Help choosing external hard drive

[Apoptosis]

We have a small network running win 2000 and xp and are looking for an external hard drive to mostly back-up essetial files. I would also like to be able to perform a disk clone of the main computer on the external hard drive. We have been looking at a maxtor or western digital 200-250GB drive. Any imput would be much appreciated!

 

[bradolson]

I've heard good things about the Maxtor drives. I was looking for an external drive but I didn't need that much capacity so I decided to get a Toshiba 40GB laptop hard drive and a small 2.5" aluminum USB2.0 enclosure. The HD is powered by the USB bus, so no external AC adapter needed. For somethign that big though this is not an option. I know I've seen a 160GB WD external drive at Sam's Club for under $200.

Brad

 

[JackReynolds99]

You should consider getting an external hard drive enclosure.

 

[Ramses]

I got an ADS Tech dual link drive kit and stuck a WD 200gig SE in it tonight, I'm pretty happy. The enclosure fits optical drives as well, so it's not small, but it's quiet and seems to work well on usb2 or firewire. The firewire is a good bit faster than the usb2, HDtach shows around 38mpbs burst and a solid 30K on the graph. The drive is a good bit faster than that, I don't know if it's the buss or the enclosure itself limiting it. It does not drag at all though with music or video. It was a little pricy, hundred bucks at circuit city, I know it's probibly available cheaper online, but I have it in my hand NOW, so..

The models with drives already in them are pretty good deals really, I just already had this 200gig, so..

 

[filmmaker]

External Lacie drives are what I've used for years.