All Hard Drives

The Bottom Line: The Maxtor Central Axis is a simple, compact, and fast NAS device that offers 1TB of storage at a fair price. Be warned, though, that it runs hot and comes with confusing desktop software, a sluggish, unintuitive Web-based interface and a limited backup application.

Specs: Maxtor Central Axis NAS server, 1 TB, PC, Mac, RJ-45, 4 pin USB Type A, Standard, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

The Bottom Line: 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.

The Bottom Line: 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.

The Bottom Line: 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.

The Bottom Line: The Western Digital My Book Mirror Edition is a compelling choice for an external drive, delivering excellent value, good performance, and two hard drives for added data security. For anyone looking for an external USB 2.0 drive, the My Book Mirror belongs on your shortlist.

Specs: 2 TB, Internal

The Bottom Line: The Western Digital My Book Mirror Edition is a compelling choice for an external drive, delivering excellent value, good performance, and two hard drives for added data security. For anyone looking for an external USB 2.0 drive, the My Book Mirror belongs on your shortlist.

Specs: 1 TB, Internal

The Bottom Line: 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

The Bottom Line: 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

The Bottom Line: 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

The Bottom Line: 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"