INTRODUCTION

   We are all well aware that portable data storage needs are always on the rise so it's not surprise really that most professionals (and even regular consumers) are currently looking to get their hands on high-capacity portable hard disk drives. Unfortunately, although 3.5" drives have already hit 16TB (and as mentioned in our reviews last year they should hit 20TB by the end of this year) in capacity 2.5" models are still stuck at 5TB (with 6-7TB models on the way) which means that 4/5TB portable hard drives are the highest capacity single-disk models currently available in the market. Toshiba recently added the "standard" Canvio Ready range of USB 3.0 portable hard drives in their product line and today with us we have the top 4TB variant.

   Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH (TEE) is the European electronic components business of Toshiba Electronic Devices and Storage Corporation. TEE offers a broad IC and discrete product line including high-end memory, microcontrollers, ASICs and ASSPs for automotive, multimedia, industrial, telecoms and networking applications. The company also has a wide range of power semiconductor solutions as well as storage products including HDDs, SSDs, SD Cards and USB sticks. TEE was formed in 1973 in Neuss, Germany, providing design, manufacturing, marketing and sales and now has headquarters in Dusseldorf, Germany, with branch offices in France, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. TEE employs approximately 300 people in Europe. Company president is Mr. Akira Morinaga.

   Since the Canvio Ready line of portable hard drives (currently available in 500GB/1TB/2TB/3TB/4TB capacities) is marketed as "standard" it doesn't offer much in terms of looks (always compared to their "premium" and "advanced" Canvio lines) so inside the somewhat plain plastic enclosure (features four rubber feet and a white/blue activity LED - white for USB 2.0 and blue for USB 3.0 connectivity) Toshiba placed their latest (and for unknown reasons still officially unannounced) 4-platter 2.5" hard disk drive (MQ04UBB400/SATA III/5400RPM/16MB). Last but not least Toshiba covers the entire Canvio Ready line of portable hard drives with a 2 year limited warranty.