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External Hard Drives

Maintaining a duplicate copy of important files is imperative should your computer ever suffer from major issues. An external hard drive is a convenient and safe device that backs up data to a separate location. They are typically high-capacity, self-contained devices that make restoring your computer quick and easy.

Reasons to Use an External Hard Drive
An external hard drive expands the storage of a computer by giving users extra room to keep pictures and documents in a separate location. You can also clean up your computer by removing existing programs and files you no longer need but want to keep. Some hard drives store files for mobile devices or other smaller media. An external hard drive is also used to share large quantities of files including pictures and videos with family and friends.

It's best to keep copies of files and backups stored in a separate location. When downloading and loading files, viruses and malware can attack the hard drive and compromise the information. A hard drive used for backup should only be plugged into a computer during the backup or restore process. It should never be left on or connected to the computer to avoid exposure to existing viruses.

Understanding Your Options When Choosing an External Storage Device
The main difference between types of hard drives is the amount of storage space. External drives usually have a storage capacity ranging from 2GB to 12TB. Most standard desktops and laptops are equipped with up to a full TB of storage, so a backup drive should be large enough to maintain the information contained on the standard drive. Before purchasing an external hard drive, make sure it is compatible with the type of computer you have. Some drives work with either a MAC or a PC, although select models can operate with both MACs and PCs with the proper formatting.

Choose a model with fast transfer speeds if you need to read or write large amounts of data rapidly. To ensure the drive you choose is future-proofed and achieves the fasts speeds, opt for one with a USB 3.0 connection.

Can Two Computers Share the Same External Drive?
A single hard drive can store information from multiple computers. The exact number of devices depends on the hard drive and connection method. Some standard wired drives can accommodate one to four computers simultaneously while wireless models can often connect to ten computers or mobile devices simultaneously. If you want to use an external drive as a backup for multiple computers, you need to create partitions on the drive for each device.

What Is the Difference Between a Solid State Drive (SSD) and a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)?
A solid state drive is similar to a flash drive in that it contains no moving parts and files are stored in microchips. A hard disk drive has a moving arm with read and write heads that locate and distribute information stored on platters. The platters can rotate at speeds of up to 10,000 RPMs.

Is It Possible to Lock an External Hard Drive With a Password?
Some of the best external hard drives come with built-in personal drive locker software that prevents unauthorized access. For drives without the benefit of USB protection, a third-party software can be installed as a solution. More Less
Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive 8TB
Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive 8TB
Item : 2431915 / Model : STEL8000100
(2)
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  • 8TB of storage
  • Two integrated high-speed USB 3.0 ports on the front allow you to connect and recharge your other USB devices
  • Works interchangeably between Windows and Mac computerswithout reformatting
$199.99
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Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive 4TB
Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive 4TB
Item : 2431928 / Model : STEL4000100
(4)
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  • 4TB of storage
  • Two integrated high-speed USB 3.0 ports on the front allow you to connect and recharge your other USB devices
  • Works interchangeably between Windows and Mac computerswithout reformatting
$109.99
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Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive 6TB
Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive 6TB
Item : 2431927 / Model : STEL6000100
(1)
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  • 6TB of storage
  • Two integrated high-speed USB 3.0 ports on the front allow you to connect and recharge your other USB devices
  • Works interchangeably between Windows and Mac computerswithout reformatting
$159.99
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Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drives with Mobile Device Backup, Assorted Colors
Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB Portable USB 3.0 Hard Drives with Mobile Device Backup, Assorted Colors
Item : SS2295356
(240)
Add to Favorites
  • Metal design delivers the thinnest 1TB portable drive - Up to 42% thinner
  • Easily back up your computer and content from mobile devices with free Mobile Backup App
  • Automatic Backup software
As low as $59.99
Options available
Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim STEH1000100 1TB Portable Hard Drive Platinum
Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim STEH1000100 1TB Portable Hard Drive Platinum
Item : 2095129 / Model : STEH1000100
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  • Platinum-colored 1TB HDD, compatible with PC and Mac for photo storage and full system backup.
  • USB 3.0 connectivity for speedy file transfer
  • 9.6mm thin for carrying convenience, easily fitting in a pocket
$59.99 $74.99
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Special Buy
Price: $74.99
Instant Savings: -$15.00
$59.99*
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*Price after savings
LaCie LAC301558 1 TB USB 3.0 Portable Rugged Mini, Orange
LaCie LAC301558 1 TB USB 3.0 Portable Rugged Mini, Orange
Item : 2030326 / Model : LAC301558
(8)
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  • 1 TB orange portable mini hard drive for use with PC and Mac
  • USB 3.0 and 2.0 for versatile connectivity
  • Rugged design reliably withstands shocks, rain and pressure
$99.99
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Verbatim Store 'n' Save USB 3.0 Desktop Hard Drive, 2TB, Black
Verbatim Store 'n' Save USB 3.0 Desktop Hard Drive, 2TB, Black
Item : 326147 / Model : 97580
(15)
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  • Enclosure design allows for vertical or horizontal orientation without impacting performance.
  • Ventilation slots incorporated into design for quiet, fan-free operation.
  • 2TB storage capacity.
$99.99
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Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB Portable Hard Drives with Mobile Device Backup
Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB Portable Hard Drives with Mobile Device Backup
Item : SS2295357
(137)
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  • Metal design delivers the thinnest 2TB portable drive - Up to 42% thinner
  • Easily back up your computer and content from mobile devices with free Mobile Backup App
  • Automatic Backup software
As low as $79.99
Options available
Seagate Expansion Portable External Hard Drive
Seagate Expansion Portable External Hard Drive
Item : SS3910164
(28)
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  • Please select item from drop down menu on the right to view product details
  • Simple to use--just plug it in
  • Portable drive for use anywhere
As low as $58.99
Multiple options available
WD Elements™ USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drives
WD Elements™ USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drives
Item : SS2083719
(107)
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  • Available in 500GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities
  • USB 3.0
  • PC & MAC Compatible (Can be reformatted for Mac® OS X®)
As low as $62.99
Multiple options available
WD® My Passport WDBYFT0020BBL 2TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive, Blue
WD® My Passport WDBYFT0020BBL 2TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive, Blue
Item : IM14V0474 / Model : WDBYFT0020BBL-WESN
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  • Blue 2TB portable external hard drive is compatible with Mac, PC
  • Interfaces/ports: USB 3.0, Data transfer speed: 5 Gb/s
  • Dimensions: 0.8"H x 3.2"W x 4.3"D
$86.99
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Seagate 3TB Backup Plus Desktop Hard Drive
Seagate 3TB Backup Plus Desktop Hard Drive
Item : 2431930 / Model : STFM3000100
(2)
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  • 3TB of storage
  • Works interchangeably between Windows and Mac computerswithout reformatting
  • Install the free Seagate Mobile Backup app on an iOS or Android mobile device, and back up all of the photos and videos from your device to your Seagate drive or to the cloud
$99.99
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toshiba Canvio Basics USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive, 1TB (HDTB310XK3AA)
toshiba Canvio Basics USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive, 1TB (HDTB310XK3AA)
Item : IM18B7398 / Model : HDTB310XK3AA
(1)
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  • Portable external hard drive offers backing up your songs, photos and files from your computer and laptop
  • Dimensions: 0.6"H x 3.1"W x 4.7"D
  • Comes in black color
$79.99
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Seagate Backup Plus Portable Hard Drive 4TB, Assorted Colors
Seagate Backup Plus Portable Hard Drive 4TB, Assorted Colors
Item : SS4673069
(11)
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  • 4TB for generous storage
  • Free Mobile Backup App quickly backs up your computer and content from mobile devices
  • Automatic Backup software ensures data is saved effortlessly
As low as $119.99
Options available
Verbatim Store 'n' Go USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive, 1TB, Black
Verbatim Store 'n' Go USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive, 1TB, Black
Item : 355289 / Model : 97395
(3)
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  • Compact, portable drive with sleek finish.
  • 1TB storage capacity.
  • Includes Nero backup software* for full backup and restore functionality.
$79.99
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Rugged Mini 2TB Mobile Drive
Rugged Mini 2TB Mobile Drive
Item : 2548624 / Model : LAC9000298
Add to Favorites
  • Shock-, rain-, and pressure-resistant
  • Secure password protection
  • USB 3.0: up to 4x faster than USB 2.0
$139.99
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Seagate Backup Plus 1TB Portable USB 3.0 External Hard Drive with Mobile Device Backup, Silver (for Mac)
Seagate Backup Plus 1TB Portable USB 3.0 External Hard Drive with Mobile Device Backup, Silver (for Mac)
Item : 238869 / Model : STDS1000100
(16)
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  • 1TB Mac-compatible slim external hard drive for portable storage
  • 42 percent thinner than other portable drives
  • Wirelessly back up mobile devices with Mobile Backup App
$83.89
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WD My Book Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drives
WD My Book Desktop USB 3.0 External Hard Drives
Item : SS2176665
(155)
Add to Favorites
  • Available in 2Tb, 3TB, and 4TB cpacities
  • Dual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility
  • Up to 3x faster transfer rates with USB 3.0
As low as $129.99
Multiple options available
WD® My Book WDBBGB0080HBK-NESN 8TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive, Black
WD® My Book WDBBGB0080HBK-NESN 8TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive, Black
Item : IM14V0557 / Model : WDBBGB0080HBK-NESN
Add to Favorites
  • Black 8TB external hard drive to store massive amounts of photos, videos, music and documents
  • Interface/ports: USB 3.0
  • Dimensions: 6.7"H x 1.9"W x 5.5"D
$274.99
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WD® My Passport WDBYFT0030BBK 3TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive, Black
WD® My Passport WDBYFT0030BBK 3TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive, Black
Item : IM14V0467 / Model : WDBYFT0030BBK-WESN
Add to Favorites
  • Black 3TB portable external hard drive is compatible with PC, Mac
  • Interfaces/ports: USB 3.0, Data transfer speed: 5 Gb/s
  • Dimensions: 0.8"H x 3.2"W x 4.3"D
$134.59
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WD® My Book WDBBGB0060HBK 6TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive, Black
WD® My Book WDBBGB0060HBK 6TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive, Black
Item : IM14V0558 / Model : WDBBGB0060HBK-NESN
Add to Favorites
  • 6TB portable external hard drive is compatible with PC, Mac
  • Interfaces/ports: USB 3.0, Data transfer speed: 5 Gb/s
  • Dimensions: 6.7"H x 1.9"W x 5.5"D
$193.99
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WD® My Passport Ultra USB 3.0 External Hard Drive, 2TB, Classic Black (WDBBKD0020BBK-NESN)
WD® My Passport Ultra USB 3.0 External Hard Drive, 2TB, Classic Black (WDBBKD0020BBK-NESN)
Item : IM18D3002 / Model : WDBBKD0020BBK-NESN
Add to Favorites
  • External hard drive offers enough storage for your valuable data
  • Dimensions: 4.33"H x 3.21"W x 0.83"D
  • Color: Classic black
$172.29
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LaCie LAC9000448 2TB USB 3.0 Rugged Triple Portable External Hard Drive
LaCie LAC9000448 2TB USB 3.0 Rugged Triple Portable External Hard Drive
Item : IM11R5176 / Model : LAC9000448
Add to Favorites
  • 2TB External hard drive is compatible with PC and Mac
  • Interfaces: SATA (host), two 9-pin FireWire 800 (800 Mbps), one USB 3.0 (5 Gb/s), up to 110 Mbps maximum data transfer rate
  • Dimensions: 1"H x 3.5"W x 5.7"D
$179.99
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WD® My Book WDBBGB0030HBK-NESN 3TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive, Black/Gray
WD® My Book WDBBGB0030HBK-NESN 3TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive, Black/Gray
Item : IM14V0560 / Model : WDBBGB0030HBK-NESN
Add to Favorites
  • Black/Gray 3TB external hard drive is compatible with PC, Mac and is perfect for transferring files while saving your memories and backing up
  • Interface/ports: USB 3.0
  • Dimensions: 6.7"H x 1.9"W x 5.5"D
$122.19
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