I'm looking into buying an external hard drive for my laptop. I've looked at some websites like TigerDirect and NewEgg but they all have one problem, they don't really specify whether its DC powered or USB powered. I take my laptop everywhere with me and I need a drive that is powered by one cable to the laptop, not by a cable to the wall. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
2006-09-23 14:04:49 · 9 answers · asked by otsego_stricken 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
Check on the physical size of the drive. Usually if it is "desktop" size hard drive, you need a wall plug. For a laptop, instead of an external drive, look at buying a 2.5" hard drive enclosure (holds a laptop rather than a desktop size hard drive). Then purchase a second laptop drive to put in it. Laptop drives are designed to run on much less power, so the enclosures are power by USB, not a wall plug. Note that it requires TWO USB ports to run the drives (one for the normal connection and the second for power). I have one that I just all the time.
2006-09-23 14:12:03 · answer #1 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should go to the website for the maker of the external drive case, to see that info...
Most are DC powered, but I have seen Lacie externals that run on the USB cable power.
Also, I saw the Western Digital "Passport Portable", in Costco, that runs on the USB cable power... limit is 300ma!!! WD Passport® Portable Drives
WDXML1200UE
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View Demo
External Hard Drives
120 GB, USB 2.0
USB Powered
Sync & Encryption Software
Rugged Design
High-performance portable storage for your Mac® and PC. Light and rugged, it’s easy to carry and no external power adapter is needed. Comes with WD Sync™ software that turns any PC into your own protected workspace.
2006-09-23 14:13:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to a physical location. If uncertain, ask store personnel to open the box for you. They love a sale. They will do all sorts of things to keep you in the store. They are usually good at answering questions. Don't be afraid to ask. They will even suggest other stores or websites. They want you happy when you leave so that you will be inclined to come back.
As far as searching on-line goes, if you see something of particular interest without enough information on-line, try e-mailing the store. They too love a sale. They will be happy to answer your questions about a product. Anyone behaving without respect doesn't want or deserve your business.
2006-09-23 15:35:39 · answer #3 · answered by Jack 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most hard drives in 3.5 in. are AC adapter. Smaller 2.5 in. are optional AC or USB powered. If USB powered, I recommend plug in laptop to outlet. Otherwise, get large storage thumb drive. Prices have come down alot.
2006-09-24 05:54:49 · answer #4 · answered by Jeff W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to tell if it doesn't say it outright on the box is to look on the side of the box. There, you will find a list of items included in the package. If you see an AC adapter, then you don't want it.
2006-09-23 14:11:26 · answer #5 · answered by highlanders30 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cuando mi ordenador ha tenido un accidente no sabía si valía la pena cambiarle el hard disk o comprar otro nuevo, he tenido mucha suerte con amazon, he encontrado el producto perfecto, un transporte rápido y mi portátil funciona otra vez y mejor que antes porque el hard disk tiene una mejor velocidad de respuesta.
2014-12-13 21:52:08 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try search in ebay.com
this is the result
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=external+hard+disk&category0=
when i typed: external hard disk
2006-09-23 14:56:22 · answer #7 · answered by waheed 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask personally in the computer shops
2006-09-23 22:23:15 · answer #8 · answered by kim_rukawa11 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
should look for new one:
http://s1.amazon.com/exec/varzea/ts/customer-open-marketplace-items/A30BA9E8K8714B/ref=fb_comi_spgl/104-8992182-2676741
2006-09-26 18:45:39 · answer #9 · answered by WordofChoice 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋