Memorex Mirror for Photos External Hard Drive Review

• Dimensions: 3 x 5 x .5 inches
• Weight: 0.41 pounds
• MSRP:
  • $79.99 for 320GB storage
  • $99.99 for 500GB storage
  • $119.99 for 640GB storage

BUILD AND DESIGN
The packaging of the Mirror for Photos comes equipped with three components -- the device, a very short and succinct manual for installing the Mirror for Photos application, and a USB cable that can extend up to 13 inches when plugged in on both ends.

The flat surfaces and reasonable size of the Mirror for Photos make it a non-obtrusive device that sits comfortably next to any computer. In fact, it welcomingly becomes an afterthought as it quietly goes about its business while hardly warming in temperature. It is so subtle in its activity, that the only sign of such action comes in the form of a small, flickering orange light found in the corner of the external hard drive.

It's also pretty solid. I don't recommend casually tossing it around, but it can probably withstand the odd backpack or pocket trip.

Plain and simple, it is a single-port hard drive that does not pull any punches with its appearance while quietly doing what you ask of it. Memorex claims that up to 64,000 (320GB), 100,000 (500GB), or 128,000 (640GB) photos can be packed into the small device, depending upon which one you choose. Additionally, it recognizes and supports common picture files including BMP, GIF, PNG, and JPEG. It even picked up the raw image files from my Canon 5D Mach II.  There is also an option to backup all files through the application.

Performance and Operation
The Mirror for Photos successfully holds up to its goal of being a device that secures photos while allowing the user to do it in an easy manner.

The built-in software, which is applicable to both Mac and PC, installs via USB in literally five seconds and provides the convenience of automatically backing up and uploading photos as well as notifying when backup is complete and secure. Added any new photos recently? The application will automatically recognize this and notify the user of this matter as well.  

Photos are automatically synced onto the device in a matter of seconds after they have been plugged in. One drawback to the auto searching feature, however, is that it seems to only pull in images from the “Pictures” file folder by default. Users have to manually set the device to search additional folders and the desktop through the application, which is a minor hassle, but a hassle none-the-less.

Restoring photos is also a simple matter of plugging Mirror in via USB and selecting the restore feature in the application. From here, users can choose to restore photos in their original or an alternative location. Users can also choose to overwrite all existing files.

Finally, the Mirror for Photos application keeps a simple or detailed log accessed through a tab that tracks backup dates/times and progress.

Speaking of schedules, there is no option to automate regularly scheduled backups.

CONCLUSIONS
This hard drive does what you ask of it in a secure, easy manner, with only the minor hassle of having to manually selecting additional folders for search. Even so, everything about the device is speedy and simple enough for any user to figure out. If you can get past the limited auto-search capability, consider the Mirror for Photos external hard drive.