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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 4TB
Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive 4TB
Item : 2431928
(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 computers without reformatting
$99.99 $109.99
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$99.99*
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Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive 6TB
Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive 6TB
Item : 2431927
(2)
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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 computers without reformatting
$139.99 $159.99
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$139.99*
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Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim STEH1000100 1TB Portable Hard Drive Platinum
Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim STEH1000100 1TB Portable Hard Drive Platinum
Item : 2095129
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  • The thinnest 1TB portable hard drive with a uniquely tough and textured metal design
  • Complements all your other mobile devices-available in contemporary platinum color
  • Take advantage of Seagate's reliable, cutting-edge 2.5-inch, 7mm HDD technology
$74.99
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Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive 8TB
Seagate Backup Plus Hub Desktop Hard Drive 8TB
Item : 2431915
(2)
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  • 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
  • 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
$179.99 $199.99
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$179.99*
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Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB Portable USB 3.0 External Hard Drive with Mobile Device Backup, Red (STDR1000103)
Seagate Backup Plus Slim 1TB Portable USB 3.0 External Hard Drive with Mobile Device Backup, Red (STDR1000103)
Item : SS2295356
(254)
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  • 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 1TB Expansion Portable External Hard Drive
Seagate 1TB Expansion Portable External Hard Drive
Item : SS3910164
(30)
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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
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
(142)
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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 Backup Plus Ultra Slim Portable Hard Drive 2TB, Platinum
Seagate Backup Plus Ultra Slim Portable Hard Drive 2TB, Platinum
Item : SS4673065
(1)
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  • The thinnest portable hard drive with a uniquely tough and textured metal design
  • Complements all your other mobile devices-available in contemporary color
  • Take advantage of Seagate's reliable, cutting-edge 2.5-inch, 7mm HDD technology
As low as $89.99
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
Seagate Backup Plus Portable Hard Drive 4TB, Assorted Colors
Seagate Backup Plus Portable Hard Drive 4TB, Assorted Colors
Item : SS4673069
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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
Seagate 3TB Backup Plus Desktop Hard Drive
Seagate 3TB Backup Plus Desktop Hard Drive
Item : 2431930
(2)
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  • 3TB of storage
  • Works interchangeably between Windows and Mac computers without 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
$89.99 $99.99
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Seagate 3TB Expansion Desktop External Hard Drive
Seagate 3TB Expansion Desktop External Hard Drive
Item : SS3910158
(34)
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  • Please select item to view product details
  • Ready to use out of the box
  • Expansion desktop drive transfers data quickly with USB 3.0
As low as $99.99
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
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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 Expansion Portable Hard Drive 4TB, Black
Seagate Expansion Portable Hard Drive 4TB, Black
Item : 2095130
(9)
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  • Simple to use--just plug it in
  • Portable drive for use anywhere
  • Transfer files quickly with USB 3.0
$119.99
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Seagate BarraCuda ST2000DM006 2TB SATA 6 Gbps Internal Hard Drive, Silver
Seagate BarraCuda ST2000DM006 2TB SATA 6 Gbps Internal Hard Drive, Silver
Item : IM14R2228
(3)
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  • Silver 2TB internal hard drive is compatible with desktop PCs or all-in-one PCs, home servers, entry-level direct-attached storage devices (DAS)
  • Interface/ports: SATA 6 Gbps, transfer rate: 156 Mbps (read/write), sustained transfer rate: 210 Mbps
  • Dimensions: 1.02"H x 4"W x 5.78"D
$84.89
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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
(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
$86.39
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WD® My Passport WDBYFT0020BWT-WESN 2TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive, White
WD® My Passport WDBYFT0020BWT-WESN 2TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive, White
Item : IM14V0476
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  • White 2TB external hard drive
  • Interface: USB 3.0/USB 2.0 compatible
  • Dimensions: 4.33"H x 3.21"W x 0.85"D
$86.99
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WD® My Book WDBBGB0040HBK-NESN 4TB USB 3.0 Desktop Hard Drive, Black
WD® My Book WDBBGB0040HBK-NESN 4TB USB 3.0 Desktop Hard Drive, Black
Item : IM14V0559
(1)
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  • Black 4TB desktop hard drive
  • Interface: USB 3.0/USB 2.0 compatible
  • Dimensions: 6.7"H x 1.9"W x 5.5"D
$129.49
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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
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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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
(16)
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  • 42 percent thinner than other portable drives
  • Wirelessly back up mobile devices with Mobile Backup App
  • Mac-compatible drive works with Time Machine
$83.89
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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
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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Buslink® Disk-On-The-Go DL-500-U3 500GB USB 3.0 Slim Portable External Hard Drive, Black
Buslink® Disk-On-The-Go DL-500-U3 500GB USB 3.0 Slim Portable External Hard Drive, Black
Item : IM1CK1431
Add to Favorites
  • Black 500GB slim portable external hard drive is compatible with PC, Mac
  • Interface/Ports: USB 3.0, Data transfer rate: 5 Gb/s
  • Dimensions: 0.8"H x 3.15"W x 6"D
$59.99
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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
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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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
(16)
Add to Favorites
  • USB 3.0 connectivity reads and saves files faster
  • Features Verbatim Formatter software, allowing users to easily format the drive to either FAT32 or NTFS
  • Horizontal or vertical orientation for storage
$99.99
Each
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