20GB SmartDisk FireFly External HDD

[Suhit Gupta]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.biosmagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=1058' target='_blank'>http://www.biosmagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=1058</a><br /><br /></div><i>"If you're looking for a small and lightweight external hard disk drive instead of a restrictive flash memory stick, look no further than SmartDisk's FireFly. Measuring just 103x63x13mm (93g) and encased in a robust magnesium alloy housing, the USB 2.0 drive is based on a 1.8in. hard disk (4,200rpm) and offers a practical - although non-upgradable - storage capacity of 20GB. It's even powered by the source computer so you don't have to carry an AC adapter."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/SmartDisk-FireFly-20GB_1.jpg" /><br /><br />FireFly's form factor comprises of a durable magnesium alloy casing - just 2.5x4x0.5in. in dimensions and it weighs about 3.3 ounces which makes it very portable. SmartDisk FireFly also supports USB 2.0. The drive is seen by the OS (Windows and MacOS) on a computer as a mass storage device, thus making it a really good portable external hard drive.

[Chris Gohlke]

OK for the business user that wants a one trick pony. While a little bigger, alot of HD based MP3 players (granted they are a little more expensive than this device) will do the same thing and more. I use my iRiver 40GB player for backups as well as to move big files back and forth from work/home. FYI, Amazon has the 40GB player for $379 after rebate, plus you get a $50 Amazon GC with purchase. So effectively $329 for probably one of the best HD based MP3 players out there.

[Crocuta]

I use another one similar to this, but a tad larger. I'm not interested in an MP3 player, and only use this device as a dedicated file transfer appliance for synchronizing files between my home and work computers. When coupled with the excellent Second Copy file synchronization program (http://www.centered.com/), it makes a flawless way of making sure that my home and work computers always have exactly the same data files, and it also serves as a good backup since I always have three copies of all of my work files.

One thing that someone should check out before buying this, though, is to make sure that their USB port really puts out the full 500 mA that this device will depend on. I found out the hard way that Dell laptops do NOT do this and so will not support such a drive. (I don't know how they can call it USB in their ads when it clearly does not meet the USB specs, but they do.) I was lucky in that my mini external drive does support an extra power input, so I can still use it in the way I intended. Apparently, this device does not have the extra power input, so it could be an issue for Dell owners or others with substandard USB ports.