Hard Drives - External

These external drives use mobile 2.5in hard disks, which mean they're a lot more portable than desktop drives. They've got capacities that range from 250GB to 4TB, 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: some of these products serve up a whopping 4TB of space. Their 7,200rpm spindle speeds mean file transfer are quicker than 2.5in drives, too.

These high-end external hard disks have Wi-Fi connections, so they can be used to transfer and access files without a wired connection is being used at all - perfect if you're on the road or elsewhere in the house. They've got added versatility thanks to rapid USB 3.0 wired connections, and some come without hard disks if you'd like to save money by using existing drives.

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.

Direct Attached Storage or DAS is an external storage device that is connected directly to a server or workstation without a network device in between (ie there is no hub, switch or router required) using USB, Firewire or eSATA for example. This direct connection ensures fast access to data. A DAS will work as though the hard drives are internally connected, meaning drives can be partitioned, formatted and set up like any other internal hard drive or raid array. These DAS devices are available for standalone desk or rack mounting.
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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.

External hard disks are ideal for backup or portable file storage, and these drives come in a large range of categories: some use desktop-sized 3.5in hard disks, other use smaller 2.5in drives, and faster products use SSDs. Most drives use USB 3, Thunderbolt or eSATA connections, and these drives can come in different types of case – some are designed to be tiny, and others are ruggedized to stand up to dust, water and even fire.

These hard drive enclosures enable a 3.5" to 5.25" 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 or Firewire port. 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 3.5" 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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