A440 Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 I'm about to get an external HDD: something big, probably >100 GB. I want something USB powered (not AC) and plug-and-play with Windows XP Pro (no software install) since it's going to be moved between at least two computers. It can look as boring as it wants--I just want something reliable that I'll never have to think about. Anybody have one they love? Anybody have ones to avoid? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dex Otaku Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 If you need an external hdd that has to be powered by USB, you'll probably have to get a notebook drive. To the best of my knowledge, full-sized hdds pretty much always need >500mA to run; I've actually yet to see an external firewire or USB drive that doesn't need its own power supply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A440 Posted November 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 It looks like there are some out there, but as usual you pay a serious premium for extra portability. So it's back to AC power. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 It looks like there are some out there, but as usual you pay a serious premium for extra portability. So it's back to AC power. I have a Maxtor One Touch 250Gb (AC Powered) and it does the job really well. Maxtor are generally very well thought of, I think their One Touch range is now in the 2nd or 3rd gen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky191 Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 You can get 80-100GB 2.5 Notebook drives. However they tend to use more power than the smaller ones and thus need two USB ports. (they draw power from both). If you are using it for music I suggest you look at which models are the quietest. Some 3.5 drives can be quite noisy. I would go for Seagate, Samsung quieter models. I bought my own enclosure and stuck a standard 3.5 drive into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercury_in_flames Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 (edited) I have a LaCie D2 Extreme 160Gb external hard disk, ac powered.http://www.lacie.com/uk/products/product.htm?pid=10511(industry rated at 160 gigs , obviously they rate a gig as 1000mb not 1024, so its actually about 158gb)However it does rule, hands down. Its got2 firewire 800 ports1 fire 400 portUSB port (can be used at usb one or two speed).8mb bufferIt got excellent revies from cnet if you value their reviews. It only comes with software for mac but that doesnt really bother me. my review i did: http://www.audiotstation.com/forum/showthr...highlight=Lacie(the one with the blue light) Edited November 29, 2005 by GregTheRotter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atrain Posted November 29, 2005 Report Share Posted November 29, 2005 (edited) i bought a budget external drive case for au$25 on ebay & a standard 3.5 drive for quite cheap. worked out to be quite a bit cheaper than a prop. one & can be upgraded by the user & one small phillips head.http://www.ps2bootchip.dk/shop/kintec_3_5_...disk-p-138.html Edited November 29, 2005 by atrain Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercury_in_flames Posted December 1, 2005 Report Share Posted December 1, 2005 did u get a warranty for the thing?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atrain Posted December 1, 2005 Report Share Posted December 1, 2005 it cost au$20 +5 for shipping or about 9 pounds. so no, or if i did it'd be more trouble than it's worth probably. i have one for the drive inside it though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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