Toshiba, Seagate, Iomega Offer 1TB, 500GB Compact Storage Devices

by Nathan Eddy

This stylish, ultraportable storage drive offers 500GB of space and is capable of storing up to 142,000 digital photos, 131,000 digital music files or 410 downloaded digital movies. Also included is a complete system backup and recovery program for Microsoft Windows users, password-protected data encryption and an internal shock sensor and ramp loading technology to help protect the drive.

With a 5,400 rpm spin speed and 8MB cache buffer, this hard drive reacts quickly to your storage needs and offers automatic data backup and encryption. You can also sync content between your work and home computers and it comes with a convenient desktop dock accessory—simply pop your drive into the FreeAgent dock whenever you want to access your files.

With data transfer rates up to 480M bps, compatibility with PC or Mac and the speed of USB 2.0, this hard drive, while not much of a competitor in the style department, makes up for it with a huge 1TB of storage capacity, allowing you to store up to 4 million photos, more than 18,500 hours of music or 1,500 hours of video.

Featuring a stylish and durable aluminum design, plug-and-play functionality and a secure EMC Retrospect Express software license for easy file backup, the Prestige also boasts a drive with 7200 rpm spindle speed and an 8MB or higher cache buffer. Also included is free MozyHome Online Backup, which provides 2GB of online data storage.

SuperSpeed USB 3.0 provides accelerated file access and transfer speeds, up to 5G bps (10 times faster than USB 2.0), TurboUSB Performance offers faster file coping and increased productivity through Buffalo’s TurboUSB technology and includes DriveStation HD-HXU3 with SuperSpeed USB, which gives users the ability to quickly back up massive amounts of important data and other digital assets across multiple platforms and USB interfaces.

Weighing in at 3 pounds and offering plenty of room for videos, photos and files, this portable drive from Hewlett-Packard is perfect for road warriors. It comes with a durable carrying case for protection, and built-in software allows for plug-and-play connectivity.

Portable enough to fit in your pocket, this Samsung hard drive boasts enough capacity to fit all your files without taking up room in your suitcase. USB on-board technology reduces the length of the HDD, resulting in the compact form, and its glossy front cover with a printed pattern and leather-like back cover give the package an air of elegance.

Backed by a three-year warranty, this rubberized, grippy drive is resistant to shocks, drops and water and includes 2GB of free online storage, courtesy of Hitachi. An integrated USB 2.0 cable has been redesigned for improved flexibility and offers stylish underside lighting. You know, for clubbing and stuff.