I was thinking of about a size of 250GB.After reading independent reviews it seems to me that they're quite prone to break down and lose all the data on them
2006-09-02 23:49:06 · 8 answers · asked by imi25 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
If you need better reliability then IDE/SATA external drives, you need SCSI. Those drivers are designed for servers and generally have a much greater MTFB (Mean Time Between Failure). IDE and SATA drives can fail way to soon.
However, it'll cost you, and they have less GB on them. And you need a SCSI to USB2 or SCSI to FireWire adapter/enclosure. Never saw them, but i think they exist.
Ways to give the external drive a longer live:
1. Keep 'm cool!! 10 degrees celcius lower means twice the lifetime!! Don't block the fan (if present).
2. Don't use it for intensive read/write actions, like P2P programs which run 24h/day.
3. Generally, only use them for backups. If possible, use other things for mobile transport (like USB sticks or DVDRW's).
4. Always have them flat (not stand up on the side). Exp. if you mix it (some days flat, some days standing up) you can get in trouble.
5. Don't move the drive WHEN POWERED!! And give it a stable and flat underground.
6. BEFORE disconnecting the power of the drive, use the 'green arrow tray item' to disconnect it from Windows (if you use Windows).
7. Don't drink when working near the computer/external drive.
2006-09-03 01:12:17 · answer #1 · answered by · 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a couple of them. One is used for a complete system backup. In the event of a major failure. The other as a storage module to keep documents, pics, movies and downloads on thus helping my main drive work faster.
I'm about to do the same with my notebook. small fast hard drive and external firewire storage
2006-09-03 00:06:03 · answer #2 · answered by BillyB8 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 use them to store music and films never had a problem and they get some stick being moved around even dropped on the odd ocasion buy either WD or maxtor
2006-09-03 00:43:38 · answer #3 · answered by bbh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 WDs I've been using for nearly 3 years and they've been fine. I'm thinking about replacing them now because I don't want to push my luck much further. But I'd buy WD again without hesitation.
2006-09-02 23:59:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to realize that with PC hardware most people get stuff that works and don't need to say anything about it. For those who have things that break... well they will tell you not to buy it... but then there are 1000's more people who used it and it was fine. Most people review to complain!
2006-09-03 00:19:00 · answer #5 · answered by Tidus Reeves 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
PC World stock a vast range of them, we have one and have had absolutely no problems, a friend of mine has a 50giga one full of music that he has had for years and still works super even though it has been passed about loads of people and linked to lots of computers.
2006-09-02 23:59:26 · answer #6 · answered by camshy0078 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
.i have one but i use it as a back up. if it was to crash i would still have the info on my laptop. i do have files like films, which would take up too much space on my laptop. but nothing that i couldn't afford to loose if it crashed.
where i live the climate is criminal for electronic goods and my hard drive is 2 years old which is amazing here.
2006-09-02 23:59:32 · answer #7 · answered by Bob Bob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have no trouble with western digital cost about £100. Buffalo are also quite good.
2006-09-02 23:54:49 · answer #8 · answered by honeypot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋