External Hard Drive - advice?

Nosmo_King_2

I am considering purchasing an external hard drive but am not sure whether I should opt for a "portable" one or not. I would not need to transport the hard drive anywhere else, although it would probably be kept in a cupboard when not in use. Which type do you think I would be best of with? (I would probably be looking at 320/500Gb)
Also, would I be able to use it to back up a desktop and a laptop?
:question:
Many thanks

bertboy60

What do you need the drive for? Just storing files or backup?

I use ClickFree portable for backup and it is great for reminding you to do regular backupss and automatically backing up the files.
http://www.clickfree.com/

Nosmo_King_2

bertboy60 wrote: »

What do you need the drive for? Just storing files or backup?

Both really,

Thanks

Chippychap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/34572575#Comment_34572575

closed

portable drives cost a little more, but use up less storage space and don't need to be plugged into the mains, so it comes down to how much you are willing to pay for the convenience.

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/data_storage_offers-775-commercial.html

Moving your only copy of important data to an external drive is risky, keep 2 or more copies, and use disk imaging software to backup.

KillerWatt

Nosmo_King wrote: »

Also, would I be able to use it to back up a desktop and a laptop?

You can, but bear in mind you will have zero redundancy.

Sooler

For convenience sake get what you call the 'portable' type. These just need to be plugged in using a USB cable, avoid flaffing around with power leads.

And for backup purposes consider getting 2, keep them both upto date and store them in different locations.

Or use 1 external drive and an online storage solution like Microsoft Sky Drive - 25gb free http://windowslive.com/online/skydrive

dave2

"Portable" drives are more convenient physically as they're smaller and powered over the USB cable. I would get one of these if you're talking about backing up regular data (i.e. not huge volumes) and for storing files where performance isn't important (e.g. your MP3s). Or for people who are carrying it around.

"External" drives can be significantly faster, though if performance matters, and your computer supports it, get one with an eSata connection. They're also usually cheaper per MB and available in larger capacities. I would get one of this if doing frequent big backups or for holding files where performance does matter (e.g. more space for saving programs because your current main disk is full).

bertboy60

If you have files that don't change frequently then online storage could be a good option too. There is a good software called SyncbackSE http://www.2brightsparks.com/syncback/sbse.html which is great for putting files online.

spike7451

I bought a 'Seagate Portable Expansion Drive'which has 250GB space on it with a free Belkin carry case from Argos for £38.00.Cant fault it really,it's the size of an audio cassette tape.I have all my music,TV Programmes (complete series like NYPD Blue/24 ect) & movies stored on it.
As I go away a lot with the TA,It saves me carting loads of DVD's & CD's with me.
Well worth it imho.
Tesco have a 320GB one for £50.
http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.205-5127.aspx