Portable Storage: What To Look For

Anyone who has suffered a loss of data knows the value of having a good backup system.  Portable hard drives are perfect for backup and storing files that clutter up computers but you don't want to delete (pictures, music, videos).  If you're giving one as a gift or shopping for yourself, here are some tips for choosing the right solution.

Size Matters:  These days you can get a portable hard drive with 1TB (terabyte) of storage for under $200.  However, most people don't need that much.  Aim for 160GB - 500GB; you'll get plenty of space for a good price.

USB Powered: Look for a drive that's powered by the computer's USB port to cut down on the number of wires you'll have to deal with.

Looks Matter:  If you're giving a drive as a gift, look for good brands that come in different colors, like the Seagate FreeAgent Go.  They're festive and a nice change from the grey or black brick people usually get.