Transcend Double-duty USB 2.0 / eSATA SSD is Well Balanced

Here we are waiting for the first USB 3.0 thumbdrive. In the meantime, if you have an eSATA port at your disposal, this hybrid solid state drive featuring both speedy eSATA and universally compatible USB 2.0 will give you the best of both worlds. The SSD18M measures at a mere 12.5mm in thickness and 50g in weight, and its enclosure has chic gloss diamond pattern to appeal to fashionable gadget lovers. While it isn't exactly the most compact in its class, the Transcend SSD meets U.S. military drop test standards to make sure your data is safe in case the drive slips out of your hand.

In terms of performance, the Transcend SSD18M is quite impressive topping at 78MB/s read and 45MB/s write throughput during eSATA benchmarks. USB 2.0 transfers aren't too shabby either, with max. sustained read rated at 29MB/s and write at 24MB/s. Available from 32GB to 128GB, the largest SSD18M ($400) costs about the same as Kingston's 128GB DT200 which drops eSATA in favor of USB for greater portability at the sacrifice of speed. For geeks however, the Transcend may prove more useful as it can double as boot up drive via eSATA connection.