Portable Hard Disk

What is a Portable Hard Disk?

Data is stored in the hard disk which is inside every computer. This hard disk is risk prone and its failure might lead to a loss of the vital data it contains. As data is precious and hard disks volatile, it is necessary to create a back up for all the important data.

Many devices are available for creating a backup but none are as well suited as the external hard disk. This portable hard drive lies outside the computer and is encased in a casing which might also contain a fan. A high speed interface cable connects it to the computer enabling easy data passage between these two equipments. It is also possible to switch it off when the computer is connected to the internet. This device has so many advantages that it has a great role to play in the future data backup industry.

Its Role in The Future Data Backup Industry

This backup device has all the necessary features that an ideal backup media should have.

Its data storing capacity ranges from 20 GB to 300 GB. It stores data in its original format. Files, photographs, videos, music, documents, a backup can be created of virtually everything. All the data on the hard disk can be placed on one single drive. Being bus powered it does not require an adaptor or expensive batteries. Once the required files and folders are selected, the backup takes place automatically. A hassle free backup takes place regularly, necessitating no backup activation.

Employees can carry it around, anywhere in the world. They just have to plug it in and start using it. It’s so lightweight and handy that it can be carried around in a pocket too. They can also share the data with the other employees as it is compatible with all laptops and computers.

Strengths of Portable Hard Disks

Reliability

Placing them inside an aluminium case protects it against damages. Some also have built in omni directional shock mounting system to protect the data contained in the disk. As it is a hard disk cased in, the reliability rates of an internal hard disk and portable hard disk are same. The mean time between failures (MTBF) used to measure a hard disk reliability is also applicable to this data storage device. It is around 300,000 to 1.2 million hours.

Data Storage Capacity

Portable hard disk is as fast as an internal hard disk drive, and has tremendous data storing capacity. Their storage capacity of a 2.5” portable hard disk drive is 300 GB.

Data Transfer Rates

Portability of the external hard disk enables data transfer between computers that are not networked. Data transfer rates are quite high with a USB 2.0 connection. Theoretically, the data transfer rate should be 60MB/sec.

Easy Usage

The device is easy to use; it just a ‘plug and play’ device.

Comparison with Other Portable Storage Devices

It also compares favourably with other data storage devices and has more memory than a flash drive, CD or DVD. It also offers greater data protection and the employment of hard disk spinning technology has made data storage economical in comparison with flash memory.

However, in spite of all these advantages, it has its inherent drawbacks.

Drawbacks of Portable Hard Drives

Portable hard drive has all the disadvantages of an internal hard drive. Power fluctuations, lightning strikes, can cause data loss. As they are prone to all the failures of a hard disk, they are best used for data transfer.

They are relatively new in the home computer usage. If the windows were to fail, it would be difficult to access the data stored on them.

The drawbacks of the portable hard disk are few and its advantages are many. It has great storing capacity, is lightweight, portable, reliable and compatible across platforms enabling file sharing across multiple platforms. What better features can one expect in a data backup device?