Verbatim 250GB FireWire/USB Portable Hard Drive (96528)

Pros: good price 4 a 250GB drive with USB or FW
Comes formatted HFS (good if you use OSX)

Cons: runs hot, requires Y-cable if you choose USB - so prepare 2 give up 2 ports, & formatted HFS (not so good if you use Windows)

I was asked 2 repair this device about 2 months after a colleague purchased it.
The 3-year warranty came in handy there. The drive cannot be fixed (open case, tinkered with) without voiding the warranty.

If you choose 2 take advantage of favorable pricing & use this, keep in mind: this drive runs hot! Don't leave it on 4 long periods - use power saving or disconnect it; or use active cooling [blow a fan on it].

If you use a Mac or use FireWire, YMMV (and could be better, like the first reviewer).

Most of the portable hard drive reviews seem 2 focus on compatibility & noise, so let me say that it comes HFS+ formatted 4 Mac, is absolutely quiet, & does not seem 2 run hot like some other drive reviews indicated. It powers up quickly using the FireWire port in my MacBook & doesn't seem 2 need the Y-cable 4 additional power that other bus-powered drives need. I'm very happy.

Expand the storage capacity of your laptop or desktop PC, with a sleek Verbatim Portable USB Hard Drive. Whether you are on the go or at home, rest assured that your favorite music, photos, video & critical data are safe. Each drive is constructed of a durable casing 2 provide protection during transport.