The Best Portable Hard Drives

A hard drive is a computer device that stores information. Besides hard drives attached to the inside of a computer tower or in a laptop, there are drives that are portable. On these drives, you can store virtually anything and carry it around with you, hooking it up to a computer when you need something off of it. The best part about these is that they don't take up space in your computer and they're very functional if you're always on different computers. In case you're wondering what to look for in a portable drive, below is a list of some of the best portable hard drives available for computer users today.

1. Transcend StoreJet 25f (500GB)

The Transcend StoreJet 25f (500GB) is a simple 2.5" portable drive that offers a lot of storage space and backup software. Not only is the StoreJet 25f stylish, it is lightweight and user-friendly. Transferring and storing files is quick and easy, which is especially great for the StoreJet's price.

2. Transcend StoreJet 25 Mobile (500GB, red)

Not everyone can baby their gadgets. That's where the Transcend StoreJet 25 Mobile (500GB, red) comes in. The StoreJet 25 Mobile has a military-grade exterior for those who don't have time to put their portable drive in a protective case all of the time. There are three layers of anti-shock protection on the StoreJet 25 mobile so that in case you drop it, you won't have to worry about retrieving lost information and files. It's a solid, fast, and inexpensive portable drive. The only downfall is that the Transcend StoreJet 25 Mobile doesn't have a FireWire.

3. Intel X-25M solid-state drive (80GB)

Intel X-25M solid-state drive (80GB) is a fast and improved portable drive available on the market today. With much higher expectations and far better performance than previous models, this Intel X-25M will cost you a little more than the average portable drive. If money isn't an issue and you're willing to spend around $500 for this 80GB model, you'll definitely get your money's worth out of it.

4. Toshiba Portable External Hard Drive (320GB)

The Toshiba Portable External Hard Drive (320GB) is both stylish and sleek. This device is a must have accessory for any computer user because it takes digital work where you want to go. Users can carry tons of music, videos, files, and pictures wherever they go, quickly and securely. Toshibas are known to be hassle free and are a simple to storing any backup needs a consumer could have. The Toshiba Portable External Hard Drive (320GB) is USB powered and is comprised of a shock sensor to keep your files safe.

5. LaCie 301371 Rugged All-Terrain FireWire (500GB)

The LaCie 301371 Rugged All-Terrain FireWire (500GB) is a portable device built to withstand any hard element. It's extremely durable and built with rubber bumpers and shock resistant aluminum alloy. The LaCie 301371 Rugged All-Terrain FireWire will not only store all of your videos, pictures, and files, it will keep them safe as well.

6. Western Digital My Passport Essential Portable Hard Drive (Midnight Black) (500BG)

The Western Digital My Passport Essential Portable Hard Drive (Midnight Black) (500BG) is one of the most aesthetically pleasing portable hard drives. It's easy to use, easy to carry, and is powered through the USB cable. The Western Digital My Passport Essential Portable Drive is great for business travelers and transfers information quickly.

7. Verbatim 320 Portable External Hard Drive 96531 (Silver) (320GB)

The Verbatim 320 Portable External Hard Drive 96531 (Silver) (320GB) is a palm sized portable hard drive that is convenient, fast, and durable. Since it's rather inexpensive, consumers are definitely getting their money's worth without having to compromise the quality.

8. Seagate FreeAgent Go 250 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive-Black

The Seagate FreeAgent Go 250 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive-Black is sleek and makes carrying and transferring files very easy. It comes with software to help you back up files. No cables here - the Seagate FreeAgent allows users to simply just pop in the drive to access stored files.

9. External USB Powered 2.5" Mini Portable Hard Drive by Oyen Digital (500GB)

The External USB Powered 2.5" Mini Portable Drive by Oyen Digital (500GB) is compatible with both PCs and MACs, all powered by a USB cable. This potable hard drive can automatically save files when you work so you don't have to re-load them every time you save them.

10. Western Digital Elements 1 TB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive (Black)

The Western Digital Elements 1 TB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive (Black) is fast, reliable, durable, and compact. With 1 TB of storage space, you could store multiple computers worth of files on just one drive. Just plug in the USB cable to your PC or MAC and start saving files!

Matthew Kerridge is a computer hardware engineer. If you are looking for cheap portable hard drives please visit http://www.ebuyer.com/

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How to Select a Portable Hard Drive

If you are looking to purchase an external hard drive, you have numerous options to choose from. One of the most important purchasing questions is: "Should I buy a flash drive or a portable hard drive?" Some people are generally unaware there is a difference. There are benefits to both products and taking time to learn and understand them will assist you in making the purchase that is right for you.

Price Considerations When Choosing Your Portable Hard Drive

Price is a big advantage of portable drives when compared to flash drives (or pen drives, thumb drives, jump drives, and USB sticks). If you are looking for storage space, hard drives offer much more space for less money. When you get into the higher capacity flash drives, like 32GB models, things start getting really expensive. A 32GB flash drive is many times more expensive than a conventional portable hard drive with up to five times the capacity.

With the ever increasing need for storing and securing data, and with the prices of portable hard drives coming down, you have every reason to go with a high capacity pocket hard drive. Pocket hard drives come in 2GB, 4GB, 6GB, 8GB, 12GB, 20GB, 40GB, 60GB, 80GB, 100GB, 120GB, and 160GB capacities. This is a much higher range of capacities than with flash drives which are usually around 2GB and 4GB.

Lifespan of Portable Hard Drives

Portable hard drives offer another big advantage over flash drives: USB flash drives have a limited number of write and erase cycles before failure, and write operations will gradually slow as the device ages. Alternatively, pocket hard dives offer many more write/erase cycles, and last longer. Consider buying a pocket hard drive if you will be using your device frequently and are looking for something that will last a long time.

Software and Capacity With Portable Hard Drives

Many assume that external hard drives are large and expensive and therefore buy lower capacity flash drives, but this is no longer true. 1" Microdrives allow manufacturers to make highly compact external data storage devices in capacities up to 12GB. There are also slightly larger, 1.8" and 2.5" portable hard drives that go up to 160GB. These will soon be available in 320GB capacity. You can currently put a 160GB portable hard drive in your pocket for a very reasonable price. That much data storage space is impossible with flash based thumb drives.

Many hard drive-based portable hard drives have included software, such as, "Single-Touch" data back-up and data encryption. Because flash drives can sustain only a limited number of write and erase cycles before failure, and, lack sufficient capacity for desktop or mobile use, USB Pocket hard drives are the clear choice if you intend to run software from your device.

Final Considerations

Features like USB connections, driver-less data access (plug-and-play), and small size are present in both flash and pocket hard drives. But, with higher capacities, longer lifespan, and more capabilities, buying a hard disk based portable hard drive device is frequently recommended.

Jim Hedgecoth is a veteran freelance writer who writes about computer storage hardware devices such as USB Hard Drives, Blu Ray Drives and other related products. He's a frequent contributor to I/O Magic Corporation, a leading Internet retailer offering data storage solutions.

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Flash Drives - The Ultimate Portable, Plugable Storage - And Marketing Tool

They fit in your pocket, go anywhere, and can carry up to about a week's worth of music ... or video ... or just about anything. USB Flash drives, based on solid state technology, are one of computing's hottest items. They're also extremely versatile marketing tools. Imagine sending your key clients and hot prospects an audio/video, customized presentation about your company, its services or new products and innovations, contained in a gift that will continue marketing your company as it is used again and again.

Solid State Storage

If you think you're hearing a lot about Flash memory these days, you probably are. Flash memory is a type of solid-state technology, one of the hot new technological advancements in computing today. A Solid State Drive (SSD), which basically means there are no moving parts, works much faster than traditional hard disc drives (HDD).*

Enter the USB Flash drive

USB Flash drives, Jump drives, Pocket drives, Pen drives, Thumb drives, keychain drives, disk-on-key ... whatever the name, they spell speed and mobility.

USB Flash drives are small, lightweight, removable and rewritable, solid-state storage devices integrated with a USB (universal serial bus) interface. Flash drives are a popular type of portable storage for small digital devices, such as digital cameras. You may know Flash memory products as SmartMedia, CompactFlash, Sony's Memory Stick, PCMCIA memory cards, and memory cards for video game systems. All are a form of Flash memory.

The perfect portable powerhouse.

We know that solid state drives are fast and have no moving parts. But USB Flash drives are also small, lightweight and noiseless. They are compact, easy to use and available in capacities up to 64 gigabytes. Connected to your computer, they work like any other drive - except they weigh about as much as a key, are usually smaller than your index finger, and are rugged and durable so you can stick them in your pocket, on a key chain, or hang them around your neck.

Anywhere and Everywhere

USB ports appear on almost every current mainstream PC and laptop, and some peripherals. Just plug in your Flash drive and go. Many printers now come with a Flash drive included. Pop the card from your camera right in the slot and print vacation photos before you even get home.

Custom Flash Drives Market Branded Products

The lack of moving parts combined with a durable design make USB Flash drives great marketing tools. They'll hold anything a regular drive will hold: music, video, photos, applications, presentations, etc. - and they're more than just great tradeshow goodies.

How can you put these zippy little drives to work?

Pre-load your Flash drive with video, slide shows, music or other promotional content - perhaps a video brochure complete with music and narration.
Customize drives with your logo, corporate colors and even special shapes for a fun and useful gift. USB Flash drives can be pre-loaded with an auto-run video brochure, or thank you to loyal clients.
Pre-loaded, custom Flash drives offer tremendous impact, more than flyers or brochures. USB Flash drives can be programmed to present customized messages or auto-load your website.
Use them for training videos that can be distributed with course materials.
Your company branded USB Flash drive in the hands of key customers and prospects continues to promote for you every time they use the Flash drive to backup data or transfer some files - real value that they will use again and again.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Companies, from small businesses to large industries, seeking a way to stand out from the crowd, are finding new and creative ways to communicate their unique message using Flash drives. Think about your own company's marketing. How would you use a USB Flash drive to tell your company's story? Photos, video, music, maybe all three? Say thanks, present a new product or innovation? How would your key clients like to get an audio/video thank you card on a reusable Flash drive?

*To learn more about how the technology works, see http://www.howstuffworks.com/flash-memory.htm or http://www.howstuffworks.com/rom.htm

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