External Hard Drive: Firewire or USB 2.0?

[imported_Indecision]

Heya,

First time posting here, but definitely not the first time visiting the site. I was wondering if anyone could help me out with something. I'm looking for an external hard drive with the capacity of 250GB to 300GB that won't bottleneck (to an extent) when transferring pictures, music, and movie files. I've found two that I am looking at but the problem I now face is whether or not to spend the extra money for the Firewire version or pay less for the USB 2.0 if there's no difference.

Here are the two drives: Cost also is probably different because of the capacity but 250 is more than enough.

1. Firewire/USB 2.0: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136028

2. USB 2.0 Only: http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136022

If either of these is not a good choice for external (brand wise, although I own a bunch of WD internal HDD with no issues to report as of today), I'm open to recommendations.


As always, thanks for any help!

-Ind

 

[corkyg]

On a sustained transfer, Firewire beats USB 2. But for what you want to do, I would suggest an eSATA case like the NexStar 3 which has both eSATA and USB 2 ports. eSATA runs rings around both FW and USB 2.

I would buy a SATA drive and put in in the eSATA external case. Always better than a prepackaged external drive, and you have greater flexibility.

 

[imported_Indecision]

Oh yeah, if this was for me I would definitely go the route of using a SATA drive and encase it myself (I love my 150GB Raptor and wouldn't mind a 2nd haha).

This is more of an X-Mas present for someone who isn't that tech savvy but is in dire need of more space that they can plug into their PC one minute then take it with them for using in their Apple laptop the next (both have Firewire and USB ports). I'd say the most transferrable item is going to be digital photos next to music. Videos will likely be a once in a long time transfer and that's it.

Of the two above or if you suggest a different brand, which would be good for this fit?

 

[Peter]

Assuming perfect implementation, USB 2.0 maxes out at about 30 MB/s, Firewire400 takes you slightly above 40.

 

[NoelS]

I would have seconded corkyg's recommendation, but since you're constrained to USB or Firewire, I'd buy the combo USB/Firewire you cited instead of the USB one. More flexibility, and Firewire IS faster than USB. If money is a factor, the USB-only version will get the job done on mostly any machine.

Noel

 

[jdkick]

I have two NexStar's at home - one FireWire/USB and one USB only. From the seat of my pants testing, I can't say that i've noticed a terrible difference in performance between the two.

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: Indecision
This is more of an X-Mas present for someone who isn't that tech savvy but is in dire need of more space that they can plug into their PC one minute then take it with them for using in their Apple laptop the next (both have Firewire and USB ports). I'd say the most transferrable item is going to be digital photos next to music. Videos will likely be a once in a long time transfer and that's it.

How much more space do they need? I really like the WD Passports for just this thing and I believe they're up to @250GB for $150 or so with one of those BB/CC sales that happen just about weekly. Maybe too late at this point since X-mas is just around the corner.

For me, portability/practical usage go hand-in-hand as I'd use my Passport a lot less if it were big and bulky. I've got a nice heaving desktop for the heavy lifting and the Passport is the perfect go between to my laptop for work.

 

[Ghouler]

if you are not going to connect pro audio or video equipment via firewire get a cheaper one (USB)... The transfer speed difference between the two is negligible in my observation. I mean: does it matter if it takes 3 or even 4 sec? No, not to me anyway...

 

[Zepper]

I'd be looking for a USB 2/eSATA combo enclosure if I was buying today. There aren't a lot of computers out there with FW ports, but most all have USB and many can easily be upgraded for eSATA with a simple adapter cable (some usb/eSATA enclosures even supply the adapter cable). Is there some reason you are only looking at prepacked units rather than DIY? Antec markets a really nice drive enclosure.

.bh.

 

[corkyg]

See Indecision's second post above.