Thread: Looking for an External HDD

So I just fried my Ext HDD....

Tried to power it on and it wouldn't work, it was powering on but not being recognized by my laptop, tried different USB slots & a different USB cable, wouldn't connect. Looked on manufacture website and it said that it could have been a faulty power source, plugged it into a different socket on the surge protector, nothing, tried a different outlet in the wall, nothing. Plugged a different power cable in and immediately smoke started pouring out and it wouldn't even power on...FML


So, my question for you guys is... What Ext HDD would you recommend (at least 500GB and USB2.0)?

Happy with these.
FreeAgent 1 TB - 5.0 Gbps (SuperSpeed USB)
I have two so when one dies, I have the other.

I would recomend any one of the external Mini Drives. They power through your laptop or desktop and do not need an exteranl power supply.

https://www.google.com/search?q=portable+mini+hard+drive&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#q=portable+mini+hard+drive&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=tXK&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&tbs=cat:380,pdtr0:9|90001,pdtr1:10|500 %241000&tbm=shop&prmd=imvns&source=lnt&sa=X&psj=1& ei=1ocvT9XdHqOjiQKestjjAw&ved=0CGgQpwU&bav=on.2,or .r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=a50b088e3ea0d9ab&biw=19 20&bih=928

Carbonite.com and a reliable cloud storage service for the non audio/video storage like the Amazon cloud storage which gives you 5GB free.

Lately I have been happy with the Western Digital "Elements" series of drives. They don't come with software or gimicks. They're a simple design and preformatted NTFS. Just plug it in and start dumping data. Available in both USB 2.0 and 3.0. They have small notebook drirves that get their power from the USB, or full size that have a power adapter. Also relatively cheap for a brand name drive.

The flooding in Thailand really drove up hard drive prices but now they are settling down a bit finally. Be happy you were not in the market a month ago.

eBay has a 2TB "fireproof and waterproof" HDD for $250 right now. not as familiar with the brand but that's not a bad deal for something that's supposed to survive weather issues.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem;PdsSession=5bc7fc5b1350a5aa6794d5e4fff8dd 73?itemId=250989843707&index=3&nav=SEARCH&nid=3530 0197872

I have a Fantom 1TB drive that I really like.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B001E06W8O

It's the least problematic External drive I've ever had. The Toshiba I had to back the Fantom up just died on me, too, so I'll be purchasing another sometime soon, probably.

How much data do you have to store? These days, unless you have a TB of data, online storage is the way to go.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

I don't think online storage would work for me cause I like to save music on my ext hdd and I have a REALLY ****ty internet connection (ask Phos Chek) and it would be difficult to stream the music constantly.

I'm leaning towards a portable drive right now. I'll let ya know what I buy.


Thanks again!