Western Digital today announced the next generation of its top-selling My Passport line of portable hard drives, offering consumers a fresh new enclosure design and the first-ever 2 TB capacity in a portable drive.

Now available in five popular colors: white, black, silver, blue, and red, with a range of capacities beginning from 500 GB, the new sleeker My Passport portable drives offer digital consumers an appealing array of storage options that reflect their personal style. Additionally, the new My Passport drives offer WD SmartWare automatic backup software and WD Security for password protection and hardware encryption.

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high-performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash Storage application products, today announced the introduction of the DashDrive Durable HD710 portable hard drive. The DashDrive family is the newest addition to the company's impressive lineup of storage devices, signifying mobile, rapid, and dependable data access.

The housing of the HD710 is comprised of a unique silicone material, and the drive incorporates military-grade shockproof and waterproof (IPX7) construction with an ultra-fast USB 3.0 interface. Its sporty outlook and dynamic design match the requirements and style of sports and outdoor enthusiasts, with color options including blue, yellow, and black.

Buffalo has this week revealed the latest additions to its MiniStation line of portable drives, the HD-PZU3 Series models which feature USB 3.0 connectivity, 256-bit AES hardware encryption, and a rubber case and internal shock-absorption system offering high impact resistance (the HDDs meet the US military drop-test standards MIL-STD-810F 516.5).

Buffalo's rough and tough drives measure 89 x 18 x 128 mm, they weight 230 grams, have a built-in USB cable, and are backed by a one-year warranty. The HD-PZU3 Series will debut in mid-March with 500 GB (~ $198) and 1 TB (~ $252) HDDs colored in 'Deep Red', 'Indigo Black' and 'Dark Silver'.

ROCSTOR, a leading provider of fast, high-capacity data storage and encryption solutions, announces the launch of Amphibious, an International CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree. The Amphibious is a secure, ruggedized portable hard drive with real time hardware encryption and offers advanced two-factor authentication, USB 2 and Firewire 800. In addition, the crypto module is FIPS 140-2 certified.

The Amphibious is considered as one of the most secure and user-friendly devices in the world for size, strength of encryption, and method of authentication. It offers users the option of using the device in a cross platform and Operating System independent fashion, and no GUI or software installations required. The Amphibious is the result of several years of intensive R & D effort and collaboration. For the user it offers the value of data security by using an original concept of two-factor authentication with Smart Card and Keypad, real time hardware encryption, and futuristic design sense. The Amphibious is appropriate for consumers, SOHO's, enterprises, institutions, military and government applications who want to store data in a secure manner.

I-O Data introduced as many as twelve price-cuts to its HDPC, HDPN, and HDPV series portable hard drives, some of which take advantage of the USB 3.0 SuperSpeed interface. Interestingly, all these price-cuts are related to just the 500 GB capacity. HDPC-AU500 on average got its price cut from ¥12,500 (US $162.25) to ¥10,600 ($137.5); HDPN-U500B and HDPV-UT500 from ¥14,600 ($189.5) to ¥12,500 ($162.25). The HDPC-AU500/TB got its price cut from ¥13,600 ($176.5) to ¥11,500 ($149).

Power Quotient International (PQI) has just released its all-new H552V USB 3.0 2.5" portable hard drive! The drive features sharp and refined curves that create a stylish sports car-like appearance, a dual curved back case that lends it a stunning beauty, and a precision engraving polishing technique and ornate buffing that manifests a high quality combination glossy/matte black finish. The device's smooth surface texture, which is both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to the touch, subtly exudes a reserved sense of extravagance. The PQI H552V boasts stylish race car-like curves and also features a USB 3.0 transfer interface crafted like a hawk-eyed double headlight. The bright LED light at the center of the headlights clearly displays transfer status to help avoid interrupting data transfers-and thereby losing one's important data-as a result of accidentally removing the device at the wrong time.

Sony is making data storage and backup easier, safer and more enjoyable with its latest range of external hard drives. The new HD-EG5 and HD-EG5U offer advanced features in a slim, stylish package that enable users to save and access their data quickly and conveniently, wherever they go.

The new drives with 500GB capacity provide USB3.0 compatibility and use pre-loaded Data Transfer Accelerator software to increase transfer speeds up to three times as compared to data transmission without the software. When connected to a USB2.0 port, the software boosts transfer speeds up to two times. These features make them one of the quickest 2.5-inch hard drives in the market.

Storage veteran Verbatim is out with the new Store 'n' Save USB 3.0 line of desktop external hard drives. The company's outdoorsy Store 'n' Go portable hard drives is complemented by a the new line, which consist of hard drives that are designed to offer capacious storage, but not quite move a lot from the desk because of its size. Store 'n' Save USB 3.0, as the name suggests, makes use of the new USB 3.0 SuperSpeed interface to connect to the host PC, virtually eliminating the bus bottleneck USB 2.0 is associated with, thanks to the 5 Gbps device-to-host bandwidth.

Measuring 192 x 118 x 49 mm, these rather bulky drives come in three capacity options: 1 TB, 2 TB, and 3 TB. The drive includes a license of Nero BackItUp and Burn Essentials software that help with data backup and optical disc burning. The bundled Green Button application software helps reduce power draw by spinning down and parking the drive when idling. Backed by a 2 year warranty, the Verbatim Store 'n' Save USB 3.0 desktop hard drives are priced, depending on the capacity options, at €76 for the 1 TB model, €96 for the 2 TB one, and €176 for the 3 TB one.

Western Digital today introduced its newest generation of My Passport portable hard drives specifically designed for use with Mac computers and Apple Time Machine, featuring compact, elegant Mac-inspired designs with high capacity storage options and exceptional security for today's active lifestyles.

My Passport Studio boasts the all-metal design and performance needed for today's discerning Mac user, serving as an ideal companion for the on-the-go photographer, videographer, graphic artist, or creative professional that produces, shares and consumes massive amounts of digital content daily. Offering up to 1 TB capacity, the My Passport Studio also provides multiple connectivity options with two FireWire 800 ports and a USB 2.0 interface.

Buffalo Technology added a new variant to the MiniStation 3.0 series of portable hard drives, which offers a huge 1.5 TB of storage in a device as big as 77 (W) x 114 (D) x 20 (H) mm, weighing a little over 250 g. The MiniStation 3.0 is so called because it uses the new USB 3.0 SuperSpeed interface, eliminating any interface bottlenecks that exist. A suite of related software is bundled with the MiniStation 3.0 1.5 TB, that cover data backup, data encryption, and drive power savings (by spinning down the drive when idling). The drive is available in piano black and pearl-white options. Backed by a one-year warranty, the Buffalo MiniStation 3.0 1.5 TB portable hard drive is priced at the equivalent of US $273 when it releases in Japan mid-September.

ADATA Technology, a leading manufacturer of high-performance DRAM modules and NAND Flash application products, today announced the launch of the SH14. The company is touting the super-tough exterior of the SH14, and is again targeting the on-the-go crowd whose active lifestyles call for shockproof performance. The new SH14 offers a new approach to shock-resistant designs, combining a modern style and a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 interface with military grade shockproof and water-resistant construction. The result is a fashionable break from the cold and monotonous outer form often seen in drives of this class.

The SH14 drive exterior is constructed of a unique silicone material, providing a smooth surface texture that is seldom seen in external drives. The military specification shock-resistant structure, coupled with water-resistant and impact-damping silicone shell, create a formidable line of defense important data. Users need not worry about data loss from accidental drops or spills, which can cause irreparable damage in conventional storage devices. The curved grid pattern of the drive body demonstrates an elegance and charm of modern technology, making the SH14 suitable for use by both active and trendy consumer groups.

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend), a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today released a new addition to its StoreJet line of portable hard drives, the StoreJet 25A. This new drive boasts an attractively slender yet shock-resistant design, and is available in both SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 versions. Featuring strikingly fast data transfer speeds, powerful software tools and up to a full terabyte of storage capacity, the StoreJet 25A is ideal for everyday backup, storage, and transport.

The StoreJet 25A3 portable hard drive is equipped with a next-generation SuperSpeed USB 3.0 connection interface that provides 10 times the bandwidth of USB 2.0. Thanks to the improved connection speed of USB 3.0, the StoreJet 25A3 delivers real-world transfer speeds of up to 90MB/s - fast enough to transfer a full DVD in just 50 seconds. If ultimate transfer speed is not absolutely essential, the StoreJet 25A2 USB 2.0 version of the drive offers the same eye-catching design and features at an attractive price.

Leading memory storage brand, SP/Silicon Power, today announces the launch of the D05 external portable hard drive. Made in urban and business styles, it delivers a smooth and seamless elegance. D05 adopts the super-speed USB3.0 interface and provides an ultra-high capacity of 1TB. With the up to date SP Widget back up and security tool, customers can enjoy safer and more efficient data mobility.

D05, continues Diamond series in their delicate design and exterior the solid and scratch resistant case by metallic grain surface embosses the diamond mark. The pocket-sized and easy for carry design is indeed the priority choice for urban and business people.

Gigabyte introduced A2 Tiny, a tiny version of the A2 portable hard drive series. Measuring just 78 x 59 x 13 mm (D x W x H), the A2 Tiny houses a 1.8-inch SATA hard drive, the original A2 packed a 2.5-inch drive. Its compact size and its 80 g weight makes it extremely portable. The A2 Tiny comes in just one capacity for now, 160 GB. It uses USB 2.0 interface for power and data transfer. Its enclosure packs a shock-absorbing mechanism to protect the delicate hard drive, although the company didn't give out a shock resistance figure. It is available in just one color option, Charcoal Gray. Along with its USB cable, the package includes a carrying pouch. Gigabyte didn't give out pricing or availability information.

Japanese peripheral company Logitec launched a new line of premium portable hard drives, in the LHD-PBJU3W, consisting of 500 GB, 750 GB, and 1 TB models. The drives use USB 3.0 to eliminate any performance bottleneck with the host machine, and have a low acoustic output of 18 dBA. Measuring 80 x 124 x 14 mm, Logitec's drives weigh 150 g. The 500 GB and 750 GB models are available in Japan for $98 and $117, respectively, while the 1 TB model will join the pack later this month.

Buffalo Technology announced a new portable hard drive with 1 TB capacity, the MiniStation HD-PCT1TU2. The drive connects to the system over a USB 2.0 connection, drawing power from it. It measures 77 x 14 x 114 mm, weighing in at just 165 g. The bundled eCo Manager software can help reduce its power consumption by spinning down the drive when idling; there's also software included for data backup and data encryption. The drive is available in piano black (glossy) and pearl white (also glossy). Backed by a 1 year warranty, the Buffalo MiniStation 1 TB HD-PCT1TU2 is priced at US $169.

Silicon Power today announces their ultra capacity 2.5inch USB 3.0 Stream S20 1TB external hard disk drive. It further strengthens powerful Stream Series of SP External Hard Drives. SP Stream S20 design concept comes from high-performance sports car. Front side of Stream S20 resembles sports car's low wind shear design as well as top and back-end. From any side Stream S20 displays its powerful performance. Metallic purple paint demonstrates its luxurious style and at the same time declares its superiority.

World leading flash memory manufacturer SP (Silicon Power) continues to use luxurious checkered design in-line with their Touch series USB flash drives and introduces the brand new 2.5 inch Diamond series USB 3.0 1TB external portable hard drive. New Diamond D10 featuring design with checkered stereoscopic effect combines USB3.0 interface with a massive 1TB storage capacity. As an external portable hard drive, D10 redefines indulgence and luxury!

The new Diamond series of external portable hard drives is designed by the SP R&D team. The focal point of the design was to sustain and continue the elegance of the Touch series using the checkered design. With a delicate and artistic manufacturing process, a stereoscopic effect was created that is gorgeous and eye catching wherever it goes!

Gigabyte rolled out its Pure Classic series of portable hard drives. The series includes USB 2.0-only, and USB 3.0 (compatible with USB 2.0) variants. The USB 3.0 variant is called Pure Classic 3.0. Measuring 120 x 81 x 14 mm, and weighing about 150 g, the Pure Classic drives sport a matte black body with a dash of piano black giving it a formal (classic) touch. A white (matte+gloss) variant is also in the works. It comes with a leathery pouch to add to its styling. It is available in 320, 500, 640, and 750 gigabyte capacities, though transfer rates are not known. Gigabyte didn't give out pricing information, either.

Transcend Information, Inc., a worldwide leader in storage and multimedia products, today introduced two new high-capacity portable hard drives: the SuperSpeed USB 3.0-powered StoreJet 25H3P and the standard USB 2.0-powered StoreJet 25H2P. Both models boast 1TB of storage capacity, and come bundled with Transcend's advanced new Transcend Elite data management software, which allows modern users to keep their rich digital content organized, protected and up-to-date.

Housed in a robust shockproof case, the newly released StoreJet 25H3P and StoreJet 25H2P drives offer extra capacity for more downloads and files and provide the highest level of protection against accidental drops. Besides incorporating a brilliant purple anti-slip rubber enclosure, the new models include a reinforced hard casing that evenly distributes the force of an impact, and an internal hard drive suspension damper as a last line of defense. Both two drives have passed the rigorous U.S. military drop-test tests, making them one of the most robust portable hard drives in the market today.

Gigabyte made an addition to its peripherals lineup, with the Pure Rock series of portable hard drives. Pure Rock carries the model number GZ-PMPRxxxU-BR/ WR (where xxx is capacity in GB, and BR/WR refer to black/white), and features a durable anti-vibration mechanism. It also sports a compact (128 x 82 x 15 mm, weighing 172 g), and subjectively elegant design. Internally, it uses 2.5" SATA hard drives, but connects to the system over USB 2.0. It also draws power from the same USB connection. It is available in capacities of 320 GB, 500 GB, 640 GB, and 750 GB. The internal drives have spindle-speeds of 5400 rpm, with 8 MB caches. A carry-pouch is bundled, the drive is covered by a 3-year warranty. Gigabyte did not give out pricing.

I-O Data is adding a new 750 GB variant to its HDPC-U family of portable hard drives. Measuring 75 (W) x 112 (D) x 14 (H) mm and weighing 160 g, these drives are available in four color options: "piano black", "orient blue", "bitter brown", and "pearl white", with a scratch-resistant surface finish. The drives use USB 2.0 interface for power and connectivity, and embed a 2.5" hard drive.

The drives come loaded with an eco mode that reduces idle power consumption, a data sync manager, Drive Center disk management software, and DiskRefresher SE backup/recovery software. Compatibility extends beyond PC, to Macs and PlayStation 3, and all devices (such as TVs and DVRs) that support USB Mass-Storage function. The HDPC-U750 is priced at ¥13,600 (US $165).

Transcend Information, Inc. (Transcend) today announced the new 750GB capacity to its StoreJet 2.5" Portable Hard Drives. Featuring abundant storage capacity and a unique shock-resistant construction, the new larger StoreJet 25D2, StoreJet 25M2, StoreJet 25D3 and StoreJet 25M3 drives are perfect for users who need more space for storing and backing up important files.

The passport-sized StoreJet 25D2 is sleek and stylish with a mirror-like high gloss outer finish, yet it is also remarkably tough and rugged. Under its seemingly delicate case is an advanced internal hard drive suspension system that helps prevent damage caused by accidental slips or falls during travel. The StoreJet 25D2 is also offered in chic white, making it a perfect complement to Mac computers.

For the first time Verbatim is launching an external hard drive which has been specifically created for the Mac community: the Verbatim Store 'n' Go Mac Portable Hard Drive. The sleek, minimalistic design in a black or white glossy finish will fit with any MacBook. It comes with a combination of FW800 and USB 3.0 SuperSpeed and HFS+ formatted, while a second version offers USB 3.0 SuperSpeed interface and FAT32 for PC users as well. Both models are available in stores with storage capacities of 500GB. The 1 TB version will be available in Q1 2011.

Other World Computing announced today it has added four new 750GB 7200 RPM models to its award-winning OWC Mercury On-The-Go Pro bus powered portable storage solution line. The Mercury On-The-Go Pro is a high-performance, pocket-sized portable storage solution for Mac or PC users featuring FireWire 800, FireWire 400, USB 3, and/or USB 2.0 interfaces for real world data transfer speeds up to 170MB/s. Available with up to 1.0TB of storage capacity, the Mercury On-The-Go Pro can hold up to one million JPEG photos, 500 DVD movies, 76 hours of digital video, or 350,000 MP3 songs.

The Mercury On-The-Go Pro 750GB 7200RPM line features four models, including a "Triple Interface" model for FireWire 800/400 and USB 2.0; a "Combo Interface" model for FireWire 400 and USB 2.0; a USB 3.0 "SuperSpeed" model for USB 3/2.0 Backwards; and a USB 2.0 model all available immediately priced from $134.99 from Other World Computing. In addition to the newest models, Mercury On-The-Go Pro models are available with up to 1.0TB in 5400RPM models and also available with Solid State Drives (SSD) with models currently up to 240GB.