Data stored on which type of device can be accessed quickly, but typically has a lower capacity than traditional hard drives?

The correct answer is a flash drive. Flash drives utilize solid-state memory, which allows for rapid access to data compared to traditional hard drives that use spinning disks to read and write data. This speed is particularly evident in tasks that require quick retrieval of files or data transfers, making flash drives an efficient option for accessing frequently used information.

While flash drives are highly portable and offer advantages in speed and durability, they typically have less storage capacity than traditional hard drives, which often can hold several terabytes of data. This lower capacity is a trade-off for their quick access speeds and physical robustness.

In comparison, external hard drives have a much larger capacity, optical discs are limited in access speed due to the mechanical nature of reading data, and smart cards generally hold very little data. Each of these alternatives has its own strengths and ideal use cases, but for quick access to smaller amounts of data, a flash drive stands out as the most suitable choice.