APRICORN Aegis Padlock 500GB USB 2.0 Secure 256-bit AES Hardware Encrypted Portable Hard Drive A25-PL256-500

Pros: This was my first time buying a product like this (encrypted drive) and I wasn't sure what to expect. I certainly expected the encryption process to make data transfers slow, but this drive is as fast if not faster than other external drives I've used in the past.

I carry the drive everywhere I go in my briefcase. Despite being thrown in the back of my car every day, and enduring the Illinois Tollway several days a week and potholes on local streets, this drive has held up. My laptop has been along for the ride, and I am replacing some parts that have become worn or damaged this year in travels. So I guess you could say this drive has held up better than my IBM ThinkPad.

After 8 months of ownership and daily use, the number pad where the passcode is entered has no signs of wear at all. In fact this drive still looks new. It's the closest to invincible that I've ever seen.

Cons: Only 500GB! :P

Other Thoughts: Mine's almost filled up. I have been very satisfied with the Apricon Aegis product line, and am considering dropping some more $$$ on a 1TB or 2TB model to carry in addition to this one.

Pros: Reliable, no detectable read/write speed penalty on a USB connection, easy to set up, no driver installation required, versatile admin options included for multiple users (each of which can be separately deleted), and seems secure.

Cons: Short USB cable, about 4 inches, stows neatly in the side of the drive but often requires a (preferably short) extension.

Other Thoughts: For greater security you can of course add PGP or other software-based encryption when saving data via the hardware encryption on the drive.

Pros: This thing is Awesome and the customer support is awesome. I had one that failed due to the drivers on the USB tip, but all i had to do is call them and they sent out a brand new one for free , all i had to do was send them the defective one with my new egg purchase receipt.

Cons: Price and maybe the USB cable could be longer

Other Thoughts: Good customer service is worth it with warrenty

Pros: 256 bit encryption

Cons: There is literally no warranrt service. The drive was totally died after 1 year use. The manual and website don't list how to get warranry service, although it says this drive has 3-years warranty. Tried to contact sales and tech. support several times, but no reply at all.

Pros: +256-bit AES Hardware (on-the-fly) encryption
+PC/MAC compatible
+Max Write: 26 MB/s, Max Read: 34 MB/s (Tested in HD Tune)
+Super quiet, portable, doesn't need bulky adapter
+Integrated USB cable
+Includes padded case and USB Y-cable/extender
+6-16 characters for PIN password
+Progressive lockout mode to prevent brute-force attacks

Cons: -Short integrated cable (6 inches)
-Must use Y-cable for low-powered (or older) USB 2.0 ports/controllers
-May not be able to use as a boot device

Other Thoughts: This HD was sooo quiet and had no detectable vibration (just an LED) when I first plugged it in--thought it was DOA, but it was running and transferring so well. I use this to store all my documents and system backups. Just don't use 3rd party USB extenders--your system may not be able to detect the drive after you enter your PIN.

Don't be afraid when your system detects it as an "unrecognizable disk" and tells you it must be "initialized/formatted"--you won't be able to do anything on this drive unless you enter the PIN first--Everything will be accessible when you enter your PIN. A word of caution: Excessive/brute-force attempts will lock you out and will require resetting the entire drive after 100 attempts. Don't worry, though--everything on the drive will be garbage (encrypted) to prevent data theft and any recovery attempts.

Pros: Good drive for security - works as advertised. PIN is easy to set and use - ability to have multiple user and admin. Great transfer rates.

Cons: None

Other Thoughts: Bought three of these - no problems with any of them.

Pros: Great replacement for 320 GB Black Armor that I've been using (which is no longer available except in name). Slightly faster than the BA.
I leave sensitive client data on the encrypted drive and never transfer it to a non-encrypted drive. The visual impression of a keypad encrypted drive is more credible to non-tech-savvy clients.

Cons: The short USB cable. Good enough for laptops and workstations with top-mounted USB ports. For others, I use the black half of the included USB Y-cable.

Other Thoughts: Good bang for buck. I'll probably buy another.

Pros: Works great and exactly as described.

Cons: I have not found one yet unless you do not need the encryption which would not make it worth the money.

Pros: Works well, no software to install, easy to setup PINs. Works with only the single, integrated USB cable; I have not yet needed the Y-adapter. Enclosure is made of plastic but feels solid and well built. Included neoprene case seems well-built.

Cons: USB cable is short, but that's to be inspected since it's built in to the drive. Just something to be aware of if you have to plug in behind the computer; you won't be able to reach the keypad very well.

Other Thoughts: I'm using the Windows Powertoy "SyncToy 2.1" to keep a copy of my hard drive on the Padlock. No issues to date.