has made a clever move in presenting a device that can not only host a 40GB HDD, but is also a backup device for a variety of external memory cards with the help of an external card reader. Of course, the user can also backup other USB USB devices such as memory sticks or USB HDD that can be connected directly to the CD311, making it a truly portable backup solution.

The CD311's retail package includes all the goodies you will need for your portable adventures. The device's construction appears rugged and the quality good, with a plastic external case that makes it lightweight. Of course, we didn't test to see if the device will survive a "good" drop and we wouldn't suggest anyone try it:-)

What was pleasing, was that when the device is connected to a host PC, the device uses the full capabilities of USB2.0 connection interface and with the help of the very fast Toshiba 40GB HDD, can read up to 37 Mb/sec. The internal rechargeable battery didn't disappoint us, as it can work continuously for around 1 hour before the device prompts you to hook up the external power pack.

We would be in seventh heaven if the device could also playback music files (Mp3, WMA) and maybe Apacer has plans for such device in the near future. In the meantime, we will continue to use our Apacer ShareSterno CD311 for our daily photographic adventures, storing the contents of our 1GB SD cards while at the same time carrying along several GB of our favorite music and movie files. The price on the Internet is around $144~250, while the included Toshiba MK4025GAS HDD sells with a price tag of $60~100.

- The Good

• Includes 40GB HDD with 8MB cache
• Uses full USB2.0 bandwidth with very good reading/writing performance
• Includes LCD for easy use
• Easy backup/move/delete functions
• Can be used either to backup Digital Camera memory cards or files from host PC/MAC
• Supports password protection for files
• Includes rechargeable Li-ion battery with good performance
• Supports firmware upgrades

- The Bad

• Doesn't support playback of any music/audio file
• Only supports FAT file systems
• Device runs hot in case if HDD continues running for long time

- Like To Be Fixed

• Support for other file systems (e.g. NTFS)

Retail Package
Design/Build Quality
GUI/Use
Performance
Value For Money