Looking for 500GB external recomendation

[RockGuitarDude]

I had a WD 500GB My Book that recently died 2 weeks after the 1 year warranty expired and I'm looking to pick up a new comparable drive (whatever size which will give best bang for buck; I think 500GB is the sweetspot?) with a better warranty or with a better track record. I was looking at seagate and lacie drives... Anyone have any insight they'd like to share?

 

[Old Hippie]

Anyone have any insight they'd like to share?

Yep. Buy something decent. You think they have a 1 yr. warranty because they're quality units? Buy any 3.5" drive with a quality warranty, and a decent 3.5" external case, put the drive in the case, and you're good to go.

 

[zig3695]

yeah but that WD with 1 year warranty was supposed to last a hell of a lot longer then 1yr + 2 weeks. i would still attempt the RMA, i bet if you sent an email to WD and even offered to ship the drive at your expense, or cover some of the repair fees they would work with you.

but first- did the actual drive die or did the enclosure crap out? i have found that most external controllers have shit power supplies in them. but eve if yours has an external power pack it might still have fried the controller board. i wouldnt be surprised if your drive is fine and it just needs a new enclosure to make a home in.

 

[PowerRanger]

I've had a 200GB Maxtor in a cheap Bytecc case for almost 2 years now with no problems, but then again I only use it as a backup drive, so its not on all the time. I recently picked up a 500GB Seagate drive (5 year warranty), and paired it with a VANTEC NST-360UF-BK 3.5" USB2/FW400 case and its also working great. The Vantec enclosure is nice, but get it from Outpost.com because its $27 there while at NewEgg its almost $50.

http://shop3.outpost.com/produ...AwRCC79MkuvpCrj9lWMq+A**.node3?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

 

[RockGuitarDude]

The drive itself died. Click of death. =(

 

[RockGuitarDude]

Are those Lacie drives any good? They look pretty neat, I'm just not sure if they're actually aluminum or just plastic? (http://www.newegg.com/Product/...?Item=N82E16822154150)

I might go with that Vantec enclosure though, I held one at my friend's job and it felt like very well made.

Thanks for the input =)

 

[RockGuitarDude]

any experience with the lacie?

 

[Psymon]

I'm currently in the process of enclosing a 500GB WD5000AAKS in the MX-1 case. The drive was around $100 and the case around $50.

The drive is excellent, and from the reviews on the enclosure, I think I'll be happy for a long time.

 

[Phynaz]

Originally posted by: RockGuitarDude
I had a WD 500GB My Book that recently died 2 weeks after the 1 year warranty expired and I'm looking to pick up a new comparable drive (whatever size which will give best bang for buck; I think 500GB is the sweetspot?) with a better warranty or with a better track record. I was looking at seagate and lacie drives... Anyone have any insight they'd like to share?

Call WD and be very polite. They will replace the unit for you.