portable external HDD Vs. Desktop external HDD?

mjf · 30 Nov 2010

It may be a simple case of just formatting the inbuilt backup software out. But someone advised me that it may not be that simple and there can be a firmware issue.
Just don't buy those with built in backup software. Both WD & Seagate have the vanilla ones & they are generally cheaper. The 4 drives I own have no software with them and they are readily available in this country.

You say
"The only time I will be plugging the external HDD in is when I need to use it, after i'm done with it, i'll just unplug it."
if it's sporadic use, 500GB/750GB is sufficient plus potential portability I'd just buy a little portable. But it is getting close to asking what color T shirt should I buy.

whs · 30 Nov 2010

Some of that software that comes with the disks can be quite handy (e.g. Maxtor Manager on the ONE TOUCH 2.5" disk). Why delete it - it takes only little room.

imeem · 30 Nov 2010

which brand of external HDD do u guys prefer from most preferable to least preferable?

WD, Seagate, and Hitachi

whs · 30 Nov 2010

imeem said:

which brand of external HDD do u guys prefer from most preferable to least preferable?

WD, Seagate, and Hitachi

I have all 3 makes and all work well - so no preference. Buy whatever is cheapest.

essenbe · 30 Nov 2010

The two I have are the Seagate Freeagent FoFlex portables and I love them. Not knowing one from the other, I researched externals before I bought one. I chose the above mentioned ones because of the versatility. They have inter changeable cables. They come with USB 2.0, but you can buy USB 3.0, firewire, or esata (if you have the USB/eSATA ports). I liked that part and that is why I chose Seagate.

imeem · 30 Nov 2010

thx for all the help. 1 more question;

Do all external ("non-portable") HDD requires power from the wall socket and the Portables do not?

essenbe · 30 Nov 2010

Imeem, I do not think I am qualified to answer that question But- I can't say "all", but most non portable are wall powered. Most portable ones are really laptop HDDS, and can be run by the current in the USB ports. Hope this helps.

mjf · 30 Nov 2010

Portable HDD derive their power from the USB port. Sometimes you may need 2 usb ports using a Y splitting cable to obtain power from two ports but this is very unlikely for a desktop. I also use powered USB hubs since my DVD/CD writer is portable. Desktop/non portables require an AC power adapter that is supplied with the HDD.
Desktop units are generally 3.5 " drives which inside are just like the internal HDD on your computer and take more power. They spin faster and get hotter. As I have said before.
The 3.5" SATA drives typically now have an upper maximum limit or 60C. The closer the operating temperature gets to this, the higher the failure rate. I have monitored the temps of external 3.5" WDs and Seagates and they can easily exceed 50C with extended use.

I find my portables surprisingly convenient for desktop use. Plug them into the port, make your backups, click safe remove and unplug from USB port. Stick them in a drawer or a bag when you want to take your data with you.

Again backup software supplied with Windows 7, MS SyncToy or a number of free backup software is far better than most of the rubbish that disk manufacturers supply. Pay your money for a disk and disk storage.
I wouldn't be totally dismissive of some of the backup software that comes with more up market products which you pay for (Lacie/Maxtor)