Get a Seagate Backup Plus 1TB portable hard drive for $79.99
That's your out-the-door, no-rebate price on this USB 3.0 drive, which features a super-slim design and built-in backup software.
Most external hard drives are on the big, bulky side, and they require their own power supply, which is a hassle to say the least.
Portable external drives run off USB power, which is convenient -- but it usually means a lower-capacity drive and higher price.
Not today. Newegg has the Seagate Backup Plus 1TB portable USB 3.0 hard drive for $79.99 shipped. That's after applying coupon code EMCXWVV26 at checkout.
Now, anyone who follows hard drives like I do needs to get a hobby knows that 80 bucks for a 1TB drive isn't all that spectacular. However, when you factor in its portable (as opposed to desktop) design and USB 3.0 interface, it's definitely a better-than-average deal.
Indeed, I daresay that for the same $80, I'd rather have a 1TB portable USB 3.0 drive than a 2TB desktop USB 2.0 drive. Especially this one: the Backup Plus is downright tiny, measuring just 4.9 inches by 3.2 inches by 0.6 inch and weighing only 0.44 pound.
And assuming your laptop has a USB 3.0 port in which to plug the drive, you're looking at some mighty speedy performance. This comes in handy when you're trying to back up every bit and byte of your data, something the drive can do thanks to its built-in backup software.
What's more, the drive can be used interchangeably with PCs and Macs, and in fact you can even swap in Thunderbolt or FireWire connectors (sold separately). Plus, it comes with a two-year warranty, which I especially like.
Because this is a fairly new model, there aren't any user reviews posted on Newegg just yet. But over at Staples, where the drive sells for $99.99 (plus tax), some 27 buyers rated it 4.4 stars out of 5.
Here's your chance to grab it for 20 bucks less.
Update: If you don't mind rebates and a shorter warranty and don't need built-in backup software, TigerDirect has the Western Digital Elements WDBPCK0010BBK-NESN 1TB portable USB 3.0 hard drive for $59.99, plus $3.69 for shipping. But that's after redeeming a $30 mail-in rebate.
Bonus deal: Rechargeable batteries rule. Today only, and while supplies last, Pennywise.biz has the Duracell GoEasy battery charger, 12 AAA, and 2 AA rechargeable batteries for $17.99 (plus a penny for shipping) when you apply coupon code dealnews1. That's less than half the price you'd pay elsewhere for a similar bundle. Just don't expect lightning-fast delivery; I've read reports of some very slow turnaround from this outfit.
Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.
Curious about what exactly The Cheapskate does and how it works? Read our FAQ.