Looking for small external hdd that doesn't require ac adapter

[MBony]

I missed the deal from buy.com on the iogear 80gb hdd. I am looking for something similar. Nothing below 80GB and probably not more than 250GB. Anyone know of anything?

 

[imported_michealo]

will have to be a 2.5" notebook type hard drive enclosure, and wont find many more than 80GB for cheap.

 

[pkme2]

I use external pocket USB Hdds for backups and file transfer. Great portability with no need for external power.
External USB 80GB

 

[corkyg]

Echo what michaelo says. I have a pocket-size 2.5" Firewire external (Actually 5 of them) and they do not require power when run on the desktops. But anything will require power on a laptop, Firewire or USB 2.

USB just doesn't have the power for HDDs without external power. It is possible to connect an external to TWO USB ports, one data and the other added power. I have cables for that.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: pkme2
I use external pocket USB Hdds for backups and file transfer. Great portability with no need for external power.
External USB 80GB

Here is what I use: Works great!!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp...=adaptec&type=product&id=1122655460358

 

[MBony]

Originally posted by: pcgeek11

Originally posted by: pkme2
I use external pocket USB Hdds for backups and file transfer. Great portability with no need for external power.
External USB 80GB

Here is what I use: Works great!!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp...=adaptec&type=product&id=1122655460358

I couldn't tell if it required an ac adapter. Does it?

 

[Jaxidian]

Originally posted by: corkyg
But anything will require power on a laptop, Firewire or USB 2.

Why won't a laptop's USB port power such drives? I understand with the firewire since it's 4-pin instead of 6-pin but USB is 4-pin no matter what, I thought.

 

[Old Hippie]

I can't speak about Firewire, but my first 3 computers were laptops and they all powered USB 2 1/2" drives just fine. Some enclosures come with a double USB plug in case a single connection supplies inadequate power.

 

[rudder]

Originally posted by: Jaxidian

Originally posted by: corkyg
But anything will require power on a laptop, Firewire or USB 2.

Why won't a laptop's USB port power such drives? I understand with the firewire since it's 4-pin instead of 6-pin but USB is 4-pin no matter what, I thought.

I use an external drive on the laptop and it is just powered by the USB port. Of course it will drain the battery faster, but it works fine. It had a dual usb header and requires two usb ports for the needed juice.

 

[SuperNaruto]

Originally posted by: rudder

I use an external drive on the laptop and it is just powered by the USB port. Of course it will drain the battery faster, but it works fine. It had a dual usb header and requires two usb ports for the needed juice.

right, some are not enough...
that it looks like.. you can find it on ebay...
http://www.universaluk.com/acatalog/31780big.jpg

 

[corkyg]

Originally posted by: Jaxidian
Why won't a laptop's USB port power such drives? I understand with the firewire since it's 4-pin instead of 6-pin but USB is 4-pin no matter what, I thought.

They just don't reliably. They are very hit or miss, and often just drop out. If you can use two USB ports (there are cables for that) it works.

 

[marincounty]

Check out the Stortecc external drive cases at Dealsonic. Built in power supply.
Dealing with all of the cables with an external supply is a hassle.

 

[Ayah]

Vantec Nexstars for 2.5" drives work fine. Draws power over either one or 2 USB ports.

 

[pcgeek11]

Originally posted by: MBony

Originally posted by: pcgeek11

Originally posted by: pkme2
I use external pocket USB Hdds for backups and file transfer. Great portability with no need for external power.
External USB 80GB

Here is what I use: Works great!!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp...=adaptec&type=product&id=1122655460358

I couldn't tell if it required an ac adapter. Does it?

This comment is bogus: " But anything will require power on a laptop, Firewire or USB 2. "

I use it on my laptop all the time without a power adapter, plus IF needed it has two USB plugs on one end so you could draw off the power from two USB ports if you have a weak ports on your laptop. No it doesn't need or come with a power brick. It has never caused any problems running on ONE USB port and has never drpped out, I have also installed Suse linux on it at one time and booted from it with ease. Some USB enclosure will not do this. It also has large hard disk drive capabilities: like 1000 Giga Byte. Of course I know you won't find a 2.5 inch drive that big Yet...


Product Features

For 2.5" IDE/ATA hard drives

Compatible with hard drives from most manufacturers

Supports up to 1000GB hard drives

USB 2.0 high-speed interface with transfer speeds up to 480 Mbps

Plug-and-play connectivity for easy installation; no external power supply required

Easy to assemble

Lightweight, durable aluminum case acts as a heat sink to keep the drive cool

Carrying case adds additional protection and style on the go

PC and Mac compatible

Includes 3' USB 2.0 cable, carrying case, CD-ROM with Windows 98 SE driver and user's manual

pcgeek11

 

[secretanchitman]

there was a 120GB seagate 2.5" on black friday for less than 100 bucks or something. it was external and only used usb for power.