External Hard Drives

15 years ago

I'm considering a new external hard drive for storing back-ups. There are all sizes and makes to choose from.

I'd like to get the benefit of this forum's users experience with various models, sizes, etc.

I've about filled a Seagate 170 GB which has presented no problems. But, I have no hard and fast preferences on makes nor size.

Locally, I have Wal-mart and Best Buy in the area. However, I usually buy from NewEgg or Tiger Direct.

Tell me what's worked for you.

Thanks in advance.

Tom

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Comments (8)

genes
15 years ago
What kind of computer do you have???Make and model??
Hard to make a recommendation unless we know if it is a new/older laptop/desktop
zep516
15 years ago
Any hard drive is prone to failure. I have a Maxtor 160GB. It's worked fine, but I Know it could fail with in the next 5 minutes. Some users use 3 backups for files that can't be replaced easily (Personal files). An external drive, a CD, and perhaps an online storage site.
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I think that the type of file that was made for the backup may be critical for scanning success. If the file was an "image" of the original computer, then it probably can be scanned for malware and viruses. However. removing such items changes the file and it may no longer be an image of the original and can not be used to transfer the operating system to a new computer. An unadulterated image file is required for moving an operating system and its installed applications. If the the backup is merely a collection of copies of data files, then scan the external hard drive to rid it of baddies before copying these file to the new computer. When backing up data files, often backup software does not just make copies of the data, but creates a large data base containing compressed files of the data files. I'm not sure if this type of file can be scanned for viruses. Carefully read the capabilities of the scanner software. Some may say they have the ability to scan compressed files, but this may mean only files that are individually compressed and not a batch of files that have been collected into a single compressed (backup) file.
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bob414
15 years ago
I have a Seagate FreeAgent which works well for me.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
I have Seagate Free Agent Pro, like the warranty on it and they make pretty good external hard drives, but when I was making my decision I did a ton of reading on the review sites where actual users gave their opinions, that is what steered me away from a Western Digital My Book I was looking at, too many bad reviews.

Now when getting my most recent internal hard drive I went with the Western Digital black caviar because that drive had excellent reviews.
mike_kaiser_gw
15 years ago
Personally I'd stick with a Western Digital or Seagate drive because they seem to be the most reliable (although any drive can fail). The more expensive versions typically come with more comprehensive software, allowing you more ways to back up your data. Although there is plenty of free software out there as well if you are not happy with whatever the manufacturer includes.

Remember that for really important data you want multiple back-ups and most importantly not all in the same location. Heaven forbid your house burns down or a natural disaster strikes you want important stuff in another location. You can give it to a trusted friend or relative or use one of the online services (or perhaps both).
urlee
15 years ago
I bought a Verbatim Insight 500GB I like but soon after, I saw a Seagate which uses the USB 3.0 which loads a lot faster than the 2.0 which I now have the port for.(sigh)

Here is a link that might be useful: Interesting
joe_mn
15 years ago
ever consider putting a bigger drive in your machine? add a 2nd or replace your current drive. a higher rpm drive might even make the machine run faster.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
for anyone looking for a great price on an external drive I just spotted this deal at buy.com.
Fantom G-Force GF1000EU32 1 TB - Hard Drive
"Fantom Drives G-Force eSATA\USB 2.0 Hard Drives offer the most affordable storage solution for USB and eSATA enabled PCs and Macs. The USB 2.0 interface is capable of up to 60MB\sec transfer rates while the eSATA interface is capable of up to 150MB/sec transfer rates. This products features sturdy aluminum casing to provide maximum durability, fan-free design for silent operation, and could be placed horizontally or stand vertically to allow maximum deskspace. From increasing storage space to providing a safe and flexible data backup solution, Fantom Drives G-Force eSATA\USB 2.0 Hard Drives are ideal for home and business users alike."

a 1 TB hard drive for $59.99 and free shipping
that is a decent deal and the customer reviews are good. Nice that it offers both usb and eSATA.
I buy from buy.com often and have never had any issues with them and I know they do have a coupon code for first time buyers, so googling for buy.com codes should bring that up.

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External Hard Drives

Comments (8)

genes

zep516

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bob414

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

mike_kaiser_gw

urlee

joe_mn

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

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