An external hard disk drive is a type of hard disk drive which is externally connected to a computer. Modern entries into the market consist of standard SATA, IDE, or SCSI hard drives in portable disk enclosures with SCSI, USB, IEEE 1394 Firewire, eSATA client interfaces to connect to the host computer.
External hard drives are certainly known for their memory storage capacity. They allow one to store data up to four thousand gigabytes, along with easy portability. There are many external hard drives available in the market which have unique features and functions. When external hard drives were newly launched, they were very expensive. However, due to their wide demand and use, the prices have lowered significantly. Let’s take a look at some of the best external hard drives available.
1. Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus 1 TB 3.5″ USB 2.0
- 1 TB external hard drive connects to your computer via USB cable or FireWire 400
- Simple Maxtor user interface for drive management, security, and backup scheduling
- Two levels of security against unauthorized use – Maxtor DrivePass¿ and data encryption
- Sync data between 2 or more computers on the same operating system
- Drive and power management utilities; 5-year limited warranty Price: $119.99
2. Western Digital My Passport Elite Portable 500 GB USB 2.0 Hard Disk Drive (Titanium)
- Luxurious Soft-touch Finish
- Capacity gauge
- Backup and Sync Software
- Powered directly from the USB port on your PC. No separate power supply is needed
- Remote access – Connect My Passport to any PC and run MioNet® Key software to remotely access files, music, and photos from any of your computers with MioNet software installed. Free for the life of the drive (Windows only) Price: $134.95
3. Seagate FreeAgent Go 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive
- 5,400 RPM Spin Speed, 8 MB Cache Buffer
- USB 2.0: up to 480 Mb/s
- Sync and back up quickly at your desktop without having to search for cables.
- Guard the privacy of important files and folders.
- Get your storage solution up and running quickly. Price: $114.97
4. LaCie Hard Disk 1 TB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive
- 1 TB USB external hard drive with a stunning design by Neil Poulton
- Fast USB 2.0 interface offers connectivity and transfer rates of up to 480 Mbps
- Plug and Play functionality for both Macs and Windows
- Includes one-year online backup service providing unlimited off-site backup storage
- Measures 4.6 x 1.8 x 7.6 inches (WxHxD); 2-year limited warranty Price: $119.99
5. Maxtor 320GB Black Armor 2.5-Inch External Hard Drive
- Box Content – BlackArmor external hard drive with pre-loaded security and backup software, Quick Start guide, USB 2.0 cable, and Protective slip case
- Protected by Seagate Secure hardware based encryption technology delivering Government certification as the strongest data security available for an external storage device
- Removal of the USB cable from your computer auto locks the drive
- No tedious manual security procedures found in software-based encryption technology
- Hint feature offers a reminder in the event of a forgotten password Price: $89.99
6. Toshiba 320 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive
- USB Powered for Portability/ 320GB Capacity/ Up to 480Mb/s Speed
- Small Size Saves Desktop Space/ Compact/ Lightweight/ Just 6 oz./ Black and Grey
- Internal Shock Sensor and Ramp Loading Technology
- Simple Solution for Backup or Increasing Computer Storage
- Perfect for Music/ Movies/ Photos/ Games/ Large Business Files/ Etc. Price: $82.51
7. Seagate FreeAgent Desk 1 TB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive
- USB 2.0: up to 480 Mb/s
- Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM
- Simple software, energy efficient, and encryption
- Dynamic display, ultra stylish, brushed metal, and flexible Price: $119.99
8. Western Digital 1TB My Passport Studio II
- Box Contents – Dual-drive storage system, FireWire 800 cable, FireWire 800 to 400 cable, USB cable, AC adapter, Software CD, Quick Install Guide, 5-Year Limited
- Lightning-fast FireWire 800 combined with RAID 0 (Striped) yields the speed you need for smooth video editing, rendering complex 3D objects or special effects and saving huge blocks of data in record time
- Designed to use only WD’s GreenPower drives, this system uses about 30% less energy than standard systems and runs quietly because it doesn’t need a fan
- 1TB = 1000GB Hard Drive Capacity
- Pre-configured to RAID 0 (Striped) Price: $223.96
9. LaCie Rugged All-Terrain Hard Disk 320 GB
- 320 GB external hard disk with rugged, shock resistant case
- Triple interface including FireWire 800, FireWire 400, and USB 2.0 for speed and universal connectivity
- Bus-powered so no bulky power adapter required
- Includes one-year online backup service providing unlimited off-site backup storage
- Measures 3.5 x 1.0 x 5.7 inches (WxHxD); backed by a 3-year warranty Price: $119
10. Iomega Prestige 500 GB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive
- Easy-to-use: simple USB 2.0 interface; just plug and play
- Stylish and durable: stylish drive – available in a dark silver brushed finish; sturdy aluminum construction with included stand
- Secure: EMC retrospect HD (PC) license is included for easy file backup (software available via easy download)
- Energy efficient: powered by an Energy Star qualified adapter for a better environment Price: $79.95
External hard drives aren’t as fast as internal models, but they are great for backups and are easy to install.
