Help me choose an external HD!

Hey everyone,

I want to get an external harddrive for my Acer 8204.


I did some research and found a lot of controversy about USB2.0 vs Firewire 400 (I have both ports on the computer running windows XP). I would like 160-200GB of storage so I can backup my harddrive onto it and all my music and such just as extra security.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822154068

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822154403


The first will be firewire and USB compatible on my computer, and the second will be larger, but only USB compatible; both are about the same price.


Please lead me in the right direction. I'm looking for something that will be fast when I need to transfer large files around, but reliable. I won't be regularly streaming off of the external hard drive much.

Suggest other models or anything. Thanks!

 

Why not purchase an 3.5" drive and an enclosure which offers both USB and Firewire connectivity.

 

Anything will do in that case. You should just be looking at the interfaces, aesthetics, and your budget. Keep in mind that you can get 500GB enclosures now for just a bit over $200, so those links you have are a bit overpriced (unusual for Newegg).

 

what is that?


Also, what about this one?
http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11124492&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4013467&Mo=47&cm_re=1-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&No=15&ViewAll=48&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&Sp=S&search=external%20hard%20drive&topnav=&s=1

It says it includes a 6pin to 6pin firewire 400 and usb ports. I want a fast transfer speed in cases that i transfer a lot of large files.

My acer 8204 says 1394 on the front and has a shape like the one on the left


would it fit?

 

Actually, can one of you guys link me to an example of an external enclosure and compatible harddrive? I'm contemplating whether getting firewire is worth it. Someone enlighten me.