Please help me understand external HDD

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › Please help me understand external HDD

Batman

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#65695 5-Aug-2010 22:29

We are on the move and so will get rid of my desktop. Trouble is, all our family files. Make some copies in case one craps out. Thought about external HDD. Googling didnt help much with my confusion.

My lappy has - firewire, esata, usb 3.0 - no idea what's best or fastest

I have a 3.5" 640 gig hd but i remember when connecting it the sata port was on the side and not the back as i had imagined. Is this a problem with the cases? Should i get a new one eg 2.5?

Most important: no external power needed.
Then: cheapest
Then: light/small vs FASTEST connection

Thanks for any explanation

heavenlywild

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#363989 6-Aug-2010 00:16

There are so many choices out there. I would recommend getting a USB 3.0 external hard drive, or one with firewire. Both have pretty decent transfer speeds. The more expensive hard drives come with USB 3.0 and firewire. The extra cost is well worth it when you consider having to transfer 640GB-1TB worth of files.

dman

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#363993 6-Aug-2010 00:50

usb 2.0 should be fine, make yourself a cup of coffee or three :P

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freitasm

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#364023 6-Aug-2010 08:00

Anything over 500MB may need an external power. It depends on the model...

USB 2,0 for backup is fine. You have the whole day/night cycle thing going on - just leave it doing backup and go away.

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#364052 6-Aug-2010 09:24

I just purchased a WD external 1TB drive to backup around 500GB of data, and yeah, over USB2 it takes its time, but the system I was backing up from didnt have any other connectivity so USB2 it was.

Ended up copying that data around about 3 times due to my stuff ups (forgot to format as FAt32 for the PS3, then found PS3 wont see multiple partitions...argh)

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#364068 6-Aug-2010 09:41

I have a 2.5 inch Western Digital passport 650gb that doesn't require external power. The thing is tiny and will easily slip into my pocket.

It is USB2 only but really, unless you are going to make frequent transfers of large files the time difference with USB3 will not add up to much. Mostly I use for smaller transfers between PC and lappy at home (faster than wifi) or to give/get files from a friend.

You can keep it plugged into your puter and use it as a 2nd drive, or even boot of it if you are keen. Great way to try out a new OS.

Very handy and well worth the small price for it. Oh It also comes with a hardware lock so your family photos will remain safe (with a good password)

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#364089 6-Aug-2010 10:19

yeah i think for me CHEAP is the best. hmm ... how much is your pocket sized WD passport altogether?

also i've been wondering (but dont know if it's easy to do): i could just buy the casing and use my lappy 2.5" 7200rpm 500g HD and buy a superfast (i heard not all are fast) SSD (is it cheaper in Oz)!

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#364105 6-Aug-2010 10:46

Yeah you can get a 2.5" external casing that's powered by usb for $30-$50, then just put your drive in it after you upgrade your laptop to a SSD

For example, Vantex NextStar CX 2.5
http://www.vantecusa.com/en/product/view_detail/272

However SSD's aren't very cheap though!

An Intel X25-V 40G SSD is arouing $200-230