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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Cheap, durable backups

While some people have huge disk space requirements for their computers, upwards of 4 Terabytes or for some simpler users less than 2 GB of non-operating system space, my guess is that most are like me and don't have an overly large need for backing up the very most important stuff.  There are many great online-backup options out there and I do personally use SugarSync for 5 GB of free space over other common options like DropBox.  However, my photos, videos, and important documents cannot fit in that space and I feel the annual cost of backing up online or "in the cloud" would be too costly.  I've found an alternative.

I was of the mind to buy an external hard drive and store it in my fire-proof lock-box at the house, and more recently though to maybe use an external or even internal Solid State Disc (that is, flash memory) since it is more durable.  A coworker of mine also suggested using standard USB flash drives instead, and I thought "that's perfect!"

Benefits for usage as a backup device:
  • Tiny physical size, easy to store multiple
  • Available in large sizes for great prices (32 GB for $16!)
  • Very durable (shock resistant, water resistant)
  • Good transfer speeds (SATA III speeds not necessary for a once-per-month backup routine)
  • If more space is needed in a couple years, you can add or replace for even cheaper
I recommend the deal on Newegg right now through 3/31/12, a 32 GB Voyager (rubberized exterior) for $16 after mail-in-rebate, great price!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233158

Now I just have to figure out a way to either sync or setup easy manual back-up process...

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