External USB Drives
Three Strong Options For Desktop Backup

When it comes to desktop backup, certainly two of the major issues at play are speed and convenience. Probably the single most common reason for not backing up is the convenience issue. Backups need to be as simple and quick a procedure as checking email. If the user can employ a basic setup, click and go model, he is more prone to back up data than if he has to spend time configuring, changing media and waiting for several hours for the process to finish. Tape drives are always a viable option but they tend to be somewhat slow and the data is only accessible through a restore procedure.

An option that is quickly gaining popularity for just these reasons (and more) is the external USB drive. The new ones all meet USB 2.0 specifications and are backwards compatible with earlier USB 1.1 connections. We brought in three different types of USB drives to evaluate and demonstrate options available.

Variations on a Theme

The three products we tested illustrate an array of reasonable options for a variety of users and situations. They range from a basic enclosure to a combined case, drive and software bundle. All of them performed admirably, with the most noted performance issue being the hard drive speed. What's nice about these drives is that they let you archive files, share large documents, copy CD/DVDs with connected computers (in the case of the Belkin device) and most importantly, create a transportable storage device that is USB 2.0 and 1.1 compatible. A key issue here is the drive is not married to a single system. It can easily be moved to a second (or third) PC to back up additional data, or store video or digital images.

We will examine the products from the simplest configuration, a case only enclosure Kit from Belkin, to the most inclusive, case, hard drive and software, from Maxtor.

Belkin's Hi-Speed USB 2.0 External Drive Enclosure Kit

The first item we tested was the Hi-Speed USB 2.0 External Drive Enclosure Kit model F5U209 from Belkin. This comes as a basic do-it-yourself kit that allows the end user to install whatever IDE type drive is preferred. This allows for complete flexibility in that it can be a standard hard drive, CD-RW or even DVD. For the more adventurous, the drives can be changed at any time to accommodate new requirements.

The kit includes a USB device cable, the USB 2.0 external drive enclosure with a built-in power supply and cooling fan, a screw kit (for mounting various drives) and software drivers CD .

Setup and Installation

Setup was not a problem, but then again it was not as easy as we would've liked. The included directions that described the process of installing the drive and assembling the case are a little less than ideal. It took us several tries to get the case put together properly. I think the fault here is more the instructions than the design of the case. The major advantage of the Belkin product, is the fact that the case is designed with multiple configuration possibilities. You can put it together as a sealed case to enclose a hard disk drive, or you can remove the faceplate and install a CD, CD/RW, or DVD drive. Belkin had the only product that offered us these alternatives. Although we would have preferred a hinged back, clamshell type design, most of the problems could be addressed by rewriting the user manual.

Installation was very simple. We plugged in the power supply, the USB cable, turned on the power switch and our Windows 2000 system immediately recognized the additional USB drive. At this point, you can copy or backup any files you choose.

We rated this product (2 out of 4 bulbs). Overall, we like the flexibility and convenience of the product. There is no bundled software, so you have to rely on either copying files manually or using third party backup software. The only real downside to this product, as stated earlier, is the manner in which the case fits together and the need for better documentation.

Street price of Belkin's USB 2.0 external drive Kit is about $99. The product comes with a lifetime warranty. For additional information, go to www.Belkin.com.

Editor's note:
As we post this article, Belkin has informed us that the price of their external drive enclosure Kit is being reduced to $69 (street). This certainly gives the consumer a good reason to consider them in a cost benefit analysis.

 

IOGear's ION™ Drive model GHD135U40

The ion drive from IOGear, represented the next step in our progression of external USB DRIVES. The ion drive we received came pre-configured with a 40 GB 7200 RPM hard disk drive. This device rather than being a Kit, allows the user to open the box and immediately use the product. As with all the drives tested, it is USB 2.0 and 1.1 compatible. The ion drive can be purchased as a drive case only and configured with the hard drive of your choice. The case itself is a pleasing modern design with an up swept bullet look. The narrow vertical profile fits easily on the desktop.

The product package includes the drive itself, a USB 2.0 cable, a software CD, and user manual.

Setup and installation

Here again, setup and installation were simple, but with a hitch. We plugged in the power supply, the USB cable and attached it to the system. The system indicated there was an external USB device, but could not identify the drive. A quick call to IOGear's tech support line determined that the problem was a drive that had not been formatted at the factory. Well, this was the review piece for evaluation and accidents happen. The problem was quickly resolved and we were on our way. Once in operation the drive performed flawlessly. We backed up files and copied files quickly and efficiently. The ion drive comes with no software other than the drivers CD. All of our file transfers were done with third party software or simple copy requests through the operating system.

The ion drive received ( two out of four bulbs). It is a sleek, efficient desktop tool that, with its 7200 RPM drive, makes quick work of backing up or copying files. We felt the price point was somewhat high for what is offered. Street price of the ion drive as tested, is approximately $199. The product comes with a three-year limited warranty. For additional information, go to www.IOGear.com.

Maxtor's Personal Storage 5000 L.E. Drive

The final item we tested in our little foray into desktop backup and recovery, was the personal storage 5000 L.E. drive from Maxtor. As is often the case, we save the best for last. This product is a terrific bang for the buck. The package is a well thought out bundle of both hardware and software. The model we received included an 80 gigabyte hard disk drive that comes preformatted in FAT 32. The instructions are explicit in alerting the user to the differences between the FAT 32 system and NTFS. This allows for quick planning and decisions depending on the system or systems with which the drive will be used.

The boxed bundle includes the 5000 L.E. drive, a USB cable, power supply, installation software CD, a user's guide and a nice little stand that allows you to mount the drive vertically for the desktop or horizontally to rest on top of your system. This device also comes bundled with Dantz Retrospect Express software.

Setup and installation

Installation of the 5000 L.E. drive is a two-part process. The first step is to install the software. You have the option to install just the drivers, or you can install the bundled Retrospect express package. We chose to install the full backup package. The installation wizard guides you through the process, a registration key is automatically supplied with the bundled software and it is pretty much a click and continue process. Following this, a quick connection of the power and USB cables brings the drive online. Setting up Maxtor's one touch feature can be a bit involved, however, once all the decisions have been made as to drive formatting and the files and directories to be backed up the automated process is quite slick.

The Maxtor received (3 out of four bulbs) due to the one drawback we found, namely the lack of an on off switch. It seems a bit odd, but the device has no power switch. The problem arises when the computer system is cycled on and off. Unless we disconnected and then reconnected the drive to the system, the external drive was not recognized. We're not sure we understand the logic of not having a power switch, but at worst it's a small annoyance. Overall The Maxtor personal storage 5000 L.E. is a great bundle for the price. You get 80 GB of storage along with some very good backup software to make the job of archiving desktop files that much easier. All in all, it's an excellent choice. The 5000 L.E. has a street price of about $199. For additional information, go to www.Maxtor.com.

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