External storage solutions have been around for a very long time and they are getting better all the time with more storage capacity and better performance. As the amount of data people store on their computers grows, the time it takes to back up a machine gets longer and longer. Many don't have the time or patience to wait for USB 2.0 backups to complete.

[img]3[/img]

This is where USB 3.0 comes in with much greater bandwidth allowing large backups to be completed more quickly. Samsung has announced a new version of its S2 Portable external HDD that has USB 3.0 connectivity. The new drive uses a 2.5-inch HDD inside that spins at 7200 rpm. The drive also uses Samsung features to make it quieter when in operation.

Samsung uses onboard USB technology to allow the drives to be packed inside more compact cases to make them more portable. The new S2 USB 3.0 HDDs will be offered in 320GB and 640GB capacities and are set to start shipping in Europe this month. Presumably, the drives will come to the US but no estimates are offered at this time.