14 DAY TRIAL // Verbatim has finished putting together a portable hard disk drive that integrates the benefits of both the user-friendly and widespread USB 2.0 interface, as well as those of the fast and versatile eSATA connection. Dubbed simply the eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo HDD, the device measures 130 x 80 x 17 mm, uses a rugged aluminum enclosure and only weighs 205 grams, while being able to stock up as much as 500GB.
In using the power eSATA interface, the Verbatim Combo drive can not only take full advantage of the large eSATA interface bandwidth, but it does so while running on only the power provided by the port. The actual bandwidth is of 3Gbps, which is quite convenient, especially for high-capacity drives, considering that 3Gbps is the equivalent of six times the speed achievable by the USB 2.0 interface. This high data-transfer capabilities also serve to encourage users to more readily employ the pre-installed Nero BackitUp4 software.
The BackitUp4 is a utility that enables consumers to back up all the important data from their laptop or desktop PC. This, of course, can be done by any large-capacity drive, regardless of whether it uses the USB or eSATA interface. Still, when operating on the former, the long time it would take to transfer large volumes of data to and from the drive may actually discourage owners from using the backup feature. The eSATA, however, allows the same operation to be completed much more quickly.
The Verbatim Portable Hard Drive is bundled with not only a special, powered eSATA cable, but also a separate Y cable, for interfacing with older eSATA ports that do not carry current. This Y cable will draw out power from a powered USB port in order to supply the drive with the needed electricity. The Verbatim eSATA/USB 2.0 Combo Portable hard disk drive is accompanied by a two-year warranty and is already selling for the price of 109 Euro.