Buying HDD for future computer

[Monica]

I have a 4 year old Dell that I'll be upgrading to a new Dell within the
next year. I'd like to buy this harddrive (link below) as a second drive
for my future computer. Is there any reason this isn't a good idea? Might
I run the risk of technology differences that would make the drive and new
computer incompatible? I won't be buying the latest and greatest machine.
Thanks
Monica

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=304907&cm_ven=
chth_em&cm_cat=em_092604&cm_pla=allcusa&cm_ite=drive&cm_cmem=elaxton@tampaba
y.rr.com

Monica

 

[Ron Martell]

I have a 4 year old Dell that I'll be upgrading to a new Dell within the
next year. I'd like to buy this harddrive (link below) as a second drive
for my future computer. Is there any reason this isn't a good idea? Might
I run the risk of technology differences that would make the drive and new
computer incompatible? I won't be buying the latest and greatest machine.
Thanks
Monica

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=304907&cm_ven=
chth_em&cm_cat=em_092604&cm_pla=allcusa&cm_ite=drive&cm_cmem=elaxton@tampaba
y.rr.com

That is a standard IDE hard drive, supported by all current computers.
There is an emerging standard called Serial ATA which might eventually
replace IDE, just as IDE replaced the original ST506 type drives in
the late 1980s. But that is not going to happen within the next year,
at least not totally.

Good luck


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

 

[wayne]

most newer computers with the newer chipsets are serial ATA. My MOBO is
over a year old and has SATA. If I were buying a drive right now I would
buy a true SATA drive they are faster if you are looking for speed in a hard
drive that is what to get. IF you are looking just for large amount of
storage space then go for a ATA 100 drive.

Serial ATA 120 GB drive for 89 bucks at Newegg

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-145-073&depa=0

probably a better choice for future systems no rebates to hassle with

Wayne

 

[Bill Gates the 33rd]

Wayne, would you put a SATA HD on a 4-year old dell computer??
Don't make good sense! Get a 120 Gig Western Digital IDE for 89.95 from
Tiger direct! Then you could even use it in another computer if you happen
to upgrade.
SATA may only last as long as the old VESA Slot MB's.
Here today and gone tomorrow! IDE has proven its self to be around for years
to com.

R S

 

[Ron Martell]

most newer computers with the newer chipsets are serial ATA.

Most of what I see are dual - both IDE and SATA.

I have yet to see a PC that has SATA hard drive controllers only,
although it is possible that they do exist.


Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

"The reason computer chips are so small is computers don't eat much."

 

[Monica]

Thanks for the link Wayne. I was trying to remember "newegg" and could only
come up with "softegg" <lol>and I knew that wasn't it! This second drive
will be for storing digital photos, digital negatives and recipes and music.
Speed is probably not a real big issue. With the 8MB of cache, I think
it'll be fast enough...right??

 

[Al Dykes]

That is a standard IDE hard drive, supported by all current computers.
There is an emerging standard called Serial ATA which might eventually
replace IDE, just as IDE replaced the original ST506 type drives in
the late 1980s. But that is not going to happen within the next year,
at least not totally.

Good luck

If you look to Dell for a computer next year you _might_ find that
there are some machines with no IDE interfaces. I suspect that
SATA-only will appear on the very small desktop systems in intesting
form factors, similar to the new Apple everything-in-the-LCD system.

Just be carefull when you read the specs when you buy your next
system.

 

[Kevin]

Have you checked the extra cost of including the drive on your new Dell?
Use the system configuration tool on the Dell website to see what the cost
of your system would be if you just ordered it with the 2nd hard drive
directly from Dell.

 

[wayne]

yes for simple storage it will do fine. For regular storage you will not
have a problem at all.

Wayne