Need to purchase an external hard drive. Any suggestions?

that I really can't afford much. Probably $100 or less. I don't have a specific space amount in mind, but for example, I saw one on eBay for $75, 250 GB. However, I'm just not sure if it's something that's going to last or crap out on me. I would hate to purchase something that's less expensive via eBay (or wherever) and have it die within a month and lose all of my data. God, that would suck.

I bought a couple off eBay and sold them again within weeks because their fans were so noisy and poorly built it was impossible to work with them on.

I ended up settling for a Western Digital MyBook, two actually. They are both silent and most importantly turn themselves off when the computer sleeps or they're not in use saving power and my sanity not having to listen to the shrieking fan.

The one that I am specifically looking at on eBay is also a Western Digital brand. Do you recommend that brand?

This particular one can be via USB or Firewire.

I got my Maxtor at Costco for peanuts a couple of years ago. 160 gig. I love it.

I bought a Western Digital MyBook 250GB on sale. I'm more of a person to buy a drive and a case separately [i have 2 like that already], but I bought it because it was cheap.

It's wonderful. It looks great, and I especially like that it turns itself off when I disconnect it or sleep the computer.

Having it turn off after not being used is good for saving power, but bugs me sometimes because it doesn't come instantly back on - you have to wait for it to spin up, about 5-10 seconds.

I would definitely recommend it, and am looking to purchase another one, probably 500GB, as soon as its the right price.

Thanks you guys! I appreciate that. It really gives me a good idea what to look for when purchasing an external hard drive.

Thanks again!

Not sure how much they are in the states, but I would advise getting the biggest drive that you can afford!

I did have one die on my after only a few months though, but any HD can go at any time, so guess I was just unlucky.

Also there are free online storage sites, which you might want to consider, they may be useful for your really important work and stuff. Just a thought. Can't remember the names, but I am sure if you search google you will find some.

I can always look into the web hard drive thing, too. Might be a lot easier and I won't have to worry about the hard drive dying on me. I guess another avenue I could take.

Thanks, sidesey.

Also, from what I've seen just on eBay, the Lacie hard drives seem to be more expensive. I can't afford much right now, so I figure anything is better than nothing. My current hard drive on my computer has gotten too small, and I need to do something quickly.

Thanks!

If you did the web thing, then I would still advise you to get a HD too, as its possible their server might go down and also if you have a dvd writer I would write some dvds of the stuff you really don't want to lose. I lost 200 gig of stuff recently but luckily it was a backup of stuff I already had backed up if you see what I mean.

A few other suggestions, if you have an ipod or similar with a decent size HD you could use that too. Lastly, ditch any programmes or extra stuff you don't need, there was a post here about deleting the language files a while back, that could get you a few gig. Have you got a flash pen, you could store your most precious stuff on that? Anyhow hope you sort it.

here a while ago.

Lots of good ideas here to sift through.

http://creativebits.org/2004/11/os-x-free-up-hard-disk-space.html

Definitely things to consider here.

Since you brought up the DVD writer thing, that was going to be my next post or question. I do not have a DVD burner on my computer, but a CD burner. I have some movies that I Have downloaded from iTunes onto my iPod, but don't have a DVD burner to back them up. I know it's nothing serious, but I would hate to lose that money that I spent on those movies if my computer crashes.

Is there such a thing as an external DVD burner, as well? I really want to back these movies. Any suggestions?

actually im a big pc fan. but my best suggestion is to go to frys electronics. goog luck!!! and my books and freeagents are good too.

You can get really good deals from Apple's website (http://hotdeals.apple.com/specialdeals/index.php)

Smalldog electronics are a great place for good deals too.

I am really appreciative of all of these suggestions. Seriously. Now I have a guide when purchasing an external hard drive, and possibly an external DVD burner.

I knew I'd have luck posting this on CreativeBits. :-D

Wow I'm surprised that the spam bot hasnt hit up this entry.

What i did was i got a No Frills USB 2 CompUSA ext HD enclosure for 20 bucks and any Internal HD... as my needs have gone up from 120gb (a few years ago spent like $150) to 250gb (last year spent about $99) i just swap out the drives. However, the only time something bad happened was when the power went out and the surge protector didn't protect... but only fried the $20 HD enclosure-so i replaced that. It did scare the crap out of me; i thought i lost 40gigs of music and wedding photos.

With Ext HD your paying for mostly the plastic and the brand name. with an enclosure you can fit any type of 3x5 hard drive up to like 350 gigs.

But if you want a name brand to call in the middle of the night, when and if it craps out on you i suggest www.tigerdirect.com. Crappy Site - Decent prices, and they have "Carl's Deal of the Day."

What does this button d.... CRAP!

the enclosure and the hard drive itself? I just assumed the enclosure was just that—a case that encloses the actual hard drive??? Or amI way off on this one? I did see a few auctions on eBay for the enclosures, but once again, I wasn't sure what it was.

But I would still need to purchase a separate HD, right? I mean, I can't very well use my own internal HD (can I?) because it defeats the whole purpose of having one to begin with.

I guess I am really lost. Usually I am really good at this tech stuff. :-(

It allows you to upgrade without purchasing the whole HD & enclosure together. I'm with ya. Am I right?

I thought you were looking at getting an external HD anyway? I went down that road, as hopefully my external will outlast my mac and I don't have to worry about this I hope. That's the easy answer!

But then I saw auctions on eBay for the enclosure/casings, and questioned that when someone on this post commented on it. I am just trying to learn all the avenues involved in purchasing an external hard drive. Since I have neither at this point, I would definitely need to purchase both.

But I appreciate your concern.

But like I said I am really not sure. Hope you sort it though.

I'd always rather go for a sealed product with warranty that I can blame someone for if it goes wrong.

I was in a class with a guy who was taking his last semester over trying to rebuild his portfolio because he had lost his previous 3 years of work to an external hard drive failure. And the other day the owner of the company I work for was trying to recover two days of work from his external hard drive. From the stories I've heard, I wouldn't trust an external hard drive alone. Though I suppose any method of storage could cause problems. You might want to regularly back up files to another spot. Web storage might be a good idea.

suzanne maestri-walters :: graphic designer

I found it on eBay and it ends in over a day, so please respond as early as possible so I can bid on it (or not).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=017&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=270121751603&rd=1&rd=1

do you know how much the power supply would set you back though? Also what is the shipping cost. Lastly is it new or refurbed? Can't seem to find that info anywhere on the page.

Can't really comment as know nothing about the drive though. I searched google and a similar one was going for 90 bucks, that's still pretty cheap, certainly compared to the ridiculous uk prices at any rate!

I forgot about the power source not being included. Bummer!!!

You're right, that could get expensive, so I think I'll just pass on this one. You guys are the bomb. Here is another link for a Buy it Now that I was considering as well. It seems to include everything and I THINK (but don't quote me) it's new and not refurbished.

Here is the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=150123373584&rd=1&rd=1

My only gripe is this joker is charging an arm & a leg for S&H. God, these sellers on eBay are ridiculous with their shipping charges.

Plus its buy it now, so you know what price you are paying. Again don't know anything about the drive but I have put a bid on it (just kidding!)

I would maybe check who the warranty is with, perhaps email the seller?

The speed transfer could be better, mine says a max of 800 mbps, but it could be lying! If you're not fussed about the speed, and I don't think you can be for the price it looks ok. I am not an expert on drives by any means, just to make that clear and cover myself from you suing me!!!!!!

Maybe that's why the price is so good? Hmmm...

This is all so confusing. But don't worry, I wouldn't sue you. LOL

Mine is connected via firefire 800, which would probably be the reason, its much faster than usb 1 and still a bit faster than usb 2. HTH.

Like i said though for that price I wouldn't worry. When you can afford a better HD get one, but this one seems ok.

. . . I am NOT a happy camper!

I have backups yes but its such a PAIN to recover everything when things happen! Trying to repair the disk now. . . you know things are bad when DiskWarrior fails to even launch! :P

"Try not, Do! or do not, there is no try."
-Yoda

If DW doesn't do anything you know you are f........

Lost all my address book and ical data as well as my bookmarks!. . . :P You really have to remember EVERYTHING that is on your computer b4 you set up a back up system!

oh well lesson learned.

Anybody know how I can make my Firefox bookmarks backup-able. . . ?

If you can back up your library folder everything should be in there

Library/application suppot/firefox - bookmarks and other settings are in here.

Also if you go into bookmark manager you can export your bookmarks as an html file which could be useful.

Glad you got most of your stuff back. If you can back up your library or home folder that should save most items you need in the future.

www.buy.com

This Pre-Formatted External USB 2.0 hard drive from Cavalry boasts a remarkable set of features. The external USB 2.0 Hard Drive dissipates heat so efficiently that it doesn't need a fan - for nearly silent operation. The aluminum enclosure offers remarkable durability and superior all-around performance. Compatible with both Mac and PC computers and supports hi-speed USB 2.0 connections. Its stackable design gives you a streamlined, uncluttered workplace and the hard drives active LED indicates power and data access. AC adapter is included. Think Cavalry for quality, performance and value

Features
Package Type: Retail
Storage Capacity: 500GB
Rotational Speed: 7200 rpm
Data Transfer Rate: 480Mbps External Maximum USB 2.0
Interfaces/Ports: 4-pin USB 2.0 USB
Form Factor: 3.5" External Hot-swappable
Dimensions: 8.5" x 4.7" x 1.3"
Weight: 3.7 lb
Standard Warranty: 1 Year(s) Limited

Buy.com Total Price: $99.95

Chris Brophy
Iklectek Designs