External Hard Drives

SimpleTech (Re)Drive
Made from bamboo and recycled aluminum, the SimpleTech (Re)Drive is the most environmentally friendly external hard drive we've tested. It works well as a USB 2.0-only storage device and offers a unique ownership experience.
Specs: 500 GB, Hi-Speed USB

Drobo (Second generation)
The second-generation Drobo adds a FireWire 800 connection, but the direct-attached storage drive offers no improvement over the original USB-only Drobo and, in fact, may represent a step backward. We found throughput speeds to be very slow, and more shocking was the finicky nature of the device.

Drobo (second generation, 2TB)
The second-generation Drobo adds a FireWire 800 connection, but the original USB-only on the now discounted Drobo might be the best bet for Windows users until better FireWire 800 drivers arrive. The device remains the most automated and easy-to-use redundant backup product we've seen.

Drobo (Second generation, 4TB)
The second-generation Drobo adds a FireWire 800 connection, but the direct-attached storage drive offers no improvement over the original USB-only Drobo and, in fact, may represent a step backward. We found throughput speeds to be very slow, and more shocking was the finicky nature of the device.

Vox BlackBox (1TB)
The Vox BlackBox is a 1TB NAS drive that serves up a lot of storage but not many features for a good price. Though you may be tempted by its low cost per gigabyte, be warned it's noisy and plagued by brutally bad software.
Specs: VOX BlackBox Hard drive array, PC, Mac, Unix, 4 pin USB Type B, RJ-45, Hot-swap

Iomega eGo Camo portable hard drive (250GB, camo)
The eGo Camo portable hard drive is Iomega's first attempt at a "ruggedized" drive--it can withstand a beating thanks to its Power Grip band. Despite it lacking a few accessories, you'll be satisfied with its competitive price and quick transfer speeds.
Specs: 250 GB, Hi-Speed USB

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"

Iomega eGo Portable Hard Drive (250GB, Brown)
The Iomega eGo Brown leather portable hard drive is a fashionable alternative to other boring HDs, and it gives you a healthy amount of space for a low price, but don't expect lightning fast transfer speeds.
Specs: 250 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

Buffalo LinkStation Mini (500GB)
The tiniest of NAS drives, the Buffalo LinkStation Mini keeps up with its full-size competition in terms of both features and performance. However, you'll pay a premium price for this small, silent networked drive.
Specs: Buffalo LinkStation Mini LS-WS500GL/R1 - NAS server, 500 GB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet