Storage Devices

There are three main types of consumer-grade computer storage: internal, external, and network attached. Internal storage is generally a hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD) that hosts computer’s operating systems and programs. External storage comes mostly in the form of external drives that connect to a computer via a peripheral port, such as USB or Thunderbolt. Finally, network attached storage (NAS) solutions are those that connect to a switch or a router to provide storage space and services to the entire network.

There are many storage devices that compete in the marketing industry. Users choose a certain storage device for a reason based on its cost, capacity, durability and availability. Based in an internet research, five top devices representing the best among their respective categories include:

1.  Best portable backup drive
Seagate Backup Plus (1TB, blue)

Seagate Backup Plus carries the flexibility of the GoFlex portable drive while adding performance and style to portable storage. The new drive makes an excellent buy. Price: $98.95 – $116.01

The good: The Seagate Backup Plus is fast, flexible, and good-looking. The drive’s included backup software works well and is easy to use.

The bad: The Seagate Backup Plus caps at just 1TB, and its price could be lower.

The bottom line: Seagate Backup Plus carries the flexibility of the GoFlex
portable drive while adding performance and style to portable storage. The new drive makes an excellent buy.

2. Best bus-powered Thunderbolt drive
Buffalo MiniStation Thunderbolt HD-PATU3 (1TB)

Versatile, good-looking, and fast enough for most applications, the Buffalo MiniStation Thunderbolt HD-PATU3 makes an excellent buy for those looking for a portable Thunderbolt storage device. Price: $187.67 – $269.99

The good: The bus-powered and affordable Buffalo MiniStation Thunderbolt HD-PATU3 drive offers fast performance via both Thunderbolt and USB and includes both a USB and a Thunderbolt cable. The bad: The Buffalo MiniStation comes with just one Thunderbolt port. The bottom line: Versatile, good-looking, and fast enough for most applications, the Buffalo MiniStation Thunderbolt HD-PATU3 makes an excellent buy for those looking for a portable Thunderbolt storage device.

3.
Most energy-efficient SSD
Samsung 840 Pro (256GB, SSD, notebook)

The Samsung 840 Pro lives up to its name: it’s a top-notch solid-state drive for professionals with a price to match. Price: $254.79 – $269.99

The good: The Samsung 840 Pro offers fast performance and uses significantly less energy than other solid-state drives. The bad: The Samsung 840 Pro is comparatively expensive.
The bottom line: The Samsung 840 Pro lives up to its name: it’s a top-notch solid-state drive for professionals with a price to match.

4.
Best four-bay NAS server
Synology Disk Station DS412+

Synology DiskStation DS412+ makes an excellent NAS server for advanced home and small-office networks. Price: $637.27 – $760.90

The good: The Synology DiskStation DS412+ offers fast performance, a vast number of features, and an excellent user interface. The bad: DiskStation DS412+ comes with just one IP camera license, making it very expensive for a surveillance system, and it takes a relatively long time to generate thumbnails for photos. The bottom line: Synology DiskStation DS412+ makes an excellent NAS server for advanced home and small-office networks. Where to buy:

5. Fastest, most affordable Thunderbolt drive WD My Book VelociRaptor Duo

The My Book VelociRaptor Duo is one of the best storage devices thanks to its balanced combination of excellent performance, practical design, and relatively friendly pricing. Price: $849.00 – $917.27

The good: The WD My Book VelociRaptor Duo offers stellar performance, includes a Thunderbolt cable, and is easy to service.

The bad: The My Book VelociRaptor Duo doesn’t offer any other connection types and is relatively pricey. The bottom line: The My Book VelociRaptor Duo is one of the best storage devices thanks to its balanced combination of excellent performance, practical design, and relatively friendly pricing.

REFERENCES:

http://reviews.cnet.com/external-hard-drives/buffalo-ministation-thunderbolt-hd/4505-3190_7-35338125.html
http://www.cnet.com/network-storage/synology-disk-station-ds412/4505-3382_7-35240754.html
http://reviews.cnet.com/external-hard-drives/wd-my-book-velociraptor/4505-3190_7-35429992.html