Languish.org

General Category => Off the Record => Computer Affairs => Topic started by: alfred russel on February 18, 2012, 10:39:35 PM

Title: External Hard Drive Question
Post by: alfred russel on February 18, 2012, 10:39:35 PM
I think I need to get an external hard drive--mainly for storing pictures, but also as a backup for some financial documents. Is there anything I need to be considering besides the capacity and the size of the physical device? Does anyone have recommendations?

Title: Re: External Hard Drive Question
Post by: viper37 on February 19, 2012, 11:27:28 AM
they come with USB or eSATA interface.  eSATA is obviously faster, if your motherboard and case support it, but it's also pricier.

USB should be ok for what you do, but just make sure to get a USB 3.0 one, even if your current computer is not USB 3.0, in your next upgrade, you might appreciate it.

I have a Western Digital, an older USB 2.0 model, and I quite like it.
Title: Re: External Hard Drive Question
Post by: alfred russel on February 19, 2012, 02:25:36 PM
Thanks, good tips!
Title: Re: External Hard Drive Question
Post by: Darth Wagtaros on February 19, 2012, 02:40:16 PM
Reliability.  WD is OK these days.  Viper said the rest.
Title: Re: External Hard Drive Question
Post by: alfred russel on February 19, 2012, 07:11:21 PM
Purchased! A WD that is USB 2.0 and 3.0 compatible.

Thanks Wags and Viper.
Title: Re: External Hard Drive Question
Post by: Tonitrus on February 21, 2012, 03:17:32 AM
As far a reliability goes, for myself at least, I use two externals as a backup with duplicate info.  I'm betting they won't both die at the same time.  :P
Title: Re: External Hard Drive Question
Post by: DontSayBanana on February 22, 2012, 01:35:54 AM
Quote from: Tonitrus on February 21, 2012, 03:17:32 AM
As far a reliability goes, for myself at least, I use two externals as a backup with duplicate info.  I'm betting they won't both die at the same time.  :P

:lol: Dude, if you're running dual mirrors, you'd probably have saved a bit of money by running a RAID 1 array on three internal drives.