External HDD Enclosure Q's.

[OoteR02]

I'm looking to get a hdd enclosure instead of getting a usbkey that i'll just lose somewhere again. This thing needs to be durable because its going to end up in my backpack and taken to class etc etc. Are they also Plug and Play on most machines? I really dont think i could install software on school computers (they all use XP)

Also, any recommendations?

Thanks!

 

[WackyDan]

Get a 2.5" drive and enclosure. 2.5" drives are far more durable then 3.5" drives, and that should be your main concern vs the enclosure itself.

Getting a 2.5" enclosure will help keep the solution small and mobile. Make sure it's a metal enclosure as that will ensure better durability, and yes, for the most part they are plug and play.

I like the enclosures from Speeze, but I'm not sure they make a 2.5" model.

 

[nageov3t]

I've been using this for the past couple months: http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-123-109&depa=0

it's durable and plug-n-play, but if you're going to be carrying it around, 2.5" enclosures or thumb drives are probably the way to go. it's relatively heavy (90% of the weight coming from the hard drive), and requires an external power source.

 

[zzzz]

http://www.newegg.com/app/View...=17-145-124&depa=0