TechBlob

External data storage is now available like never before. Pfinifarina, the designers of Ferrari, helped to design the SimpleTech Signature Mini’s. This device offers a smooth touch, with its velvety overlay, and its curves make it appear as a piece of art on your desk. With the SimpleTech Signature Mini (320GB, red), you not only get a local backup device, but one that synchronizes your data online as well.

The compact design, of the Signature Mini (320GB, red), only measures 4.9 x 3.1 x 0.7 inches, in diameter, and weights 5.7 ounces. The compactness, of this device, is mind boggling on its own. Add in the cherry red velvety exterior, along with luxurious curves, and you have a sport modeled external drive. This unit is decently prices, like many other external drives, at $199.99. Overall performance, of the Signature Mini, is average in comparison with other drives on the market (with the exception of drives that offer FireWire connectivity).

A USB 2.0 “Y” cable is all that this unit needs for power – on most computers. You can typically use one of the USB connectors, for sufficient power; however, both cables could be needed at different times (all dependent on the PC and the amount of data being transferred).

Local backup procedures are nearly seamless with the Signature Mini (320GB, red). You can, easily, set up processes that will run automatically, in the background, and take up very little resources from your PC. Additionally, users can backup up to 2GB, for free, online. (Extra storage is available, online, for a monthly fee of 4.95 a month.) You can burn, all of your backups, to CD, DVD, and Blu-Ray discs, because the Signature Mini (320GB, red) has integrated read / write technology – also allowing users to create audio and video CD’s and DVD’s.) This device comes with software called Joggle?. Joggle allows users to share their files, in addition to organizing and tracking. Additionally, SimpleTech has put a 3-year warranty on the Signature Mini (320GB, red).

This drive is compatible with both Windows and MAC computers. Out-of-the-box, the unit is ready to use with Windows only. Users will need to reformat the drive in order for it to work properly with MAC PCs.

Older computers, with USB 1.1, will not provide power to the Signature Mini, and some laptops do not provide enough power. When using this device on older computers, and some laptops, you will need to purchase an AC adapter (remember, the unit does not come with one). Additionally, while one USB 2.0 connection is typically sufficient, there are times you will need to plug in both of the connectors from your “Y” cable.

SimpleTech included the readability of many different file types, on the Signature Mini (320GB, red). However, there are many newer file types, that may not be so common yet, that are not recognizable. To get around this you will need to add these file types to the Signature Mini prior to moving the files onto the device.

This type of backup device is great for those who do extensive travel or are trying to keep a certain appearance around their home or office. It is overall performance, and functionality, is in comparison with others, but is not rated high on the list. Overall, the Signature Mini (320GB, red) is an average unit with a handsome exterior.

About the Author: Matt Ryan can help you save money on SimpleTech External Hard Drives. Visit MiracleShopper to find information and pricing on Portable Hard Drives and more.