drive and enclosure seperate or maxtor onetouch?

[joerodriguez]

im getting a usb 2 external drive and know that i can build a 160gb 8mb cache for the same price as a 120gb 2mb cache maxtor one touch..is there any difference in quality? as far as handling the drive, would the maxtor be better off if it's going to be traveling alot?

 

[JackBurton]

I'm planning on getting the 300GB Maxtor one touch for two reasons:

1. Portablity
2. Firewire/USB 2.0 connection

 

[Boobers]

I would suggest something more like this external HD.

I have one that I got on sale for $80 (shop around for sales at Office Depot or Office Max).

I recommend it for two VERY good reasons:
1. Very solidly built, yet lightweight. Most external enclosures are very flimsy and will not stand up to normal daily traveling IMHO...
2. External, noiseless power supply (brick type). Every external enclosure I've seen has an internal power supply that heats up the HD and always makes noise because of the small cooling fan.