10 Affordable Backup USB Storage Devices for Business, Home

This flash drive is enhanced for use with Windows ReadyBoost, a new feature of Microsoft Windows Vista, is backward-compatible with USB 1.1 and provides sustained data transfer rates of up to 480M bps.

This external 320GB hard drive features built-in cooling vents for quiet performance and an 8MB cache buffer, and includes Fabrik Backup software with 2GB of online backup. Users can sits the device flat or stand it upright with an included cradle.

This flash drive provides 4GB of storage space, measures just 2.3 inches long and is compatible with Macs and PCs. U3 personalization allows users to customize their drive with Big Fish Games, Veoh Web Player and other applications.

With a massive 500GB, this external hard drive provides ample space for storage, and a 480M-bps data transfer rate ensures that information flow is quick. Automatic backup software and software encryption technology help protect your data, and a power management feature saves energy.

Kodak’s ultra-portable design measures just 1.7 inches long and 0.2 inches thin and can attach to a keychain for easy portability. An LED indicator light lets users know when the drive is in use.

With 300GB of capacity, users can stash data, music and recorded TV programs on this hard drive. It sports a temperature sensing internal cooling fan, and the software includes Sonic Back Up My PC Special Edition and Adobe Acrobat.

For the business professional who needs to carry around lots of data without taking up any space, SanDisk’s 16GB Ultra Backup fits the bill. Password protection and AES hardware encryption help keep critical business files safe, and a one-touch backup button allows users to back up their files without cables or software.

Although it looks more like a flask than a portable drive (thanks to the leather casing), the Iomega features Drop Guard technology for added durability and includes EMC Retrospect Express backup and recovery software.

While this flash drive may be more expensive than most, it offers users a durable, water-resistant, drop-tested high-speed USB device that accident-prone professionals might consider employing.

For just over $100 Western Digital crams one terabyte of storage capacity into this booklike, stackable hard drive. It handles data transfer rates of up to 480M bps and boasts 5,400 rpm for fast read and write times.