is there like a number or something to look for? Like..if it says 3.5 DOES THAT mean it's for desktops and 2.5 is for notebooks? Plz...Help!
2006-12-24 12:33:43 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Most external drives are "plug-n-play" which means just plug it in and your computer will find the new hardware automatically.Most are made to fit into your "USB" port, that's the square insert looking plug-in.Read the box that the hard drive comes in and it will tell you what class of computer and issue of Windows is compatible for your system but,If all else fails, buy from a store that will refund you your money if the drive doesn't work and take it back.SAVE THE RECEIPT!
2006-12-24 12:46:23 · answer #1 · answered by Boriqua P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The size of an external hard drive dosnt matter, it's all about personal preference. Some are made small and ultra portable, others are larger drives made to stay mostly in the same place. The only thing you need to worry about is how the drive will connect to your PC. The 2 most common ways are USB 2.0 and Firewire, USB 2.0 is prob the most popular as almost any modern pc or laptop has these ports. Whichever you choose just make sure you have the same port on your pc or laptop. Basically, the 2.5 and 3.5 is nothing more then the size of the drives physical size in inchs.
2006-12-24 20:44:35 · answer #2 · answered by pogo730 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
3.5 and 2.5 are drive sizes (widths)... 3.5 is the current standard for desktop units, 2.5 has been the standard for notebooks, though that is in transition at the moment.
What you should look for is an external drive that supports both USB 2.0 and i1394... these are the connections used between a computer and the external drive.
Most external drives no support both connection types.
Buying a 3.5" drive will be significantly less expensive per gigabyte... but you pay for that in it being much much larger than a 2.5" drive...
-dh
2006-12-24 20:39:57 · answer #3 · answered by delicateharmony 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The type of connection to the computer is what matters. These days, almost every external hard drive has USB (universal serial bus) connection and will work with either.
2006-12-24 20:36:01 · answer #4 · answered by Gene 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
theres not too many notebook-sized external harddrives ... but no, it shouldnt matter ... the only concern with an external is if u have the proper interface cable ports and if ur pc is older u myt have a bios limitation on the size of harddrive it will recognize ...
2006-12-24 20:36:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
any external hard drive with a usb conector should work with your desktop, however you may need to download a driver
2006-12-24 20:48:51 · answer #6 · answered by AdmOrian 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋