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Ask Our Experts: Best Portable Hard Drive? Arlington VA

A reader requests advice in selecting a portable drive that's both fast and durable.

Local Companies

GRM
301-324-0777
9200 East Hampton Drive
Capitol Heights, MD

SysArc
301 231 5252
11300 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD

Mpi Technologies Inc
(703) 685-0523
900 S Walter Reed Dr
Arlington, VA

Advanced Resource Technology
(703) 527-5527
3701 Fairfax Dr
Arlington, VA

Advanced Computer Concept
(703) 247-1740
2000 15th St N
Arlington, VA

File Net Corp
(703) 351-5844
2200 Wilson Blvd Ste 307
Arlington, VA

PC Fax & Copiers
(703) 222-7272
14524H Lee Rd
Chantilly, VA

Laser Renewal Inc
(540) 563-0397
630 Abney Rd
Roanoke, VA

Vision Business Products
(703) 550-2303
8540 Cinder Bed Rd
Newington, VA

Staples
(434) 975-0501
1450A Seminole Trl
Charlottesville, VA

I am having difficulty in choosing a portable hard drive. I want it to have a fast data transfer rate, as I need to transfer large files between different computers. I would be carrying it in my backpack, so I'd prefer it to be lightweight and durable.

Kaavya, Manchester, United Kingdom

Senior Products Editor Melissa J. Perenson responds: Look for a product with a 7200-rpm drive inside. Such models may require AC power--some USB ports don't supply enough power, and some FireWire ports don't supply bus power--but they are far faster than the typical 5400-rpm drive in copying data. As for durability, evaluating drives' shock-protection rating is difficult, since no measurement standard exists. If the drive will be knocking around in a backpack, look for a product that claims at least some sort of shock protection. See our visual tour of portable drives from 12 manufacturers for more information.

E-mail your question to askourexperts@pcworld.com or post it online at forums.pcworld.com.

Featured Local Company

GRM

301-324-0777
9200 East Hampton Drive
Capitol Heights, MD

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Advertising	Family	Home Services	Real Estate Resources
Business Services	Fashion	Industrial Goods & Services	Retail & Consumer Services
Career	Financial Services	Insurance	Software
Cars	Food & Beverage	Internet	Technology
Computer Hardware	Franchise	Legal	Telecommunications
Construction	Health	Miscellaneous	Trade Shows
Education	Holidays	Nightlife	Travel
Entertainment	Home Appliances	Online Database	Weddings
Environmental	Home Electronics	Pets	World History