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    Need a non-AC 500GB external hard drive

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by QueenOfSpades, Jul 7, 2008.

  1. QueenOfSpades

    QueenOfSpades Notebook Consultant

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    hey guys,
    I need a little help. I'm looking for an external hard drive to hold excess files (movies, etc) and also for backup purposes. I'd like it to be around 500GB and be usb. The one thing I'd really like is for it to be usb-powered and not require an AC plug. The smaller the size, the better. I tried searching newegg and couldn't find any. A little help if anyone knows of any good ones?

    Here are my requirements a little more neatly:

    cost: $100-150 USD
    capacity: 500GB+
    usb powered
    mac/pc

    I'm totally fine with buying online, that's usually where the best deals are. I currently have a 250GB mybook which I will be replacing with this new one. Thanks!
     
    QueenOfSpades, Jul 7, 2008
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  2. jisaac

    jisaac Notebook Deity

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    At the moment the only thing you can do is buy a 5k500, and put that in an external enclosure. That is currently the only 500gb 2.5" hd. It will probably be quite a bit over your budget tho. Make sure you get an enclosure that's big enough to fit it.
     
    jisaac, Jul 7, 2008
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  3. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Yeah either the Hitachi 5K500 or Samsung has a 500GB 2,5" too I believe.
     
    Phil, Jul 7, 2008
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  4. QueenOfSpades

    QueenOfSpades Notebook Consultant

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    The budget is negotiable, I can spend more if need be.

    I know these drives exist, a classmate of mine was using one. So are they just less capacity, or what?

    I'd rather not do the enclosure thing unless its the only way.
     
    QueenOfSpades, Jul 7, 2008
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  5. jisaac

    jisaac Notebook Deity

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    yep, the one your classmate has is probably way lower in capacity. The enclosure method is the only way IMO. It is very unlikely that you will find a 500gb usb powered external hd. If you go the enclosure way, make sure you dont get slimline ones etc... the 5k500 is 3mm thicker than normal hds
     
    jisaac, Jul 7, 2008
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  6. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Google found these in UK.

    Buffalo Ministation

    Freecom Toughdrive (but doesn't seem to have arrived yet).

    Samsung CMN500U

    All somewhat more than your budget, but UK prices are always higher than US prices.

    If you get the bare Hitachi 500Gb then you need to find an enclosure which takes 1/2" thick drives. The Samsung 500GB 2.5" HDD has the standard 3/8" thickness. Personally, I would look for an enclosure with USB and eSATA. The extra speed of the latter will come useful when you start copying 100s of GBs.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Jul 7, 2008
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  7. QueenOfSpades

    QueenOfSpades Notebook Consultant

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    I think the WD my passport line is usb-powered, according to newegg reviews. I found a 320GB verison, but no reviews. Going to look into that one, 320GB would probably be enough.

    Thanks for the help.
     
    QueenOfSpades, Jul 7, 2008
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  8. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Don't know if you have ever done it but the enclosure thing is extremely easy. The work is usually 8 screws and that's it. You get the choose your own harddrive and avoid paying a premium.

    The WD passport 320GB is good, but it comes at a premium.
     
    Phil, Jul 7, 2008
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