13. Hitachi SimpleDRIVE Mini 320 GB Blue Dusk

Hitachi SimpleDRIVE Mini 320GB Blue Dusk

Most of the big names in portable storage sell a 320 GB USB external hard drive for more than $80. This drive, from Hitachi’s SimpleTech brand, can be found for a little bit less on most major retail sites. In exchange for a slightly less well-known brand name, you get an enclosure that is sturdier and more attractive than most. There are three color choices here: red, blue, or a gray “carbon fiber” texture. Each glows on the desktop with the lighting effects of underside LEDs. They’re wrapped in a suede-like plastic that gives the drive more cushion than metal would, and like the Blackberry and Logitech Mouse in this roundup, the drive features sides with rubber grips (we can’t say too much about design choices that make gadgets less slippery). There is automatic backup software included with the drive or you could use a third-party back-up tool. We used the drive with Apple’s Time Machine—once we plugged it in, Apple took care of business. The drive is covered by a three-year warranty.

• 320GB SimpleDrive Mini...
• • Newegg.com
  • $69.99
• • PVLonline
  • $65.00