External HDD Recommendations (not home built)

[Redfoot]

Howdy guys.

As the topic states I need a reccomendation for an external HHD in the 400-500 GB range. It will be used to house movies, music, multimedia stuff, presentations, video, etc. The drive will be supporting a Dell Inspiron 9300 80 GB (thanks for the replacement battery Dell...NOT!). I am currently deployed in the desert, so I am looking for the thing to work out of the box, as my access to the internet/tools is limited. A plus if the thing is bus powered (damn plug converters!), and if it has any sort of automated backup software.

I found the WD 500 GB My Book for $219 through Newegg, but alas, not bus powered. I may end up going with it anyway, but other options are appreciated, as are user experiences with this drive or drive series.

Thanks a bunch!

-Redfoot.

 

[Old Hippie]

I've never seen a 3 1/2" drive with USB power. You'll have to stick with a laptop (2 1/2") drive for that.
The most it takes to assemble an external drive is a screwdriver. I've had a few that didn't even need that.

 

[Redfoot]

Thanks for the assistance. After reading a few other posts, it looks that even with some external aptop HDD's I will need external power. I hear you on the assembly standpoint, yes I could get it cheaper homebuilt, but without playing rebate roulette, the WD looks good for approximately $30 more with backup software, plus no warranty issues.

Thanks for your help!

-Redfoot.