2.5" (or smaller) external HDD w/ build-in cable

So i'm looking into retiring my 3.5" external drive due to its sheer physical size and un-portability (compared to a 2.5" drive, anyways), and getting a compact 2.5" drive with a high capacity.

I definitely want something with a built-in cable and am torn between these three types, but open to any other suggestions:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822161064
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817193057
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817193037

i'm particularly interested in how the apricorn drive with built-in encryption works(there also is a non-encryption ver. for $50 less). it also is the only case that has some sort of anti-shock mechanism built-in whereas the other two are just solid straight-up cases.. should that be a factor?

i'm looking for any input from people who have used these products before or any other suggestions for cases with (or without) build-in USB cable.

Thanks.

 

i have the "Eagle" in 1.8" version to host a 100GB 1.8" disk i had for spare. it's lovely.

it just isn't called that way, but just Icy Box

 

If you're into Lacie drives (for their design or w/e) they make a 2.5" with a built-in cable:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822154273

Not sure if they make a 500GB version though. The thing also has firewire ports if you need that.

 

Why a built in cable? Upfront it seems to have more advantages but long term a separate cable would be better. What if the built in cable breaks, for instance? Also your selection greatly widens if you go with a standard design.

 

thanks for the input everyone. that lacie drive doesn't seem bad at all! i may consider getting that case.

the reason why i'm going for a built-in cable is because of the convenience. i've had my 120GB 2.5" external drive for few years and to me, any extra cable is just another thing to lose or forget to bring.. i also like the idea of just sliding the drive into a slim pocket and not having to fiddle with any cables.

i understand the risk of the cable (potentially) breaking at one point, but honestly, i've never experienced a broken USB cable, and i'm capable of soldering if the need arises.

any other suggestions are welcome.

 

well after looking at that lacie drive suggested above, i noticed its pricing is incredibly low for what it is. is there any reason for this or is it just some weird decision on newegg's part?

 

Lol newegg's pricing is weird sometimes, but hey, $55 for a nice case (my friend got one so I've seen it in person, the cable retracts into the case but not by spring loaded u kinda pull it out/push it in) and a 250GB hard drive aint bad. Not sure how easy it'd be to swap out the 250GB drive with say, a 500GB though. I don't recall seeing easily accessible screws as they went for a "seamless clean" design motif it seems.

 

Oh yea, and I think the Lacie has a removeable cap that hides the ports and USB cable so if you're prone to lose caps (like on the USB keys) just fair warning lol.