Toshiba has just released a new external hard drive with 500GB capacity, with the main highlight being its size due to the use of a 2.5-inch hard disk.

Codenamed HDDR500E03X, the drive weighs in at around 272 grams, has an 8MB buffer and connects via USB 2.0. Other features include an internal shock sensor and drive head ramp-loading technologies as well as anti-slip footpads on the outside casing of which is available in frost white and black.

The drive ships with NTI Shadow real-time backup software, a 3 year warranty and is priced at around $180. For further details, read the press release here.

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba Storage Device Division (SDD), the industry pioneer in small form factor hard disk drives (HDDs), today introduced a half-terabyte model to its personal storage line, providing consumers with a high-capacity warehouse and easy-to-use data backup solution for personal digital files, music libraries, home videos and other digital memories.

The new 500GB(1) Toshiba USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive comes with a glossy black finish and frost white contemporary graphics that will appeal to consumers looking for the latest must-haves in personal electronics for their home office or study -- or to throw in their backpacks and travel cases, thanks to easy portability. An added bonus for home use is the new 500GB model's ultra-quiet operation, with improved acoustics in the hard drive.