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External HDD question

R

RKS

Diamond Member
Are the OTS HDDs like This WD model

better or worse then simply getting an enclosure that has USB2/ 1394 and handles both 3.25 and 5.25 sizes.

I am leaning more towards the enclosure and being able to use multiple HDDs or optical drives all while saving a few bucks.

I have read, however, that some enclosures that offer both USB2 and FW tend to have some issues.

Any help is appreciated.
 
Well for maximum flexibility I use this IDE to USB adapter with plain old internal IDE drives, I am always swapping stuff back and forth and this thing was super cheap. But if you are looking for something that looks a little nicer, go with the enclosure. Some enclosures have active cooling which is nice for a permanent hookup. The "external" HDDs are probably even better in terms of being extra-ruggedized to withstand drops and static jolts.

-Adam in Philly
 
Originally posted by: powerMarkymark
Added advantage of off-the-shelf external HDD is they are usually bundled with backup software.
Click to expand...
What he said.
The WD external combo drive does look like it's pretty snappy when run with firewire. But I'd check to see what software actually comes with the kit. After you find out what back-up program is included, you can do some googling for reviews about it. The software included could make the WD external option a home run or just another pricey gadget.

 
Get the enclosure and add 1 HD cause you can change it around size wise and most importantly is the warranty...OEM/Retail HD's have 3-5yrs whereas prebuilts usually come with 1
 
My vote goes to the external enclosure solution, simply put , this way you get more bang for your buck. Software can be bought or downloaded (free/trial versions) at any time.

I suggest you buy an aluminium enclosure that allows the use of 3.5" drives. If you really need a 5.25" enclosure, buy another - they're too bulky.
 
Thanks for the replies.

bundled SW is not important. My main reason is more for storage of home videos and pictures and not daily backup so I don't think I need any type of "1 touch back up" even though the WD looks nice.

LED good point about the warranty. I noticed that the OTS solutions are only 1 year.

looks like I'll just buy a quality enclosure.
 
If software isn't an issue, get an external enclosure (firewire is faster than USB 2.0), and HD. Seagate drives come with a 5 year warranties. 😉
 
So I am going for a USB2 & 1394 enclosure but I think I also want a 5.25 and 3.25 option.


Or can I just get a 5.25 that I can also use for a HDD????????????

Most importantly I want something that supports at least 300GB HDDs and 16X DVD burners.

 
Take a look at the new Maxtor 300gb drives with 16mb cache. They come in an external version, but I think it is too expensive. Dropping one into an enclosure might well be a better solution.
 
Originally posted by: RKS
So I am going for a USB2 & 1394 enclosure but I think I also want a 5.25 and 3.25 option.


Or can I just get a 5.25 that I can also use for a HDD????????????

Most importantly I want something that supports at least 300GB HDDs and 16X DVD burners.
Click to expand...

Yes, AFAIK the 5.25 can also be used for a HDD.

My four 5.25 enclosures can accomodate both.

Marc
 
GTaudiophile...howz the Case working out? Are there any issues with using the USB?Firewire without a Power adapter? Shopping for 1- 2.5er 😉
 
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