Sony Microvault Pro

It's now quite common to find USB flash drives being used instead of floppy disks. The Sony Microvault takes the USB storage concept a step further with its huge 2Gb capacity.

If you're looking for a reusable drive for backing up files, or you need to carry large files around, this may offer better value than a recordable DVD drive.

Once plugged in, it's automatically recognised by Windows 2000 and XP (it won't work under Windows 98), allowing you to drag and drop files from your PC to the Microvault.

It's slightly smaller than a packet of cigarettes, but lighter than some USB flash drives. The brushed metal design looks good too, with the logo doubling as a status light when it's plugged in. It comes with Sony's Auto Sync software which will synchronise items on your PC with the Microvault - useful for backing up essential files.

Admittedly, it costs more than a 5Gb iPod Mini, which doubles as an external hard disk, but as a specialised back-up tool, the Microvault is a good solution nonetheless.

Contact: Sony 01932 816 000
www.sony.co.uk