Solid state drives have changed the concept of speed in our computers forever, but when it comes to backups, the hard drive is still king. Its cost-to-capacity ratio is virtually unbeatable, and thanks to advances in miniaturization, external hard drives hold a privileged place among our accessories. Need one? Today we'll present five excellent models to consider.
We'll assume you've come to the conclusion that you need more space on your computer. Whether it's a desktop or laptop, the point is that your main hard drive has entered a critical situation, and there are several gigabytes that must be moved out one way or another. Backing up a very large amount of data using optical discs requires Blu-ray technology to be practical, and high-capacity USB drives tend to blow budgets. With that in mind, the most convenient solution is the external hard drive. No, I'm not exaggerating: For less than 60 euros you can buy a 1 TB drive with a USB 3.0 interface and reduce any backup to a couple of clicks. Windows, OS X, and Linux. Desktop, laptop, or hybrid. The external hard drive offers more advantages than compromises, and all it asks in return... is to be treated well. That said, let's see what models you can get right now:
Toshiba Canvio Basics (1 TB)
The Japanese giant is not going through a good economic moment, but that doesn't change the fact that its products have earned the respect of many users, and a good example is the external hard drive Toshiba Canvio Basics. USB 3.0 interface with backward compatibility, just over 200 grams, austere and compact design. Available from 500 GB up to 3 TB. (58 euros, 1 TB)
Western Digital Elements (1 TB)
No list of external hard drives would make sense without an entry for Western Digital, and so we must stop at one of its best-selling products: the portable version of the Elements series. It most likely comes loaded with a trial of WD SmartWare Pro, but you don't need it. Do a quick format, and plug it in. That's all. (57 euros, 1 TB)
Samsung M3 (1 TB)
History tells us that Samsung hard drives are now under the wing of Seagate, however, that change didn't alter the popularity of the M3 series. 150 grams of weight (in its 1 TB configuration), encryption software, a maximum capacity of four terabytes, three years of warranty, and a price that is currently excellent, complete the combo. (50 euros, 1 TB)
Western Digital My Passport Ultra (2 TB)
Let's go up a step not only in capacity, but also in integrated functions. The Ultra variant of the Western Digital My Passport is available under other configurations (for example, 1 and 1.5 TB), but it manages to differentiate itself from the rest by its hardware-based encryption, and it's always interesting to have some color variety for the case. (95 euros, 2 TB, blue)
Toshiba Canvio Desk (3 TB)
Portability is a factor automatically associated with external hard drives, though there are users willing to sacrifice it in favor of greater capacity. So we arrive at the Toshiba Canvio Desk. We chose the three-terabyte version because it offers the best price in recent hours. 3 TB for less than 90 euros? You don't have to think much about it. (89 euros, 3 TB)
There is something we can't completely escape, and that is the WD-Seagate binary trap. Western Digital had to divest several resources so that Toshiba could manufacture its own drives with HGST technology, and we've considered that detail when creating this list. The three major companies in the hard drive market are all represented. The rest is up to you as a consumer. Search, compare, inquire, and choose. Good luck!
