External Hard Drives

Synology Disk Station DS-107+
The Synology DS107+ is the most sophisticated NAS device we've tested to date. Its more advanced features require some networking know-how, but the included software and Web interface go a long way in helping you tackle the various offerings. You can't beat all the features you get for the price.

SimpleTech Signature Mini (320GB, red)
The SimpleTech Signature Mini Black Cherry is a compact, USB-only external hard drive that will tempt you with its sleek design, and then win you over with its capacity, performance, and price.
Specs: 320 GB, Hi-Speed USB, 2.5", 8 MB, 5400 rpm

Western Digital MyBook World Edition NAS server
The Western Digital MyBook World Edition is a simple-to-use NAS drive that makes remote access and file sharing easy for even beginners. Only its slow data transfer speed gives us pause.
Specs: My Book World Edition NAS server, 500 GB, PC, Mac, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-45, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

D-Link DNS-323 2-Bay Network Storage Enclosure
The D-Link DNS-323 2-Bay Network Storage Enclosure is a comprehensive solution to extend your network storage and functionality. It offers great performance and, despite its long list of features, remains very easy to use.
Specs: D-Link DNS 323 2-Bay Network Storage Enclosure - NAS server, PC, RJ-45, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

Western Digital My Passport Studio (320GB, Mac)
Whether you use a Mac or a PC, the 320GB Western Digital My Passport Studio is the perfect compact external drive with a low cost per GB, a compact design, decent performance, and a surprisingly lengthy warranty.
Specs: 320 GB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB

Western Digital MyBook Premium Edition 500GB External Hard Drive
If write speed isn't a top priority, the Western Digital MyBook is a good deal at around $300 for a 500GB drive. It'll look good on your desk or bookshelf, too.
Specs: 500 GB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB, 16 MB, 8.9 ms, 7200 rpm

Seagate FreeAgent Pro USB/eSATA/FireWire external hard drive (500GB)
The Seagate FreeAgent Pro external hard drive is an elegant workaround for users who are intimidated by NAS drives. The bundled software is simple to use and makes copying your data to various location a cinch. We really like this external hard drive.
Specs: 500 GB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB / eSATA-300, 3.5", 7200 rpm

Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive (160GB, Cherry Red)
If you love flashy toys, the Iomega eGo is for you. It's a fast and stylish drive, but Mac users get left out when it comes to backup.
Specs: 160 GB, Hi-Speed USB

HP Media Vault MV2120 (500GB)
The HP Media Vault MV2120 is a two-bay NAS drive that novice networkers will find simple to set up and use. While it offers flexible expansion options with a free internal drive bay and two USB ports, the intrusive Media Vault software and lack of a print server dampen our enthusiasm a bit.
Specs: HP Media Vault Mv2120 - Network drive, 500 GB, PC, 4 pin USB Type A, RJ-45, Removable, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

LaCie Rugged All-Terrain Hard Drive (120GB, USB/FireWire/FireWire 800)
LaCie's Rugged All-Terrain portable hard drive is an all-around winner: it's fast, it's durable, and it boasts multiple connection options. This belongs in your laptop bag.
Specs: 120 GB, IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800) / IEEE1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB, 8 MB, 12 ms, 5400 rpm

Apple Time Capsule (500GB)
Apple's hybrid 802.11n wireless router/networked hard drive offers some powerful data backup features for Mac owners, as well as Apple's typical pleasing design. Windows users and anyone who demands speed from their 802.11n network will be disappointed.
Specs: Apple Time Capsule NAS server, 500 GB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)

Drobo DroboShare
For those bemoaning the lack of network support on last year's innovative Drobo drive, DroboShare offers Gigabit Ethernet and as simple and straightforward a setup as we found with the direct-attached Drobo.
Specs: Drobo DroboShare, PC, Mac, RJ-45, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini (160GB)
The Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini is a great option for working on the go, with fast write speeds as well as backup and restore software.
Specs: 160 GB, Hi-Speed USB, 2.5", 8 MB, 5400 rpm

Toshiba USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive (160GB)
The Toshiba USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive is an attractive, durable drive for toting around, but the write speeds aren't up to snuff.
Specs: 160 GB, Hi-Speed USB

HP Media Vault mv2020 (500GB)
HP's Media Vault is a storage drive that offers an easy way to back up files from your networked PCs, along with the ability to stream your digital media files to other networked devices in your home. We really like this drive.
Specs: HP Media Vault MV2020 - Network drive, 500 GB, PC, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

Western Digital My Book Essential Edition External Hard Drive (500GB)
The Western Digital MyBook Essential Edition external hard drive is a slightly pared-down version of the MyBook Premium Edition. It's a good option if you need additional storage without backup software.
Specs: 500 GB, Hi-Speed USB, 16 MB, 8.9 ms, 7200 rpm

Seagate FreeAgent Go (160GB)
The Seagate FreeAgent Pro operates as both a hard drive and a portable PC environment, but even if you're not interested in the Ceedo program, the FreeAgent Pro offers fast speeds and good value.
Specs: 160 GB, Hi-Speed USB, 2.5", 5400 rpm

Western Digital Passport USB Portable Hard Drive (160GB, black)
Western Digital's Passport Portable External Hard Drive lets you take a lot of data on the road for a low price.
Specs: 160 GB, Hi-Speed USB, 2.5", 2 MB, 12 ms, 5400 rpm

Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus (250GB)
The Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus is a good choice for the average home user who wants a fast and simple-to-use external hard drive for backup and storage. Mac users will want to find a different restore utility to use with it.
Specs: 250 GB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB, 3.5", 16 MB, 7200 rpm

LaCie d2 Quadra Hard Drive (500GB)
The LaCie d2 Quadra is a capacious and speedy drive, with lots of connection options.
Specs: 500 GB, IEEE 1394b (FireWire 800) / IEEE1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB / eSATA, External, 16 MB, 10 ms, 7200 rpm

Toshiba USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive
The Toshiba USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive is an attractive, lightweight drive with a decent price point for a drive of this capacity. Its size makes it great for travel, but the write speeds aren't up to par with other drives we've seen. We can't recommend it due to its lack of performance.
Specs: 320 GB, Hi-Speed USB, 2.5"

Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus (500GB)
The Maxtor OneTouch 4 Plus is a good choice for the average home user who wants a fast and simple-to-use external hard drive for backup and storage. Mac users will want to find a different restore utility to use with it.
Specs: 500 GB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB, 3.5", 16 MB, 7200 rpm

Apple Time Capsule (1TB)
Apple's hybrid 802.11n wireless router/networked hard drive offers some powerful data backup features for Mac owners, as well as Apple's typical pleasing design. Windows users and anyone who demands speed from their 802.11n network will be disappointed.
Specs: Apple Time Capsule NAS server, 1 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, IEEE 802.11n (draft)

Iomega StorCenter Wireless NAS 1TB
With the Iomega StorCenter Wireless NAS drive, you get storage, backup, and so much more, all at a reasonable price, though we don't quite see the need for wireless capability. This NAS drive should please both SOHO users and home users who want a drive that works and plays.
Specs: Iomega Storcenter Wireless Network Storage 1TB - NAS server, 1 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, IEEE 802.11g, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

SimpleTech Signature Mini (250GB, gray)
The SimpleTech Signature Mini Black Cherry is a compact, USB-only external hard drive that will tempt you with its sleek design, and then win you over with its capacity, performance, and price.
Specs: 250 GB, Hi-Speed USB, 2.5", 8 MB, 5400 rpm