Over the years, I have collected a lot of datasets that I have attempted to archive on the university file server. While computer space is not very expensive these days, it is not free. These files have, collectively, far exceeded the standard faculty allotment.
Fortunately, we finally found a simple solution: The HP Personal Media Drive, which is an external hard-drive with 500GB of memory. Years worth of files only take up a small fraction of the space. And just by connecting an USB port, I can quickly backup my entire laptop hard-drive. It is also very portable. That is a lot of peace of mind for under $200.
Thanks, Bill! I have been putting off buying a backup because of the several hours I'd spend on product research. I'd be reading Consumer Reports and product reviews well past the point of usefulness. With your product endorsement, now I can just point and click! Hope all's well.
Posted by: Fred Tung | 07 May 2008 at 03:43 PM
Get two, I used to work as an engineer for a hard drive company, and they have higher failure rates than you might expect. Your faculty account disk space has all the best backup that the IT Dept. can provide, but if you are going to do it yourself, keep an eye out for single points of failure.
Posted by: Corey | 30 April 2008 at 04:20 PM
It is portable. Approximately 7"x5"x1" with an AC cord for power and a USB cord to plug into a PC. bh.
Posted by: Bill Henderson | 29 April 2008 at 09:13 AM
Bill,
Is this a portable hard drive or a sit-on-your -desk hard drive?
-Bill
Posted by: Bill Ford | 28 April 2008 at 08:47 PM
Hi there,
I read your blog and think you're a good writer. I'd like to invite you to join our new online community at polzoo.com. We are a user generated political editorial and social network. You can write blogs, participate in forums, build a profile and link up with other members.
We also choose from amongst our own writers to feature on the front page. You can also advertise your blog on our blogroll and exchange links. I think your voice would be a great addition to our site.
Posted by: polzoo | 27 April 2008 at 08:01 PM
They should send you one free for the endorsement!
For that price, I'd buy two and keep one as a backup.
Posted by: Michael Risch | 26 April 2008 at 04:47 PM