Hard Drives - External

These external drives use mobile 2.5in hard disks, which mean they're a lot more portable than desktop drives. Most use super-fast USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt connections, and many include backup applications and cloud storage deals for added security.

These larger drives use desktop-style 3.5in hard disks, which means they're better suited to sitting on a desk than being carried around in a bag, but their larger profile does mean big capacities. Their 7,200rpm spindle speeds mean file transfer are quicker than 2.5in drives, too.

External SSDs are ideal for users looking for lightweight, portable and speedy storage. Their pocket-friendly enclosures are significantly smaller and lighter than external hard drives, and with no moving parts they're also silent, more robust and less prone to physical shock damage. They use the USB 3 interface, which is 10 times faster than and backwards compatible with USB 2.

These hard drive enclosures enable a 1.8" to 2.5" SATA internal hard drive to be converted into an external USB hard drive unit. Externally, these enclosures feature a USB 2 connection with some also fitted with an eSATA port, allowing a direct plug and play link up to a computer. Note that some of these enclosures are powered via their USB connection, with others using an external power adaptor, check specifications of the individual product to confirm.
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Combining Super Speed USB 3.0 with a SATA hard drive interface results in an external hard drive with high data transfer rates. A 1.8" to 2.5" internal SATA hard drive fits into these enclosures. Power to these enclosures are either via the USB 3.0 connection or a separate power lead, check specifications of the individual product to confirm.
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These external hard drive enclosures do not include a drive as standard, allowing you to pick the perfect drive for your requirements. Using the latest USB 3.1 bus, these enclosures can be as much as twice as fast as an older USB 3 enclosure, with up to 10Gbit/sec bandwidth available.