Do 100GB+ external HDDs with no A/C adapter exist?

just wondering if there are external HDDs without any A/C adapter- Im looking for at least a 100 GB drive to use with my laptop for backup but it would be nice if it was portable.
thanks
Dan

 

i'm using a 2.5" 100GB with a external box. It doesn't come with a AC adapter. It only use USB to take the power. If the power is not enough, 2 USB connectors can be connected to a computer.

 

I have seen a couple at walmart. They were moderatly priced. I am sure you can find a better buy.

 

You do indeed need a 2.5" hard drive (plus enclosure). USB doesn't provide enough power to drive 3.5" hard drives without power.

That said, I cannot say for sure if all 2.5" hard drives can be driven without supplementary AC power. But they do make 100, 120, and 160 GB 2.5" hard drives at least (though the 160GB is hard to find and very expensive).

I'd suggest looking for 5400 rpm drives as these will take slightly less power.

 

I'm almost positive you can get a 2.5" drive powered by USB > 100GB. Check out ebay if you're looking for something to store music files, videos, pictures etc. You can usually get a decent nobrand drive with a nobrand enclosure for cheap. You wont need a Seagate or WD for this type of application so don't waste your money.

 

Personally, I would pay the extra for the assurance of quality. Here's a link for 100gb+ 2.5" hard drvies and enclosures It can be done for under $200 easily, $160 or so stretch, with good parts

 

supplementary power for USB 2.5" drives is there NOT if the HDD draws more power than usual, BUT because some USB ports are either under powered or unpowered.

All 2.5" HDD's power specs are within the theoretical capacity of a USB port.

Some enclosures, like the one I have, can plug into 2 ports (one for data and power, and the other for power only) to ensure that it will always get enough power. The other port remains usable (with a pass thru) for devices that don't need much power

 

OK so I should be looking to buy a 2.5 HDD and then buy a cheap enclosure?
I will be putting mp3s and movies on there but I will also be backing up some important files.

 

Yeap, that's the cheapest approach. Installing a drive into an enclosure is really easy. That said, you may get some free backup software if you pick up some prepackaged solution. If you go the prepackaged route, make sure you are getting something that doesn't require external power; most such external drives are 3.5".

 

yeah, 3.5" drives can't be powered by USB. As far as "installation" of drive goes, you open the 2.5" enclosure, you put the cable into the hard drive then you close up the drive and plug it in. Then just format it, partition it and you're done.

 

so if I bought the seperate components- how would I know if the 2.5 drive I was buying could be powered only by usb? I would be considering a 5400 or 7200 rpm drive if that makes a difference. And would the drive and enclosure include all the necessary cables and screws?

 

a 2.5" drive by definition can be powered by usb, either one cable or two. 5400rpm will consume less power than 7200 and run cooler, which should be taken into consideration since 2.5" drive enclosures are fanless and depend on passive cooling (i.e the material of the enclosure). Yes the enclosure should come with everything you need, cables and screws. Just check the item description or the reviews to see if anything is seriously lacking or poorly designed with the enclosure on newegg.

 

Go for a metalic enclosure instead of plastic, for better heat discipation. Mine (aluminum, vantec) remains very cool even when I sometimes place my 7200RPM (7K60) in it.

DON'T go for a 7200RPM 2.5". It's a waste of money. In a USB enclosure a 5400RPM and 7200RPM have identical performance. Personally, I use a 4200RPM in my 2.5" USB, and never noticed a difference when I used my 7200RPM instead, same with my other 5400RPM. (I have too many drives )

 

Thats good to know. So I know that I want a 2.5 HDD- is this the same as IDE? or do I want SATA or PATA.
Dan

 

If you're going with a do it yourslef solution, the majority of 2.5" enclosures are parallel ata (IDE). Plus pata drives are cheaper anyway.

 

I have a 120gig 3.5" 5400rpm external, requires power, also have a 40gig WD passport 2.5" 5400rpm. Be sure the enclosure is USB 2.0. I wouldnt waste my $$ on a USB 1.1.

 

It all depends on how your laptop controls is USB ports. I have a 2.5" enclosure than is firewire and it runs without AC power on my desktop but not my laptop. I know that is firewire and not usb, but some laptop companies will minimize power sent to USB ports to conserve battery power. This also varies depends on if the laptop is plugged in or on battery. You really wont know until you try it unless you can find out from someone else who has the same configuration/brand as you.