5 Data Storage Solutions That Aren't in the Cloud: HDDs, Flash Drives, more

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While having 83GB of free cloud storage has its perks, we sometimes prefer hardcopy backups of data. As such, we've rounded up a variety of data storage deals that run the gamut from portable hard drives and waterproof flash drives to an external DVD burner, and more.

  1. Seagate Backup 1TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive bundled with Total Defense Premium Internet Security for Windows
    Store: TigerDirect
    Price: $34.99 via $60 mail-in rebate with about $4 s&h
    Lowest By: $63
    Expires: October 31

    Is It Worth It?: Only 166 days until World Backup Day 2014! (It's March 31, by the way.) Gear up with the cheapest Editors' Choice Seagate 1TB portable hard drive bundle we've ever seen. For just $0.04/GB, you can own this USB 3.0 storage device and accompanying pre-loaded backup software.

  2. Toshiba Canvio 1TB Portable USB 3.0 External Hard Drive
    Store: Best Buy
    Price: $62.99 with free shipping
    Lowest By: $5

    Is It Worth It?: Don't need the bundled software? Then this Editors' Choice 1TB is a steal at $63; most merchants charge $75 or more for this 2.5" hard drive. For $0.06/GB you'll experience up to 5Gb/s transfer rate, and enjoy the perks of an internal shock sensor and ramp-loading technology, which help guard against damage.

  3. Lenovo DB60 USB 2.0 External DVD Burner
    Store: TigerDirect
    Price: $14.99 via $20 mail-in rebate with about $4 s&h
    Lowest By: $23
    Expires: October 17

    Is It Worth It?: Want to make DVD copies of data, say as a backup? This Editors' Choice external DVD burner, well, burns DVDs at 8x and CD-R media at 24x and features a 1.5MB buffer. It's easily hooked up via a USB 2.0 cable and comes pre-loaded with Corel DVD burning software

  4. Silicon Power Touch 835 32GB Waterproof USB 2.0 Flash Drive
    Store: newegg
    Price: $16.79 via coupon code "EMCWXWR89" with free shipping
    Lowest By: $4
    Expires: October 21

    Is It Worth It?: This 32GB flash drive is perfect those hair-raising occasions when you need waterproof protection for your data. It's lightweight (0.16 oz) and light on price, at $0.52/GB. What's more, this pocket-sized storage device is also dustproof and shockproof.

  5. Sony 32GB Class 10 UHS-1 microSDHC Card
    Store: Adorama
    Price: $22.95 with free shipping
    Lowest By: $1

    Is It Worth It?: The more data storage you've got, the more great work you can do in data-intensive disciplines such as video recording and photography. As such, this card (which will set you back $0.72/GB) is recommended for Full HD and 3D video recording, as well as high-resolution photo stills.

    There are more bargains in the cards so to speak: Adorama also offers the Sony 8GB Class 10 UHS-1 microSDHC Card for $8.86 ($1.11/GB) and the Sony 16GB Class 10 UHS-1 microSDHC Card for $13.95 ($0.87/GB).

Lou Carlozo
Contributing Writer

Lou Carlozo is a DealNews contributing writer. He covers personal finance for Reuters Wealth. Prior to that he was the Managing Editor of WalletPop.com, and a veteran columnist at the Chicago Tribune.
DealNews may be compensated by companies mentioned in this article. Please note that, although prices sometimes fluctuate or expire unexpectedly, all products and deals mentioned in this feature were available at the lowest total price we could find at the time of publication (unless otherwise specified).

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