Top 10 External Hard Drives

External hard drive becomes necessary if you need more storage space to your computer. They also come handy for watching movies on DVD / Blu - Ray players that has USB ports. Professionals find them useful for taking backup of their important documents/essentials. There are many varieties of models available from many manufacturers that offer different capacities, speeds, and prices. We have selected the models that provides the best balance between reliability, storage, performance and price. Let us take a look at the top 10 models.

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

Bonus: LaCie 4Big Quadra (4TB)

• RAID disk array provides 2TB of disk space
• Supports seven RAID modes including RAID 0/1/3/5/10
• Four connection interfaces include USB 2.0, FireWire 400, FireWire 800, and eSATA
• Striking design by Neil Poulton
• Measures 8.66 x 7.67 x 6.88 inches (WxHxD)

Price
$827.99

[Note: Another good external hard disk which we could not include in our top 10 list only because of its high price tag]