Toshiba PX1275E-1G04, 250GB

Toshiba’s 160GB model used to differ from other external drives with an unusual white LED, but the 250GB model uses a blue LED. So, this HDD is just a typical gray case with mini-USB and power connectors. The accessories are frugal: a USB cable that can connect to a second USB port for power supply (by the way, this is the only drive that proved to need this additional power), user manual, and a disc with an electronic version of the manual.

This HDD was honest about its interior, introducing itself as a Fujitsu MHY2250BH.

Transcend StoreJet TS250GSJ25S, 250GB

At the time of our tests the Transcend TS250GSJ25S was the highest-capacity model in the StoreJet series. This drive has a typical exterior design, differing from other external HDDs with the shape and color. It offers a USB interface and a power connector.

Included into the kit are a user manual, CD, and a USB cable (with additional power supply from a second USB port). A Samsung HM250JI disk is installed inside this external storage.