Set-up:

The Buffalo MiniStation Metro is compatible with both Mac and PC out of the box. The hard drive comes with a bunch of software for you to install when you attach it to your computer. This is a nice change from having to run a CD for software and this is a trend that is becoming more common with portable hard drives.

Upon attaching the MiniStation to the Mac  running the Snow Leopard OS, it picked it up right away. Unfortunately, the only software included on the drive that is Mac compatible, is the option to enable Turbo USB which makes data transfers speedier. To enable this feature all you have to do is install it and then restart the computer.

After setting up the MiniStation Metro on a Mac, it was time to see if it was just as simple to work with on the Windows side. With a resounding yes – it was. The drive is compatible with the Windows 7’s latest release candidate, as well as Windows XP. We were up and running in no time. The Drive Navigator software popped up just the same as it did when I selected it on the Mac computer. This time however there were a lot more software options.

Performance:

Testing in Windows, HDTach reported that the drive could read files at an average of 19mb per second which is pretty much on average with similar USB 2.0 bus powered portable hard drives. However, once we installed Buffalo’s Turbo USB,  HDTach reported read speeds to be an average of 44.3mb per second! That is a 133% increase and way above average for other USB 2.0 hard drives in its class! Unfortunately we were not able to test write speeds in HDTach without having to format the drive and its partition, which would mean losing all of the included software. But we imagine that write speeds are not too far off. Transferring a 1.15gb file on to the drive took 1:40 seconds with Turbo USB installed. Before Turbo USB was installed, the same file took a 2:38 to write on to the drive. With Turbo USB enabled, file transfer times were significantly cut down in half.

The MiniStation Metro also played back 720×480 videos seamlessly when played directly off of the hard drive. Notably, the drive is also completely silent when spinning. The only thing that indicates that it’s working is the busy light which is purple in color.

Software:

 

First and foremost is the Encryption software which lets you encrypt your drive so that if you have confidential files that you don’t want preying eyes to see. Just enter a password of your choosing and the drive is locked and only unlockable with the code. However, the software warns you that If you want to take advantage of this encryption feature you will not be able to use the drive as a standalone simple drive or with a Mac. This is kind of a bummer personally since we use both Mac and PCs on a daily basis, and we imagine that many other people also do.

The other software included for the Windows side is Picasa, an already free Photo organization app that is easily downloadable for Mac too. Eco Manager is also included which monitors the power of the drive so that its doesn’t waste unnecessary power, saving you money in the end and probably extending the lifespan of your drive. Lastly, Memeo Autosync is also included which lets you backup and sync two selected files or folders and constantly sync to the hard drive. This software only comes with a 30 day trial period, which is annoying. Quite surprisingly, there was no back up software included. So Windows users who want to use the hard drive for backup purposes, will be left to their own resources. Fortunately for Mac users, the drive is Time Machine compatible. The one software program that both Mac and PC shared was the Turbo USB which is a nice inclusion since it certainly makes the file transfers peppier.

Conclusion:

Overall I wasn’t at all disappointed with the hardware side of the Buffalo MiniStation Metro. It is a smartly designed hard drive that is well constructed and pretty slick. I was however disappointed that all of the software included with it didn’t work for both Mac and PC, and I was also disappointed by the fact that one of the software applications included was trialware. It also seems off that that Backup software is left out. That said, the MiniStation Metro is really about being a portable hard drive that you can carry in your bag to transfer files back and forth between computers, more so than a backup hard drive. But putting the software issues aside – installation of the MiniStation was a breeze and it does run nice and quietly and its fast performance (with Turbo USB installed) make it ideal for those high-level executives who will use that encryption software and need to sneak out quickly without being detected with their MiniStation safely tucked away.

The MiniStation Metro Portable USB 2.0 Hard Drive comes in capacities from 250GB to 500GB and the colors Black, Red, and White. We’re especially fond of the red version which we reviewed – the color pops, and we also appreciated that the integrated USB cable and extra included USB extender cable even match it. Fortunately, the Buffalo MiniStation Metro is also very competitively priced, it retails upwards from $82.06 for the 250GB version, $89 for the 300GB version, and $110.98 for the 500GB version.

The Good: Great lighweight and portable design with three colors to choose from (white, red, black), included encryption software adds level of security, integrated Flex Connect USB cable so you don’t have to worry about bringing along a cable, both Mac and PC compatible, Turbo USB makes drive extra peppy

The Bad: No backup software included, don’t like that trialware is included, encryption mode not supported with Mac

For many computer users, however, backing up their computer is a difficult and intimidating task. So they don’t do it and hope for the best. The HP Portable SimpleSave hard drive is HP’s answer to this issue. It is intended to make the entire backup process simple, painless, and almost hands-free. Essentially it is trying to be Apple’s Time Machine for PC users (note: it is NOT usable on a Mac). The SimpleSave does a pretty good job of being a handsfree backup solution, though it does have a couple shortcomings.

Really, backing up your hard drive with the SimpleSave couldn’t be much easier. It’s as simple as plugging in the hard drive, starting the HP Launcher software, and letting it run. You only click once to accept the user agreement and it does the rest. Restoring your files is just as easy, and you can choose to restore individual folders, or your entire computer. We especially liked how it could back up multiple computers and the files were stored uncompressed on the hard drive so you can easily go through them and grab certain things you need quickly.

However, the software does not do a carbon copy of your hard drive. It only backs up certain file extensions. The list of extensions is… extensive and this is usually no problem. The software backs up almost every extension an average computer user could want, over 330 out of box.  Common files like music, photos, documents, and emails will all be saved automatically and easily. However if you work with a more specialized or uncommon kind of file type, then there is a chance it won’t automatically recognize the file type and not back it up. You can go into the options and add that file type, however, it is not at first obvious that one would even need to do that. In addition there are file names and folder tree length restrictions, so if you have some files deeply nested in your hard drive they may not be picked up either. Since the software works by saving only certain file types and folders, it can’t be used to restore an entire system.

 

The drive itself is sleek, piano black, and minimalist. It requires only the included USB cable to run and power it. With a single blue light and an HP logo, the design is as simple as the software, and its tiny footprint makes it easy to transport. The drive can also be used as a drag and drop drive if you desire.

The entire Simple Save backup process is designed to run in the background or while your computer is idle. It’s not particularly fast- If you have a 60-80 gigabyte hard drive, expect the backup process to take at least 2-3 hours to run the first time. This is normal with any backup software though the first time. Afterwards backups are much more speedy. However that is not a big deal since performance isn’t really an issue with a hard drive intended for back up purposes.

Conclusion

The HP SimpleSave Hard Drive is great for the average consumer in need of a no-brainer back-up solution. For the average user it does its job very well of making the backup process quick and pain free. For the more advanced user there are perhaps some limitations that could cause issues. Although in reality a more advanced user likely knows how to back their entire computer up anyway and won’t require the automated software that comes on the hard drive.

If you or a loved one is operating a computer and not backing it up, give them the gift of a HP SimpleSave Hard Drive and let them sleep a little easier at night. The HP SimpleSave 320 GB retails for $74.99 and the HP SimpleSave 500 GB retails for $102.99 at Amazon.

The Good: Automatic, easy to use, and everything an average computer user could want.
The Bad: Advance back up isn’t as easy as it could be. No Mac client

The Coat bags bring a new way to travel with your hard drives without the worry of them smashing into something and getting damaged. Resembling the bubbles on bubble wrap or even Lego brick bumps, each pattern comes in a different color and size: orange, red, black, and gray. It also supports 2.5 inch drives as well as 3.5 inch drives. When you grow tired of the bubble effect, you can always turn the sleeve inside out and then a suede fabric interior is exposed.

If there is one hard drive that needs a case, it is the LaCie Little Disk, Design by Sam Hecht. While cute and stylish, this hard drive has a knack for collecting fingerprints even if you breathe on it. I only held it in my hand for a second and a minute later I was already buffing it with cloths. This is one hard drive that needs a case desperately. It does come with a drawstring suede-like bag but that won’t really protect it from bumps. The Coat however will, and it’s solid yet cushy material will withstand a few bumps and knocks. It is also light weight so it won’t add an additional weight to the overall junk you are probably schlepping around. There is also a hidden pocket on the inside of the case for lets say an extra USB dongle.  The Coat retails for $11.99 to $15.99.

 

If you are looking for a more rugged, harder shell case then the next best option for your hard drive is the LaCie Cozy. Also designed by Sam Hecht, the LaCie Cozy offers an alternative to a softer case. This hard-shell version provides a tough protective outer layer which is a bit rigid. However its flexible outside pocket is perfect for carrying any additional supplies you may need. Just like the Coat, the Cozy also comes in black, gray, and red and fits 2.5 and 3.5 size drives. If you drop this case you are surely protected since there is an interior strap to hold your hard drive in place and it will withstand just about any impact thrown at it. The LaCie Cozy retails for $14.99 to $19.99.

Between the combination of the LaCie Cozy, Coat and Sam Hecht Little Disk you have a complete collection of portable storage and protection.. Available in capacities of 250, 320 and 500GB, the Little Disk itself features a built-in USB dongle that extends to eliminate the need for carrying around an external wire. With this hard drive, LaCie has definitely captured the need to travel light with no complications.

The Good: Stylish cases with appeal to both men and woman. Provides protection to otherwise delicate hard drives.

The Bad: The need for hard drives cases is not as essential like for cellphones, it may take longer for this type of accessory to catch on.