file server vs external hard drive

[Net]

if your goal is 1 TB.

why did you or would you choose a file server over an external hard drive.

 

[JaYp146]

If the external hard drive had an eSATA connection I would prefer the external ...

 

[Net]

the one i'm looking at has an eSata and a USB.

I want to have it connected to my desktop via eSata.
I want to connect it to my laptop via USB.

So if its plugged into my desktop with eSata and my desktop is turned on. Then I decide I want to hook up to it with my laptop via USB, would I have to power off my desktop or unplug the eSata connection going to my desktop?

thanks.

 

[Binky]

You would have to unplug one. You cannot access an external drive through the esata and usb connections at the same time.

Preferably, you could connect to desktop via esata, and share it over a network. That way both could access at the same time.

 

[Nizbot]

I have a Seagate 500gb external that has both usb and eSata. I have been connecting through usb but only because my desktop wouldn't recognize the drive through the eSata port. Anything in particular you have to do to enable this capability?

 

[skyking]

depends on any other needs you may have.
Multiple computers, remote access, local applications are good reasons to choose fileserver > external. Raid arrays, automated backup, offsite backup, the list goes on.
My 1TB server does remote backups from other sites as well as host my files in an MD raid array.