Not trying to sell, but in case anyone is interested...

As a follow up to my previous entry about safes, safe deposit boxes, insurance and data retention, I included information about if you store your data on a computer, the importance of backing up that data in some way, CD, external hard drive, or what-have-you. I mean, if you have an inventory of your coins for insurance purposes, in the event of a loss, it doesn't do much good if:

1. The computer crashes

2. The computer is stolen along with the coins

3. The computer burns in a fire

4. The computer is zapped by an electrical surge

5. Or any other possible hard drive failure

I know I mentioned a "ClickFree" device that is available elsewhere, as well as directly from the company in a certain price range. Well, QVC or QVC.com has it available today (Tuesday 3/24/2009) as a "Today's Special Value" and they are offering a

1. 500GB cick free (the largest yet)

2. Free shipping

3. 2 interest free "easy pay" payment option

$139.80 is their price, with free shipping, and the option of two payments of $69.90. They do collect tax of course, but for those who are interested, it could be a great buy. I think this one is about $10 more than I paid for mine, but it's literally about TWICE THE HARD DRIVE SPACE. Amazing how that changes over time -- and with the free shipping, it's probably a wash, because I don't remember getting that on mine.

There's a video to watch, specs on it, system requirements -- all on QVC.com.

For what it's worth, in my experience with the previous version ClickFree device (and this appears to be an upgraded technology), it does exactly what they say it will -- and is really just as easy.

So, if you're in the market for back-up storage, this may be something to consider.

Personally, I like using the ClickFree regularly, and storing it in a fireproof safe as described in my previous entry, so in the event of a theft or fire, the data might survive. It's also readily accessible on a SMALL LIGHTWEIGHT device if you need to make an emergency exit (floods, hurricanes or other natural disasters). Taking a tower with you may not be practical, but grabbing a small external hard drive (slightly larger than a digital camera) to throw in your emergency kit may not be a bad idea.

Aside from your collection data, imagine everything else? I always think of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast a few years ago -- and just "grab and go" items that could be taken fast, with all your financial data, personal files, etc.

Paranoid or prepared -- the realities are out there, and one must decide for oneself. Also one must decide the best tools -- so this is just one option of course, and one part of a preparedness arsenal.