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Post by Jacqui on Nov 16, 2009 15:40:14 GMT
I've recently been making some enquiries about getting an extra External Hard Drive, just wondered if any one has any Good or Bad reports, most PC shops seem to recommend Western Digital or Seagate, I already have a Maxtor Drive 300GB, which at the time I bought it had great reviews, now they seem to get bad really reviews, maybe it's the newer models.
I want to get a 500GB drive with USB & Firewire, I know there is much larger around but I would worry having everything on one drive I think I'd rather back up between two smaller drives, as 1TB or more is a lot to lose if it packs up.
How do you manage your back ups
Any thoughts would be of interest
Jacqui
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Post by kenja on Nov 16, 2009 20:38:12 GMT
Hi Jacqui
Assuming you are using a laptop, the most convenient form of external drives are the 2.5" portable type which will run off usb power only and do not need the cumbersome power supply to make them go. 500 GB is about the maximum you can get at the moment on these. From experience I would recommend Freecom's "ToughDrive" range which are encased in a silicone outer jacket and can withstand being dropped 1 metre onto concrete! Also they have an integral usb plug which also avoids the need for other cables.
I first got a 100GB one then a 250GB, both are superb.
Hope this gives you food for thought.
Regards....Ken
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Post by Jacqui on Nov 16, 2009 22:53:01 GMT
Sorry Ken
I should have mentioned it's for my Desktop PC.
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Post by JohnG on Nov 17, 2009 13:50:39 GMT
Hi Jacqui, Strange 'cos I recently thought the same and ended up buying an external case that allows USB 2 and eSATA. A standard internal drive is SATA today, and the "e" is for external. So plugging this into an eSATA port means it appears, and runs, as fast as an internal drive. The box has a power supply, a bit inconvenient, and a switch to change between the two standards. In it I put a Western Digital 500GB drive which I duly partitioned down into four sections. I bought both box and drive via Amazon. I'm very pleased with it. It isn't housed in silicon, I don't plan to throw it about, so I guess it isn't as robust as the other suggestion, but it's intended to stay in one place so I guess it'll do. I went for WD as I had 2 Seagate drives delivered faulty not so long ago. I think they're over the worst of a faulty batch though. I got a returns number and sent them back and they changed them no problem though. I think WD has a five year warranty and Seagate 3, but don't take my word on this. I see a 1TB WD drive is down to 69 Euro here. !!! where the 500GB one is 52 Euro. WD10EADS Caviar Green 1TB internal Disk Drive (3.5 inch, 32MB Cache, S-ATA) This was the box. www.amazon.co.uk/3-5-SATA-eSATA-External-Enclosure/dp/B000S8BZ12/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1258465643&sr=8-1. Of course it depends whether you have the skills to put the drive in yourself, or someone to do it for you. It isn't too difficult, just a little fiddly. Now that doesn't answer your Firewire requirements I know. Is Firewire a necessity? Just a few passing thoughts! (wow, 69 Euro, might get one of those!) JohnG. |
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Post by Jacqui on Nov 17, 2009 18:40:37 GMT
Hi John
I've sent you PM you with some more info
Jacqui
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Post by JohnG on Nov 17, 2009 20:19:37 GMT
Hi Jacqui,
Got your PM, I'll investigate and get right back to you on it.
All the best,
JohnG.
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