Amacom FlipDisk

Notebook PCs aren't renowned for their expansion capabilities and this is particularly problematic when it comes to hard disk drives. Fitting a new one isn't hard but since there's only room for one hard drive inside a notebook PC, it's a case of out with the old and in with the new. If you don't fancy a costly paperweight with sharp edges, though, the Amacom FlipDisk is a possible solution.

The FlipDisk isn't new and we've reviewed its various incarnations a number of times over the last few years. Just to recap, it's a standard 2.5in notebook hard drive in a caddy that connects externally to a notebook PC. It's not unique in this respect, but it's the only device we're aware of that connects via a PC Card socket.

A Type II PC Card folds out from under the case and connects to a notebook just like any other PC Card. No additional drivers are needed and the FlipDisk is powered by the notebook it's plugged into - plug and play doesn't get any simpler.

There are a couple of new features this time round, though, and while the translucent blue case may not excite you, the USB connection option might. This means the FlipDisk can be used on any PC with a USB port, and although it's not an ideal option for expanding a desktop PC, it does mean you can easily share the drive between two or more systems.

The FlipDisk comes with a padded wallet to protect it during transit but there doesn't appear to be any shock-absorbing material around the drive itself. This isn't a big problem but it means you should probably treat the drive with particular care, especially when it's being used.

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