Short version: Is there a difference between a Framework expansion drive ad generic flash drive?
Long version: First off, I use Mint 22.2 on my Framework Laptop 13 with AMD AI300 processor, but this really is a generic question. I installed Windows 11 on an expansion drive for those rare occasions that I need Windows. I have found that Windows on VMWare is more than adequate for that once a month need to ensure that a document drafted in Libre Office shows works in MS Office.
Anyhow, I like the expansion drive method for an alternative OS because I don’t need to mix boot loaders and the expansion drive doesn’t stick out, making it unnecessary to remove in order to put it in a laptop bag.
Is there anything that makes the expansion drive better than a generic flash drive? I have had issues using flash drives to test operating systems in the past, but never with the expansion drive.
I believe the expansion drive is exactly the same as a flash drive. They both connect over a USBC connection to the mainboard.
It is surprising to me how many people install an alternate OS (usually Windows) on an external drive to boot from it instead of creating a virtual machine to do what they need to do. I get the difference if you are a developer and need to know the hardware components work.
Maybe lots of people are space limited and do not want that big chunk just residing on their internal drive?
I see it working in a pinch but the performance penalties are pretty steep.
I believe they function exactly the same, one just has a nice streamlined look on the laptop.
Edit to add - I am booting linux. I have windows on a different expansion card but it (windows) is problematic there. Linux so far has been ok. Fingers crossed.
Thanks. It’s interesting that you mention that. I had a 256 GB drive in the computer when I installed Windows on the expansion drive. I now have a 1TB drive so no space crunch and I rarely use the expansion drive.