Portable Hard Drives

[Flying Turtle]

My son would like a portable hard drive for his birthday. Any particular recommendations? I'm looking to spend around $100. 250 Gb is plenty. Thanks.

Geoff

 

[PhotonWrangler]

I've had good luck with Western Digital. They've been making hard drives longer than anyone else.

On the other side of the coin, I bought a Maxtor once and it laster for two months. :shakehead

Make sure it's at least 7200rpm in case it's going to be used for video.

 

[gorn]

Toshiba makes a nice small portable USB drive. I picked up a 400GB one for $125 at Circuit City about a month ago.

 

[Helstar]

I personally like Western Digital and Seagate. There is one that is by office max that has a really cheap sounding name. But, all of the test reviews shows it to ba very good drive and it is very cheap. I can not think of the name right now.
For a portable drive I would probally just go Western Digital.

 

[Flying Turtle]

The think I saw the one you're talking about, Helstar, in Office Max today. It's a Simpletech. My son and I both had a laugh about the name. They do seem to have decent ratings. I'll probably end up with the Western Digital or a Toshiba. For the money ($99) the Toshiba has 320 GB vs. 250 GB for a WD. I think it will cost more to get something with 7200 RPM.

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. I'm still accepting opinions, as I probably won't be buying until Fri. or Sat.

Geoff

 

[bhds]

I have a couple of the Western Digitals. Great drives. Make sure you dont overpay for the "Elite" or "Studio" versions unless you really want the extra bloatware/software


http://www.westerndigital.com/en/products/index.asp?cat=9&language=en

 

[gorn]

I think it will cost more to get something with 7200 RPM.

You don't need a 7200 RPM drive that runs off USB. That would just be a waste of money. The 7200 is a great primary drive for running high end games and such. No need for it in a portable storage drive.

 

[Boricle]

Is it for backup - ie, more GB is better - or is it for portability (small form factor / durability is important)?

Can it be mains powered (power brick - not too portable, bad for laptops) or bus powered (no power brick - sometimes need two usb cables on low power computers)?

Both my wife and I use the Lacie Ruggard External USB Drives (2 of them - one 320GB USB/FW, one 250GB USB) - they're quiet, bus powered, nicely portable - well suited to handling transport abuse (shock mounted plus external rubber coat).

I don't know how old your son is, however if the drive is going to get used for portability to take to friends houses - then durability is something to think of.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822154244

You could also just get a smaller drive casing, and an external protective case (some of them, like the Fujitsu's come with one)

Good Luck!

 

[Flying Turtle]

Thanks, again, for the suggestions. I settled on the WD Passport 250 Gb model. The local Target had them reduced today to $79, which worked out great since my wife and I had each received $35 Target gift cards. My son's a freshman at NC State this year, so I suppose it might see some school use. I'm sure it will mostly be used for play. Thankfully, he's pretty careful with his stuff.

Geoff

 

[JohnR66]

I have a WD 160GB drive I got last Spring. Works great, but I have to use it in the rear USB ports or it may act flaky. Something to do with front USB ports not giving enough power.