Portable Storage Devices
Running out of hard-drive space? Here's some advice and product recommendations.
My notebook's hard drive is packed: I've amassed so many MP3 files, video clips, photos, and, oh yes, work-related documents that my laptop's 60GB of storage space is nearly full. This shrinkage of free storage space is a problem that many notebook users face, because laptops have much smaller hard drive capacities than desktops.
So I have three options: Erase files to make room; upgrade my notebook's hard drive to a larger one; or offload files onto an external hard drive. As for option one, forget it--I'm not parting with any of my 3257 Patsy Cline tunes. Option two? Way too much work. That leaves option three, and the subject of this week's newsletter: portable storage.
I can't cover all the options; there are too many. But here are a few to consider.
The Iomega Screenplay is unusual: It's a portable hard drive that hooks up to an audio system or TV to play music, or to a TV to play video and display photos. The pocket-size 60GB drive has RCA and S-Video-out jacks, and it ships with a small remote control, an AC adapter, and cables for connecting to a PC (via USB 2.0) or TV.
I tested the Screenplay briefly. It works fine, and it has undeniable geek appeal. Also, I like Iomega's Automatic Backup Pro, which is included. Unlike the majority of backup programs I've tried, Iomega's software is easy to use. The Screenplay lists for $220, but I found it for less with our Product Finder.
But if you're not planning to use the Screenplay's multimedia features avidly, it isn't worth its fairly high price. For example, if all you want is a portable drive to back up and archive some of the surplus files on your notebook, you can pay $140 for Iomega's 60GB Silver Series Portable Hard Drive. And unlike the Screenplay, it doesn't require a power adapter; the Silver Series drives are powered by a USB connection.
Still, if you need a portable device for backing up media and other files, and you want an easy way to connect that device to a TV, the Screenplay might be the ticket.
SimpleTech's SimpleDrive Mini, an external USB hard drive, puts 4GB of storage in a compact and durable device. The drive is about 2 inches wide, 2.5 inches high, and 0.5 inch deep; it weighs only 1.6 ounces.
Granted, 4GB isn't enough to copy over all the data on your computer, but it's useful for quickly backing up a handful of large files. For example, when I'm traveling I frequently back up my work files onto the SimpleDrive Mini. And I like its built-in, retractable USB cable. The SimpleDrive Mini lists for $99, but it's available for less on our Product Finder.
A similar option, though one I haven't tested, is Seagate's USB 2.0 Pocket Hard Drive, which provides 5GB of storage for less than $100; our Product Finder has the latest prices. The hockey-puck-shaped device (3 inches in diameter) was a 2005 World Class Award winner.
Of course, you'll need another backup copy of any file on a drive that you carry all the time and that could get lost or broken. A good rule of thumb: Always make sure you have at least two copies (in different locations) of every file that's important to you.
Maxtor's 300GB OneTouch II external hard drive is a versatile storage choice. It works easily with either PCs or Macs (I have both) and includes USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 connections (I need both). Unlike some external hard drives, it has an on/off power switch. Read our test report for the full specs.
Downsides: Like other drives of its capacity, it's a bit bulky and requires its own power source, which makes it more of a desktop model than a portable. Also, I've never been a fan of Retrospect backup software, which ships with the OneTouch; it's interface is unfriendly, in my opinion. So don't tell anyone, but I regularly use Iomega's utility to back up to Maxtor's drive.
The OneTouch II lists for about $260, but I found it for much less on our Product Finder.
Mobile Computing News, Reviews, & TipsSpeaking of storage, Seagate recently announced its 160GB Portable Hard Drive ($379), a 2.5-inch drive weighing less than a pound. The drive is based on new technology called "perpendicular recording" that stores its bits of data in magnetized particles where the poles are perpendicular to the disk surface, which frees up more space for data. For a brief explanation of how this emerging technology works, read "PC Drive Reaches 500GB."
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I've checked out all the cellular network carrier's online coverage maps; by far, T-Mobile's is the most detailed.
I briefly considered switching from Cingular to T-Mobile. So I went to T-Mobile's Web site, typed in my street address, and was astonished to see a detailed map of my neighborhood. Most wireless service providers, by contrast, show cities and areas--not neighborhoods.
Unfortunately, there is absolutely zero T-Mobile coverage in my neighborhood. But you've got to love a wireless carrier that's up front and specific about its coverage.
Is there a particularly cool mobile computing product or service I've missed? Got a spare story idea in your back pocket? Tell me about it. However, I regret that I'm unable to respond to tech-support questions, due to the volume of e-mail I receive.
James A. Martin
