Review: Buffalo Drivestation Combo4 500GB USB storage

The Drivestation Combo4 is so called because it has four connection options.

You can attach it using USB, two versions of Firewire (which use different speeds) and the latest eSata connection, which is found on many newer computers.

It's very well designed, with a brushed metal exterior and a built-in stand to stop it toppling (it'll still do so if you push it, but it's fairly stable).

It's fairly slim, too, compared with many other more brick-like external hard disks. A nice small blue light glows through the front panel when it's in use.

There are several capacities available – the one we looked at had a 500GB disk inside. At £110 it's a bit more expensive than most USB disks, but around the same as an eSata external disk.

While the four connections are handy (cables are all supplied) few people will make use of even two of them.

If you're after an eSata disk, though, and want to ensure compatibility with other people's computers, it's a good idea.