External Harddrive...Not sure which to buy?

I'm not sure if this is in the correct place - but please move it if it isn't.

I recently bought a western digital harddrive for $100...but while I was there I saw this one:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8692417&type=product&id=1198286609007

Do you guys have any opinion of which one is better? I bought this one:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...gital&lp=1&type=product&cp=2&id=1185271084347

Would really appreciate any advice. Thanks guys. I'm just a bit worried because I read some reviews about WD losing all the data after a few bumps. In regards to simpletech, I haven't heard much. Thank you. =)

 

For an external I would buy the cheaper. I don't bash WD they are part of the big three. This is a USB 2.0 connection so that will be the bottleneck not the HDD. I would suggest considering buying regular HDD be it 2.5 or 3.5 then buying an enclosure. If you buy a 2.5 you can swap with your internal. Just thoughts.

 

That's pretty nifty. I've never heard of this method before - I'm guessing it's safer this way?

I'm getting an external because I need one to hold my files when I reformat my computer. I'm not exactly sure I can swap a 2.5 with my internal hard drive though. I'm not very laptop proficient. Is it hard?

Thanks for all your help.

 

Swapping an HD isn't tough. It's usually unscrew the lid, unscrew the screws bolting down the HD, remove, put in new HD, put screws back in. I don't think that method would help you store files. You'll need to get an enclosure to transfer files to your new HD. I've never heard of SimpleTech, but I've had good experiences with the WD My Book that I use. Since it's strictly for back-up, I just store it away most of the time. I've heard good things about the Passport though.

How much data do you need to store? If it's not much, I suggest getting a flash drive over an HD. Heck, get a flash drive anyway to store your most important files. They're cheap, hold quite a bit really, and are more durable than a HD. You won't have to worry about losing data from bumps. In fact, I've been known to swing my Sandisk Titanium flash drive around. Yes, it's gone flying. Yes, it's been slammed against various objects. And most importantly, yes, it still works great.

 

I just have what any person would have I guess. Music, movies, word documents, graphic files. Nothing too big I don't think, although I think the movies might kill, and maybe the photoshop files. Not too worried about the music since I can always get it from my friends.

Wow though, I never knew flash drives packed so much power. I guess I took them for granted. Lucky for me I bought one a few days ago. You've been very very helpful!! Thank you very much!!

 

Wow, that is way overpriced for that WD. You can get them for $119 at Costco. Maybe cheaper instore.

 

I just bought a 1TB external HDD from Calvary cost 250 after tax.

 

Check out Newegg.com and browse around for flash drives and/or external HDs. A while back circuit city was selling the western digital my book 320 GB for $40 (that's when I got it). Lastly, flash drives are more durable because there's no moving parts. You can get fairly large ones (16GB) for around $80.