storage.
Rating: 4/5
Price: $399.00 – Available at the TarDisk website. The purchase page configures the right TarDisk Pear 2.0 for your MacBook or MacBook Pro.
Pros:
- 15 Minute Setup
- DIY Upgrade
- Installs Flush With MacBook SDXC Slot
- Seamlessly Adds Fast 4K-Speed SSD Storage
Cons:
- Price
- Upgrade Permanently Takes Over SDXC Card Slot
- May Not Be Compatible With Future MacBooks
Disclaimer: TarDisk sent a 256GB Pear 2.0 at no cost for review. I have not been compensated for the review. All thoughts and opinions are mine. Photos are courtesy of TarDisk.
