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Which External HDD?

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Me and my GF have realised that we've got a lot of files that we'd like to back up the usual music, photos and University coursework etc.

We'd like to get a 250GB/500GB external HDD to back all this up both from my desktop and her laptop.

Now external HDD's are so cheap I'm concerned about opting for the lower priced units and getting one that breaks after 12 months, are there any particular models that would be best to stick with?
Topcashback 2009 - £61
Mortgage Mission - 1st September 2010 save £10K currently £6.2K

Comments

  • busenbust
    busenbust Posts: 4,782 Forumite
    Hi DH, I'll repeat what I always say about an external drive purchase: :)

    Originally Posted by busenbust viewpost.gif
    I always suggest purchasing one that has both a usb and e-Sata interface - future proofing ;)
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by busenbust viewpost.gif
    e-Sata will provide four/five times the speed (such is the claim but there are caveats here) of usb 2.0. I think it's useful to have for future proofing. Having both interfaces is not necessarily an additional expense either.

    Fine example of speed/performance here :cool:

    Your pc will need to have the e-Sata interface to benefit, but let's say you purchase a new/additional pc later?;)


    HTH.
  • BikerEd
    BikerEd Posts: 405 Forumite
    Avoid Western Digital. Otherwise most makes are OK.
  • pcombo
    pcombo Posts: 3,429 Forumite
    there is absolutely nothing wrong with western digital i have used there drives now for 5 years. It is the only hard drives i have found that dont make any screeching noise when theres alot of activity on the computer.

    before it was maxtor *avoid maxtor drives if anything*
  • jaypr
    jaypr Posts: 63 Forumite
    pcombo wrote: »
    there is absolutely nothing wrong with western digital i have used there drives now for 5 years. It is the only hard drives i have found that dont make any screeching noise when theres alot of activity on the computer.

    before it was maxtor *avoid maxtor drives if anything*


    I agree.

    There is no such thing as "the best external hard drive", it's basically the luck of the draw.

    I've had Western Digital, Seagate and Maxtor all screw up on me in the past. But i still have Western Digital, Seagate and Maxtor drive that are all running fine.

    Be aware though that the enclosures themselves can also be faulty. I've had two enclosures go faulty, but the drive inside has been fine.

    My recommendation is go for the cheapest option.

    Jason.
  • fiddiwebb
    fiddiwebb Posts: 1,806 Forumite
    geordie458 wrote: »

    Looks like additions, woolworths and very will have a busy Monday morning!
  • aliEnRIK
    aliEnRIK Posts: 17,741 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    Id go for Hitachi, Seagate or Western Digital ~ they tend to cost more, but theyre a lot less likely to fail
    :idea:
  • fiddiwebb wrote: »
    Looks like additions, woolworths and very will have a busy Monday morning!

    Busy processing my order I hope !!!:rotfl:
  • jaydeeuk1
    jaydeeuk1 Posts: 7,714 Forumite
    Debt-free and Proud!
    edited 18 January 2010 at 12:47PM
    geordie458 wrote: »


    Holy crap thats cheap. Spend another £1 and get £10 off too!

    Edit - wait, ended 31st dec...
  • barginunter
    barginunter Posts: 1,253 Forumite
    No it didn't.
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