Data Storage and Back-Up Devices - Some features you must look for

Data Storage and Back-Up Devices

The first thing to consider is the type of external hard drive you want: desktop-class or laptop-class. Desktop-class drives, with 3.5-inch mechanisms inside, require a power adapter. They are designed to stay in one place, usually on your work surface at home or the office. Desktop-class drives currently topout at 4TB, though there are setups with two drives in a chassis for more storage. A desktop-class drive with a built-in fan for extra cooling will extend the drive's life expectancy.

Determine your needs

The first ting you should do before looking to buy a data storage and backup device is determine your needs. This can be easily done by answering the following three questions:
  1. How much of data needs to be stored?
  2. How portable does your storage need to be?
  3. What are your future storage needs likely to be?
  After you are clear about these three aspects, you are almost there with respect to determining your data needs.

Some features you must look for

  1. Do check out the 'shock protection' feature if you are buying a portable hard drive to carry around with you.
  2.  The password protection feature is important for people looking to store sensitive data in their storage devices.
  3. Automatic backup is also a useful feature that comes with a lot of reliability. This feature allows
      users to keep copies of their work in case they change or delete anything.
  4. Although a lot of devices that require to be connected to the computer use USB 2.0, USB 3.0 is
      the latest standard. It is three times as fast and allows quicker copying of data. Do keep in mind
      that both your computer and the drive should support this new standard.
  5. Don't forget check the compatibility of the storage device with your computer.
      If you are a Mac or Linux user, this is a must for you.
  6. Do check out the online stores to get some of the best deals on storage devices.

Example of some Products

Dell 1TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive

Form factor: 6.4 cm, Interfaces: 1x USB 3.0 - 10 pin Micro-USB Type B; 1TB storage, Dimensions: 83.82 mm X 124.46 mm X 15.24 mm, Weight: 195 gm; Interface transfer rate: up to 4.8 GBps for USB 3.0, Spindle speed: 5400 RPM. Price: Rs. 5964.

 

WD Caviar Black (WD2002FAEX) Internal Hard Drive (2TB)

Dual processor to maximise performance, Easy to install, Ideal for power computing applications such as multimedia, video and photo editing and maxed out gaming computers; Compatible with desktops only. Price: Rs. 13,400.

Buffalo MiniStation Thunderbolt

The Buffalo MiniStation Thunderbolt is the first portable drive on the market the comes with both Thunderbolt and USB 3.0, making it a great backup solution for Mac laptop. The drive offered stellar performance, especially when used with Thunderbolt,  Thunderbolt cable that helps make it one of most affordable Thunderbolt-based portable drive on the market.