Self Encrypting Hard Drives or SEDS.

In the new millennium many people have opted out of desktop computers and have entered into the realm of notebooks to handle their computing needs.  Most of those people use notebooks for their mobility, but there is a growing segment of the population who have purchased notebooks due to space requirements in their homes.  If you are one of those people in that growing segment then you probably don't need to worry about drive encryption and protecting your data as much as someone who is always on the go.

Up until recently I have preferred Western Digital hard drives over other brands because I have had fewer failures with them than I have experienced with, say, Seagate.  However, that is changing.  If you'll remember, last year I purchased a Seagate Momentus XT (500 gigabyte) hard drive and wrote a review about it, well that drive is still up and running and performing its job admirably, and now I'm thinking it might be time to purchase an SED for my Dell XPS 15, and it looks like I will be turning to Seagate again.

There are a host of software applications out there such as TrueCrypt, DiskCrypt, Microsoft's Bitlocker, etc, that will encrypt entire drives or just certain files and folders, the issue with these software applications is that they are prone to data corruption and in the case of Full Disk Encryption (FDE) they often cause a huge hit to performance due to the CPU overhead that they require.  So this rules out software as a possibility for encryption.

That leaves hardware, and more specifically that leaves the ST9500422AS Seagate Momentus Self Encrypting Hard Drive now with FIPS 140-2 certification.  It's been approved by the United States and Canadian governments for use in their laptops and is the first SED to receive it.   It runs a little more than a standard hard drive, but you have to ask yourself how important your data is to you?  Especially when approximately 10% of all notebooks are stolen in any given year.  


So even if you just use your notebook to pay your bills, isn't it worth it to you to encrypt that data?  Especially with the huge rise in identity theft?  


It is to me. 

Review: Mobile Edge Notebook Bags

For about 6 years now I've used Mobile Edge bags, and for the most part I've been extremely happy.  These bags are rugged, durable, and do a great job of protecting your gear from damage.  (They're quite water resistant as well, I know this because I had a bottle of water in a side pocket and it leaked, luckily my electronics were kept safe because it did not seep through as I had feared).

my one instance where I was not happy was an Alienware branded bag made by mobile edge that I purchased (I was in desperate need of a bag and it was the only one by mobile edge that was both available at the time, and fit my DV9700 17 inch notebook)  I found it to be rather lacking in storage space.

I currently use the Mobile Edge MEV17P 17" bag (it happen to fit my 18.4" HDX 18T quite nicely), and love it. It has enough pockets and side spots to store a lot of my electronics gear and books as well.  Here's a look:





Whether you do a lot of traveling and need a checkpoint friendly bag or you're a fashionista and are tired of the typical offerings that most notebook bag manufacturers have available, Mobile Edge more than likely has a bag that will fit your style and your needs.

Are you an Environmentalist? No problem, they have a line of bags and backpacks or you as well.


 Just do yourself a favor and stay away from the Alienware branded bags as mine was rather limited in storage space, though it too has held up quite nicely.  Oh, and did I mention they offer a lifetime warranty?