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    External HDD... 2.5" or 3.5"?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by AllOverYourFace, Dec 24, 2008.

  1. AllOverYourFace

    AllOverYourFace Newbie

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    I'm getting an external HDD -- probably a casing.

    I'm having a dilemma: 3.5 or 2.5?? I'm probably going to bring it around with me. However, I have a bag that holds my laptop and I think it has room for either.

    2.5:
    - Can use HDDs I swap out from laptops
    - Smaller

    3.5:
    - More storage
    - Less expensive
     
    AllOverYourFace, Dec 24, 2008
    #1
  2. Michel.K

    Michel.K 167WAISIQ

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    2.5" can be powered just by USB, that could be a huge + for some. Instead of the need of plugging the device into the wall. That's mainly why you consider the 2.5" drives over 3.5".


    edit: So i'd say it's much of a personal choice and don't let anyone else chose for you. You know what's most convienient for yourself! Large space or portabillity/mobility?
     
    Michel.K, Dec 24, 2008
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  3. TabbedOut

    TabbedOut Notebook Evangelist

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    Because you plan on bringing it with you I would just get the 2.5" drive. Not only are you not needing to plug it into the wall (and thus carrying ANOTHER cable), but they are significantly heavier (2.5lbs vs .38lbs). Also, 2.5" drives are designed to be more robust than their 3.5" bretheren which could also be a factor if you plan on carrying this thing around.
     
    TabbedOut, Dec 24, 2008
    #3
  4. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I voted 3,5" as I only saw "external".

    Now overal a 3,5" drive just has a larger capacity - I have 3 of them...

    I have to admit that the above mentioned about 2,5" drives is true - USB power, and I've got one "small one" too...

    Also:
    Moving around, what sort of moving around?
    Travelling to University daily its better to upgrade the internal drive rather than plugging in a USB drive every time and draining your battery.
    Moving from say, a to b once a week, and a 3,5" drive doesn't become that much of a problem, especially considering that you can get a 1TB one nowadays.
     
    DetlevCM, Dec 24, 2008
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  5. Mide

    Mide Notebook Consultant

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    Another vote for the 2.5" a world of difference when traveling.
     
    Mide, Dec 24, 2008
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  6. atbnet

    atbnet Notebook Prophet

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    I feel a 2.5 inch external would be better just because you don't need to find an outlet to power it. Plus, they produce less heat so the enclosure won't have to be as large.
     
    atbnet, Dec 24, 2008
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  7. Nankuru

    Nankuru Notebook Evangelist

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    If you can easily carry the 3.5 with you choose that, otherwise the 2.5".
     
    Nankuru, Dec 24, 2008
    #7