SanDisk has unveiled its new FlashBack adaptor at the CeBIT show in Hanover designed to provide a simple and quick backup option for notebook users.

The adaptor is essentially an SD-to-ExpressCard converter, allowing users to protect content stored on notebooks by automatically backing it up to a memory card.

Unlike many other backup systems, the FlashBack is an ExpressCard device that resides entirely inside the notebook.

"This is a 'set-and-forget' system for every laptop user with an ExpressCard slot who wants to be protected from unintended data loss," said Matthijs Hutten, senior product marketing manager for accessories at SanDisk.

"We all know that we should frequently make backups of our critical files, but most of us don't get around to it because it seems like too much of an effort or we simply forget."

Once the backup software is installed, users select the backup sources by individual files, folders and/or file types.

These are then backed up and encrypted to the FlashBack adaptor every time a change occurs to any of the designated files.

Because the data is backed up to a standard SD memory card, the user can access the backed up content from any Windows PC that has a memory card reader in the event of notebook failure.

"This practical solution does the job and does it automatically. If your PC suffers a breakdown, you can flash back to your latest files wherever you are," said Hutten.

For protection against laptop theft and to easily share backed-up files, FlashBack also offers an option for backing up content online.

This service is integrated into the backup software and is provided by BeInSync. However, this option is a subscription service and hence costs an additional monthly fee.

The FlashBack adaptor is expected to be available worldwide in the second quarter of 2008 with a suggested retail price of $29.99.

This will include the adaptor itself as well as the backup software supported by a two year warranty. The device does not come with a memory card.