Buffalo DriveStation HD-HXU3

Buffalo Technology DriveStation HD-HXU3

Memory and storage capacity continue to follow Moore's Law as ever larger storage and faster transfer speeds are put into smaller and cheaper packages. Case in point: the Buffalo Technology DriveStation USB 3.0 (1.5TB) ($144.99 direct) hard drive. It combines the highest capacity available with the latest iteration of USB by packaging the two into a sleek enclosure. While our review model has 1.5TB of space, 1TB and 2TB models are also available, and can be found for $95.99 and $174.35, respectively. Though designed for desktop use, and not pocketable by any means, at 9.5 by 3.3 by 8.7-inches (HWD), the DriveStation USB 3.0 is still a sleek, trim drive that is compact enough to easily transport from one place to another. Its glossy black enclosure is accented with mirrored silver. The gloss looks great as long as it's kept clean, but it will clearly show each and every fingerprint on its surface. Other desktop drives, like the Western Digital My Book Studio ($380 list, 3.5 stars) and Iomega eGo Desktop Hard Drive ($185 Street, 3.5 stars), opt for a matte finish. The drive is vertically oriented to reduce its desktop footprint. An LED indicator light glows blue when connected to a USB 3.0 port and green when connected to a USB 2.0 port.