External Hard Drives for Mobile Computing
External hard drives have more size availability and are becoming faster and more reliable. They are ideal for backups or for transferring files and now, with USB 3.0, allow you to transfer data between the PC and the disk at a speed of up to 625 megabytes per second, whereas USB 2.0 could transfer a maximum of 60 megabytes .
It must be said that in reality no disk reaches these maximum values which are only indicative. A USB 3.0 drive is compatible also with USB 2.0 port, but you need a USB 3.0 PC connection if you want to get its high-speed potential. If your PC does not have a USB 3.0 port, you can install it by using an expansion card.
External hard drives have typically a size of 2.5 or 3.5 inches.
Both of the above two formats have advantages and disadvantages.
The 2.5-inches drives are lightweight, easy to handle and require no external power supply as power is usually supplied via USB. The small size (approximately 10x2x15 cm) and weight (200 grams) makes them ideal to be transported. Unfortunately they are a bit ‘slower than the 3.5 “(USB 3.0) and have generally a higher price. They currently have a maximum capacity of 1,000 gigabytes.
The 3.5 inches drives are larger, they are perfect as a backup media, or to extend the mass storage space. However they are bulky (15x5x20 cm on average), rather heavy (about 1 kg) and they need a separate Power Supply. They are faster than the 2.5-inches drives and have a good price per gigabyte value. They have a capacity of up to 2,000 gigabytes, but they are a bit more difficult to carry.
We present below some of the best offers.
2.5-Inches Drives
Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 1TB USB 2.0 or 3.0 Ultra-portable External Hard Drive – Black
There are different models with a capacity of 500 Gb, i TB and 2 TB
It is possible to upgrade to USB 3.0, FireWire 800 or powered eSATA or access content over the network and on TV. As the core of the GoFlex Storage System, the GoFlex ultra-portable drive is the world’s most upgradeable external drive allowing it to deliver a truly customisable experience.
The GoFlex upgrade cable USB 3.0 kit (sold separately) includes everything needed to upgrade both your laptop PC and GoFlex or GoFlex Pro ultra-portable drive.
You can find these hard drives on sale at Amazon
Click here for the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex offers at Amazon UK
Click here for the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex offers at Amazon US
Western Digital My Passport Essential 500GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive
There are similar models with a capacity of 1 TB
Designed with the same commitment to quality that made WD external drives the number one selling drives in the world, the WD Elements comes with plug-and-play simplicity, meaning you just have to connect the power and plug it into a USB port to instantly add more storage to your computer.
It is USB powered – Powered directly from the USB port on your PC. No separate power supply is needed.
With WD SmartWare™ data management and backup software that backs up your data automatically and continuously, shows your backup as it happens, and restores lost files effortlessly
You can find these hard drives on sale at Amazon
Click here for the Western Digital My Passport offers at Amazon UK
Click here for the Western Digital My Passport offers at Amazon US
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Verbatim 53021 500GB Store n Go 2.5″ External USB3
The Verbatim Store n Go portable hard drive features high performance storage using a USB 3.0 Super Speed interface. USB 3.0 offers up to 10 times faster data transfer rates than USB 2.0 (based on USB bus speed) providing ultra fast data transfer on the go.
The Store n Go portable hard drive is USB 3.0 bus powered (1 x USB 3.0 interface) yet is backwards compatible to any USB 2.0 ports on your PC or notebook. The drive
requires no external power for operation; simply plug n play.
You can find these hard drives on sale at Amazon
Click here for the Verbatim 53021 500GB Store n Go offers at Amazon UK
Click here for the Verbatim 53021 500GB Store n Go offers at Amazon US
3.5-Inches Drives
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Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 2TB Desktop USB 2.0 External Hard Drive with Capacity Gauge
The GoFlex Desk external drive, available in 1 TB, 2 TB and 3 TB models, delivers high-capacity storage and automatic, continuous backup with encryption for all your files with its preloaded software. The included plug-and-play USB 2.0 can easily be upgraded to USB 3.0 or FireWire 800. It is the world’s most upgradeable external drive – upgrade to a faster interface with a GoFlex Desk desktop adapter
You can find these hard drives on sale at Amazon
Click here for the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex external hard drive offers at Amazon UK
Click here for the Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex external hard drive offers at Amazon US
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Verbatim 47514 2TB USB 2.0 3.5″ Hard Disk Drive
Verbatim’s External Hard Drive provides high capacity storage back up for all file types offering high performance and reliability.
Its stylish ‘black steel’ space saving design sits neatly on the modern desk top.
The Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface makes the transfer of data quick and easy and for added security the drive come pre-loaded with Nero BACKITUP 4 Essentials software. Features include full synchronisation and backup from your PC/laptop internal hard drive.
You can find these hard drives on sale at Amazon
Click here for the Verbatim 47514 2TB external hard drive offers at Amazon UK
Click here for the Verbatim 47514 2TB external hard drive offers at Amazon US
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Samsung Story Station Plus HX-DE020EB – Hard drive – 2 TB – external – 3.5″- Hi-Speed USB
Samsung has developed solid, reliable data storage to store your precious memories up to 2 TB.
You can find these hard drives on sale at Amazon
Click here for the Samsung Story Station Plus external hard drive offers at Amazon UK
Click here for the Samsung Story Station Plus external hard drive offers at Amazon US
Conclusion
There are many other External Hard Drives on sale at Amazon, but those presented above are surely among the most popular and reliable External Hard Drives.
2 Comments to 'External Hard Drives'
June 10, 2011
[...] solid state drives there are many External Hard Drives which are on sale at Amazon and we present below a few interesting [...]
September 26, 2011
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