So I just got my new laptop and I need a way to store large amounts of large files. Everything from small mp3's to large raw audio and DVD's. Been looking at externel hard drives. A few questions are: 1)Reliability is the biggest concern.Very important audio, data loss would be very bad. Is there a brand or type that is good? 2.5 vs 3.5. Also how does an enclosure work? Does it just take an internal and make it an external. Is USB the/only reliable connection to my laptop? 750gb is very apealing, other then the price. Any sugestions?
I use Maxtor which have been fine. Sometimes the interface converters die, so having a dual USB and Firewire would be an advantage. I don't know anyone using an external drive, that hasn't had a problem at some point, so being able to get to the drive inside to recover data if the interface board goes without voiding a warranty is essential. I've always broken the seal if needed, and so far have always got a replacement, but they do say it invalidates the warranty, so it's pot luck. Basically they do just change USB/FW to IDE or SATA depending on which model you get, so you could just buy a housing and put your own drive inside. Caddies can be bought for about £15 in the UK, then it all depends on what drives you want to use. I also bought a cheap caddy which I then dismantled and changed the IDE cable to a normal PC IDE with 2 ends, which was then fitted with 2 drives instead of one, but I also had to use another box, as the original was too small for 2 drives, but at £15 it was never an issue. It works fine and means I have the guaranteed reliability of 2 drives with essential data on them, if the caddy dies; I'll just get another one.
i store all my music on dvds...have some that are almost 2 years old and still look/read like brand new, have to take care of em and use good media, my collection is a mix of sony/fuji/maxell mij ty and verbatim...all depends on whats on sale but only good media, im sure you already considered this just thought id share my method...i have right now about 60 some odd dvds with music and hundreds with dvds/xvid/divx...and another load of pc games and software.
mgray69, besides saving on external hd, also save info on internal hd or on cd/dvd disks so if loose 1 form of backup still have the other.
OK, all you need is a 250GB or more external hard drive. It can be used to store a whole bunch of programs, music and doc..
