Best External HD solution

[CaptainKahuna]

I need some kind of external HD to backup my data, but I can't find any info about what's best. Is it cheaper to buy a prepackaged unit from Maxtor/WD/Lacie or buy an IDE harddrive and USB 2.0 enclosure from newegg? Which is generally cheaper? Do they preform the same?

 

[Cheetah8799]

The Bytec enclosures from Newegg are very fast. If you went the do it yourself route, you have the option to possibly remove the hard drive and add a cdrw, dvd burner, or something else to the enclosure if your needs change. You may not be able to do that with a pre-packaged unit.

It also may be easier to change the size of hard drive in the enclosure if you buy it separate. I'm not sure how easy it is to crack open something like a Maxtor enclosure. Never owned one, and thus never tried...

If you can get a nice deal on a normal hd, then I say do it yourself.

 

[CaptainKahuna]

I just looked at it, and I can get a Bytec enclosure and 120GB Seagate 8MB 7200RPM drive for ~$125 at newegg, and the Maxtor kit costs $150 for an 80GB 2MB 7200RPM drive. Do it yourself is a no-brainer.

 

[EeyoreX]

I also would prefer the DIY route in most cases. Sometimes the "extra" features of some of the external drives is a nice plus, but overall probably not worth all the extra cash. I also do like the upgradeability of the DIY route.

\Dan