What is it? A portable hard drive is a small device that allows you to store and carry large amounts of data external to a computer.

How small? Slip-in-your-handbag small. Some models weigh as little as 180 grams, and are no bigger than a pocket diary. Yet they can hold up to 320 gigabytes (GB) worth of data.
Which equates to . . .? A 320 GB portable hard drive will hold up to 80,000 songs, 91,000 photos or 24 hours of video. That’s a whole lot of storage in one little package.

Why would I want one? A portable hard drive allows convenient transport of your computer files from one location to another. You can also use it for backing up your computer’s data; most models come with synching software to make this a quick and simple process.

How does it connect to a PC. With a cable that is compatible with common porting methods such as USB, Firewire or Ethernet.

Is it the same as an external hard drive? Not necessarily. An external hard drive is any large-capacity storage drive that lives outside of a computer’s “body”. It can be quite chunky, clunky and ugly. A portable had drive, meanwhile, is designed specifically for carrying beyond your desk. And many are as stylish as they are practical.

How so? Manufacturers are catering to the burgeoning portable-storage market with slick colours and finishes. Western Digital, for example, makes hard portable hard drives in a range of funky colours (Cherry Red, Deep Viola, Raindrop Blue, to name a few), and also has an “Elite” range made from a soft-touch, leather-like material. 

How much does it cost? Portable hard drives start at around $79 for an 80GB model, while a 320GB model will set you back around $180.

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