By itself, the drive could be used for manual data backups, but Procom has taken it to the next level of usability by including Second Copy 2000, an automatic backup utility from Centered Systems. Second Copy automates the process of copying your data to an external drive. Then, based on the schedule you set up, it copies any updated files in the background. The software also offers advanced options, including zip compression, synchronization and version archiving.

ProMobile click to enlarge

Device Setup

I tested the 30-GB ProMobile device (Model PM30-USB) on my laptop running Microsoft Windows XP via the onboard USB 1.1 port. Windows immediately detected the drive and started the Second Copy 2000 installer application. After the software was installed, the profile wizard prompted me to create the first set of backup settings. The express configuration is straightforward: Simply enter what to copy, where to copy it to and how often to check for updates; then assign the profile a name.

At the first scheduled backup time, all files are copied to the location you selected. Successive runs will copy only those files that have been modified, saving time and valuable bandwidth. In addition, the software gives both visual and audible warnings if files it is attempting to copy are in use.

For testing purposes I created two profiles. In the first, I backed up My Documents to a directory called Document Backup on the external drive. The second profile compressed my Outlook data into a zip file on the drive each time

I started Windows. The process of creating profiles is simple for someone familiar with drive and directory structures, but as the device is designed to be used by remote staff and not IT personnel, the process should be more intuitive. Also, it would be useful if an administrator could create standard profiles that are included in the install script.

Good • Small form factor ideal for portability • Easy to install application software • USB 2.0 is speedy Bad • Software could be more intuitive • Lacks operating system recovery tools • Not available in Firewire version Vendor Info ProMobile USB External Storage Backup, starts at $189. Procom Technology, (800) 800-8600, (949) 852-1000. www.procom.com

Both of my test backups executed flawlessly. I then removed the drive and plugged it into another machine. After Windows found the device, I could open my files directly from Windows Explorer.

Scheduled Copier

The Second Copy 2000 software should not be confused with conventional backup or drive-image utilities. Instead, Second Copy can best be described as a scheduled file copier. On the plus side, the software can recover the backed up data without loading any additional software. On the downside, this utility cannot be used to recover the entire operating system. And although Second Copy lets you compress data into a password-protected zip file, it offers weak security if the drive is lost or stolen.

Just One Nit

I tested ProMobile on multiple machines in Network Computing's Green Bay, Wis., Real-World Labs®, including those running Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP. The device was detected, identified and made available immediately. However, when I tested it on a desktop running Windows 98SE, the operating system could not find the correct device drivers for the unit. I contacted Procom regarding this glitch and was told that device drivers would be available on the company's Web site soon. For now, when doing a rollout of these drives, you need a driver disk and additional documentation for Windows 98 clients.

The drive is covered under a three-year warranty, which includes toll-free phone support and cross-ship replacement of defective units. Software updates will be available via the Web.

Michael Brandenburg has been an application developer, network administrator and IT manager. Write to him at mbrandenburg@mail.gb.nwc.com.

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