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    Running an external HDD on a UPS ?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Frank88, Aug 21, 2008.

  1. Frank88

    Frank88 Notebook Geek

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    For those who saw my others threads about external HDD, I gaved up about getting a 2.5'' 500gb external device and I will go instead with a normal 3.5'' 500gb or 750gb... Because 3.5'' need external power, i would like to know if it would be a good idea that when I got no AC near me, I bring my ups power bar (APC Back-Ups 350) to give power to it... i mean this thing is made to give power to a desktop for few minutes but an external HDD doesn't suck that much power... could it be a solution for the times I don't got any AC near me and need the data on it.


    Also... would it be very important to find an eSata external enclosure or USB does the job for music and video (tons of)

    Thanks
     
    Frank88, Aug 21, 2008
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  2. maxpower47

    maxpower47 Notebook Guru

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    Kludgy, but it should work. You'd have to test how long it will last with your equipment. I had a friend that would do that with a portable dvd player on long bus rides.
     
    maxpower47, Aug 21, 2008
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  3. Itomix

    Itomix Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah, an external HDD like that uses at most 20watts. whereas a computer + monitor setup uses 300 or more.... Should power it for a good while, though it seems sort of excessive to carry around a UPS with a laptop... defeats the purpose. Just get a 320GB 2.5", or two of them with the money that you would have spent on a UPS (Plus a little more)... Its worth the convenience.
     
    Itomix, Aug 21, 2008
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  4. Frank88

    Frank88 Notebook Geek

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    I already have that UPS... it cost me like 35 bucks (in special) I needed it anyway and 2.5'' drives are expensive (500gb 2.5'' = around 200bucks) and i can get like 750gb for 130 $ when in 3,5'' (with the enclosure)

    Im just worried about esata vs usb speeds...

    As for the UPS, thanks for the answer, i was pretty sure it would work but i wanted to be sure... and by the way I don't care/mind to bring something heavy like the ups if theres no AC. I also have a DC to AC convertor for in car or at my cottage, but sometimes I will need the ups for my external drive
     
    Frank88, Aug 21, 2008
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  5. Wiz33

    Wiz33 Notebook Deity

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    Get one with eSata as it'll only cost a few buck more.
     
    Wiz33, Aug 21, 2008
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