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So the two drives getting a look at are both external drives the ‘Store ‘n’ Go and the Store ‘n’ Save.

Store ‘n’ Go

I was sent a 500GB portable drive, the first problem is extracting it from the shelf pack and once your scissors have cut your way in there is still another layer of protection to remove.

Having plugged the supplied USB3 lead into the drive you find four files on the drive – two each for MAC and PC. The ‘Start PC’ file produces a choice of actions but the drive is ready for use.

It is 15x8x1.5cm the first figure is with the supplied USB3 lead attached. The lead enters the rear of the unit and a small blue LED is visible beside it when you look closely.

I copied 4630 files from seven folders to the drive using a USB2 port in 24 minutes this was a total of 31GB.

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I then copied the same files from a USB3 port on the same PC to a new folder on the Verbatim Store ‘n’ Go it took 6 minutes and 30 seconds. The theoretical time it should have taken was less than 4 minutes but that takes no account of any external factors and the speed improvement is still substantial.

The drive also comes with Nero Backup software but unless you are backing a small Tablet that space will not go far so the new 5TB offering might solve your problem.

The 500GB as supplied to me is available for £55 in Black or £57 in Silver. Other capacities up to 5TB are also available in Red or White as well dependant on size and capacity. As an example the 2TB drive is available from Amazon for £129.50.

http://www.verbatim-europe.co.uk/en/prod/verbatim-store-n-go-usb-30-hard-drive-500gb-black-53193/

Store ‘n’ Save

Larger size and larger capacity I was sent a 2TB version but this available up to 10TB in internal memory size, I am assured the external size is exactly the same.

It is 21x12x3cm the first figure is with the USB3 lead plugged into the rear of the unit.

Apart from the USB3 lead you also need the supplied power adapter which protrudes the same distance as the USB connection. There is also a tiny blue pin hole LED which shows solid when ready and flashes rapidly when working. Beside this is a touch on/off button. Switch off is instantaneous so be sure nothing is being moved or copied. Switch on takes around 45 seconds on the 2TB unit to be ready to work.

This by its size and the fact it needs mains power is certainly a Desktop unit. If you need portability then the Store ‘n’ Save unit looked at above will be more suitable.

More or less the same documentation is on the drive with files for PC or MAC there is also an addendum sheet for PC users which applies to drives with capacities larger than 2TB saying the drive will not function on Windows XP.

The USB3 lead is 60cm long so the unit can be a little further from your PC or Notebook. The power adapter comes with a 1.7metre lead meaning the nearest mains socket need not be right next to your PC or Notebook.

While the documentation on the drive includes a full manual there is a printed Quick Start Guide in the box which should get you up and running.

The Verbatim Store ‘n’ Save Desktop Hard Drive 2TB is available from the link below for £89.99 in black or is available from Amazon for £78.95.

Other capacities (up to 10TB) are also selectable from the link at higher prices.

http://www.verbatim-europe.co.uk/en/prod/verbatim-store-n-save-2tb-usb-30-47683/