A simple device with great utility. If you've got an ever growing media library, you need regular backups, or quite simply need to move large data files from place to place, then you can't go wrong with a portable hard drive solution like this one.

This is a neat little drive that lets you create a working environment, which can be used on any Windows XP or Vista-based machine. It's a little pricey, but the Ceedo software it's bundled with is useful.

A feature-rich product with a good selection of software and excellent build quality, the Freecom Hard Drive Pro 500GB lacks the designer style or extreme ease of use of some competing products.

This is a basic drive with plenty of storage space at a competitive price. It's suitable for anyone who wants to expand their computer's capacity, without going under the hood.

An easy-to-use and durable portable external storage solution.

A low-cost product that will look good on your desk while taking up minimum space. The LaCie Hard Disk 500GB design by Neil Poulton is not bursting with features, but it's all you need from an entry-level product. The LaCie Hard Disk 500GB design by Neil Poulton is USB only.

This bright pink number is short on storage space but big on convenience

While it isn't the cheapest option, Western Digital's My Passport Elite is definitely a great way to fit a large amount of data into a small footprint.

The SAFE Hard Drive is competitively priced when compared to other external hard drives and there is the added bonus of biometric security.

If portability is your main concern when it comes to data storage, than the OneTouch III Mini is right up your alleyway.

The Western Digital My Passport Elite is fast, cost-effective and easy to use. If you're happy with the design, then this is a drive you should check out.

A colourful, but expensive approach to external storage