Looking for an External HDD...

[TBSN]

So I need an external HD so I can use editing programs on school computers yet keep the data with me. AFAIK there are two options, get an external HD enclosure and put a drive in it or get an external HD...

What would be idea for me would be to have a drive that has:
-Firewire 800
-eSATA

But I'm having trouble finding one that has both... The problem is that I will be using Mac and PC, and the fastest connection I have on my PC is eSATA, and on the MAC's there is Firewire 800... My PC has Firewire 400, but I would really like to use the eSATA to take advantage of the bandwidth...

Help!!

 

[PowerRanger]

I would go w/ the enclosure + internal HDD combo. This way, if something goes bad, you'd still be able to take the HDD out and diagnose what the problem is without voiding your warranty. Did a google search for eSata & Firewire enclosure, and saw this Firewire 800 & 400 + USB + eSATA enclosure (not sure about quality though): http://www.cooldrives.com/esat...ure-case-external.html

Oh and this one seems very nice (although it seems like you can't get the enclosure alone): http://www.g-technology.com/Products/G-DRIVEQ.cfm

 

[corkyg]

I like the "cooldrives" selection best. It looks like a winner as far as the specs go.

 

[onlyCOpunk]

I usually do whatever is cheapest. If it's cheaper to buy an enclosure and the HDD seperately then do it, or if you find a good deal on an external do it.

 

[Starrx05]

I agree with the above poster that if you buy them separately, you can easily change the drive inside w/o voiding warranty. Most pre-built one have only one yr. If you buy HD alone, you get 3 or 5 yrs. I've been using Apricorn, Vantec and they are very good. Bytecc makes one with out ext power adapter if you want it that way but I wouldn't recommend. All have inside big fan.

Some Pre-built enclosures w/ HD has auto power on/off saving feature and software worthing to get that you don't have if buying an enclosure separately.

 

[TBSN]

great, thanks for all the input!

I know the G-Technology as a reputable company which is popular for people who are into apple-centric stuff, but I'm sure there's probably a price premium over the enclosure/ internal HD approach. I'll check it out though. Damn I should've searched more than just newegg, I feel silly...

That enclosure from cool-drives looks 'cool,' except for the fact that it doesn't have any fans so it might not be so cool after all (sorry, couldn't help it). Hard-drives don't get all that hot though so it probably wouldn't be that bad... Any opinions on that?

 

[neutrino15]

In my experience, fanless enclosures can work because they are made of aluminum which conducts heat away from teh drive. You just need to make sure that nothing is on top of it, and it is optimal to stand them vertically to get as much of its surface area exposed as possible..

I agree with whoever said "do whatever is cheapest." That's what I usally do.. And if you don't really need fw800 or esata, you can get those bargain drives at costco for like, $150 for 500GB..

 

[0roo0roo]

depends on the drive inside as well i guess. seagate gets away wtih fanless plastic enclosures. mine never feels more than slightly warm at the top which means the drive inside really puts out very little heat to begin wtih. i've had other drives like one from acomdata with aluminum enclosure that felt burning hot.

 

[PowerRanger]

Well actually the CoolDrives one has the same combo enclosure with fan available as well, for $10 more. But I'm not sure if that fan will be of any use. I think most enclosures with fans are farily useless, especially the generic brands. I myself have a Bytecc with a fan and its useless in terms of heat dissipation. Blech. I think the only enclosure with a fan that's somewhat useful is the Antec MX-1, but it doesn't have firewire and is bulky.


CoolDrives Enclosure With Fan: http://www.cooldrives.com/ontbsatoes28.html

Antec MX-1: http://www.silentpcreview.com/article728-page1.html