The Good: Quick, portable way to keep lots of data backed up; it also fits into HPs desktop PCs The Bad: Backup software suffers from convoluted design; best to skip it and simply drag and drop The Bottom Line: HP keeps improving its Pocket drive li...

• Quick, portable way to keep lots of data backed up; it also fits into HPs desktop PCs...
• Backup software suffers from convoluted design; best to skip it and simply drag and drop...
• HP keeps improving its Pocket drive line to deliver more value, but this price is still high...

The 80GB HP Pocket Media Drive PD800 ($130 direct) is kind of like the old SyQuest data cartridges. You can use it in the same way, to back up your computers data or to transfer large files without having to resort to a slow network. This pocketable...

• Compact coat-pocket-size hard drive. Fits in HP Pocket Media Drive bays in midrange HP PCs without the use of a cable. Dual-head USB cable. Uses full-size USB connector. Nicely designed carrying case with a pocket for the cable.
• USB cable is a bit short. The drive doesnt fit in HP Personal Media Drive bays (the two are easy to mix up because of their similar names). Pocket Media Drive bays are available only on HP PCs.
• HPs Pocket Media Drives are a good backup and file transport solution for the budding multimedia maven. They work with an increasing number of midrange HP PCs and will also work with any USB-equipped PC. I like the idea and execution of hard drive &ldquo...