Data Robotics, Inc. External Hard Drives

The Bottom Line: The second-generation Drobo adds a FireWire 800 connection, but the original USB-only on the now discounted Drobo might be the best bet for Windows users until better FireWire 800 drivers arrive. The device remains the most automated and easy-to-use redundant backup product we've seen.

The Bottom Line: The second-generation Drobo adds a FireWire 800 connection, but the original USB-only on the now discounted Drobo might be the best bet for Windows users until better FireWire 800 drivers arrive. The device remains the most automated and easy-to-use redundant backup product we've seen.

The Bottom Line: The second-generation Drobo adds a FireWire 800 connection, but the original USB-only on the now discounted Drobo might be the best bet for Windows users until better FireWire 800 drivers arrive. The device remains the most automated and easy-to-use redundant backup product we've seen.

The Bottom Line: For those bemoaning the lack of network support on last year's innovative Drobo drive, DroboShare offers Gigabit Ethernet and as simple and straightforward a setup as we found with the direct-attached Drobo.

Specs: Drobo DroboShare, PC, Mac, RJ-45, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet

The Bottom Line: Drobo takes the pain and confusion out of data protection and lets you tailor and expand the drive according to your needs. This so-called storage robot works exactly as promised and is the most innovative storage device we've seen in a long time. We want one.

Specs: Data Robotics DroboPro Hard drive array, Rack-mountable - 3, PC, Mac, 4 pin USB Type B, 9 pin FireWire 800, RJ-45, Standard

Specs: Data Robotics DroboPro Hard drive array, Rack-mountable - 3, PC, Mac, 4 pin USB Type B, 9 pin FireWire 800, RJ-45, Standard

Specs: Drobo DroboShare, PC, Mac, RJ-45, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet