New Toshiba USB 3.0 Drives Come with Cloud Storage

Toshiba has updated its Canvio line of external drives with USB 3.0 connectivity and cloud backup.

Monday Toshiba announced a new line of Canvio external hard drives featuring a USB 3.0 interface and support for cloud storage. Now available today nationally in retail stores and via online outlets, the new Canvio 3.0 line offers 500 GB, 750 GB and 1 TB models pre-loaded with NTI BackupNow EZ software.

According to Toshiba, the software allows users to back up their data to the external drive and to a cloud drive hosted by NTI, depending on the size. For backing up the entire system, users merely send their data to the external drive itself. But for backing up specific folders and file types, users can use the virtual locker. The backup software also scans the user’s system and files and recommends which files to backup to cloud-based or on-device storage.

In addition to the cloud feature, the Canvio 3.0 portable hard drive line is pocket-sized, sporting a rounded rectangular form factor and a sleek high gloss finish. Other features include complete password protection with up to 256-bit data encryption, an on-screen Drive Space Alert monitor, and Toshiba's internal Shock Sensor and Ramp Loading Technology that protects the drive during daily movement.

“Digital consumers need to quickly backup high resolution photographs, important documents, high definition videos and large music files in a seamless storage system. HDDs with cloud-based backup capabilities offer consumers a digital safety net against system failure,” said Maciek Brzeski, vice president of HDD retail products, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division. “With cloud-based backup, Canvio 3.0 offers consumers a simple and easy backup solution for all types of digital files that need reliable storage.”

Toshiba also announced USB 3.0 versions of its Canvio Basics external drive line which doesn't offer cloud storage. These are also available in 500 GB, 750 GB and 1 TB capacities and feature a new compact design.

Available now, the Canvio 3.0 external drives cost $89.99 for the 500 GB model, $109.99 for the 750 GB model, and $139.99 for the 1 TB model. The Canvio Basics 3.0 line costs $79.99 for the 500 GB model, 750 GB for the 750 GB model, and $129.99 for the 1 TB model