Ron Hostetter
12-18-2009, 03:00 PM
<p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1257971563.usr684.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><h6><strong>Product Category:</strong> Cases</h6><h6><strong>Manufacturer:</strong> <a href="http://www.speckproducts.com/" target="_blank" title="Speck">Speck</a></h6><h6><strong>Where to Buy:</strong> <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/digitalhomethoughts-20/detail/B002RORC7G" target="_blank" title="Speck TwoZip">TwoZip</a>, <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/digitalhomethoughts-20/detail/B002SNBEFC" target="_blank" title="SkinPro">SkinPro</a>, <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/digitalhomethoughts-20/detail/B002QJ10WU" target="_blank">TechStyle</a> [Amazon Affiliate]</h6><h6><strong>Supported Devices: </strong>Western Digital Passport portable hard drives</h6><h6><strong>Price:</strong> From $19.95 USD</h6><p><strong>Summary: </strong>In recent years, the cost of storage has dropped drastically, causing more people to carry more content along with them. Whether it’s the need to bring along a few Virtual Machines for work, or for toting their favorite movies on a cross-country flight, many have turned to the Western Digital Passport portable hard drive to store their wares. Speck, in turn, has designed several new cases to carry and protect those hard drives. The three newest Speck Passport cases are the TechStyle, SkinPro, and TwoZip.</p><p><MORE /></p><h1><strong>TechStyle</strong></h1><p>The <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/digitalhomethoughts-20/detail/B002QJ10WU" target="_blank">TechStyle</a> is an attractive, semi-rigid zippered case. The inside of the case features a Velcro strap to secure your hard drive, and there’s enough space inside to also hold your USB cable. The case also has a wrist strap that can be tucked inside if you don’t want to use it. The case comes in either grey, or pinstripe, both of which are attractive without being obnoxious.</p><p> <img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1257971563.usr684.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p><em>Figure 1: The TechStyle is a simple, attractive case that keeps your Passport drive safe and sound.</em></p><p>Speck declares that the TechStyle case is for the new, smaller Passport hard drives, but I’m using it with my older drive and it fits just fine. TechStyle is a nice case that will keep your drive safe as it’s tossed around in your backpack. The TechStyle retails for $19.95 USD.</p><h1><strong>SkinPro</strong></h1><p><a href="http://astore.amazon.com/digitalhomethoughts-20/detail/B002SNBEFC" target="_blank">SkinPro</a> is a durable silicone skin that fits snugly around your Passport hard drive. The SkinPro is only designed to fit the new, smaller Passport drive models (the older, larger drives don’t quite fit – believe me, I tried!). SkinPro’s top is open, and it includes an opening to allow you to plug in your drive without removing the skin. SkinPro also features a slot on its side where you can tuck your USB cable for safe keeping.</p><p> <img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1257971555.usr684.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p><em>Figure 2: The SkinPro fits snugly around your Passport hard drive and has a slot to store your USB cable.</em></p><p>SkinPro’s open top won’t completely protect your drive from scratches, but if you need a simple way to keep your drive safe without having to remove it from a case, SkinPro fits the bill just fine. It retails for $19.95 USD.</p><h1><strong>TwoZip</strong></h1><p>The largest of Speck’s new cases, the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/digitalhomethoughts-20/detail/B002RORC7G" target="_blank">TwoZip</a> is a great case for your Passport hard drive, or just about any other device you’d like to keep safe. The TwoZip features two separate, zippered pockets – one larger pocket for your hard drive, and smaller pocket for your USB cable.</p><p> <img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1257971568.usr684.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p><em>Figure 3: The TwoZip features 2 individual pockets, one each for your hard drive and your USB cable. The TwoZip would also be ideal for storing an MP3 player and earphones.</em></p><p>While Speck says that the TwoZip is designed for the Passport hard drive, its pocket is large enough for just about any device. It would work quite nicely as an MP3 player case, with a separate pocket to store your earphones. The TwoZip comes in pinstripe like the TechStyle, and also a grey and black checkerboard pattern. TwoZip retails for $24.95 USD.</p><h1><strong>Conclusions</strong></h1><p>I work in a job that requires a lot of different Virtual Machines which each use a lot of storage space. I also travel quite a bit. My co-workers and I all use Western Digital Passport drives to store our work. These Speck cases work great for protecting our hard drives, and there’s a case to fit every taste. I prefer the simple TechStyle case, while others prefer the ProSkin which protects without needing take the drive out its case. If you are looking for an attractive, effective way to keep your portable hard drive safe, there’s surely a Speck case to match your tastes.</p><p><em>Ron Hostetter is a software sales engineer by day, a gadget lover by night. He has worked in the IT field for over 20 years and loves reading about and playing with technology. He lives in Kansas City, Missouri with his lovely wife, his son and daughter, and their two dogs. He enjoys playing guitar and watching the Kansas City Royals, both of which he finds very frustrating.</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? <a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p>