External hard drives.....

[Dr Gonzo]

Hello!

I know very little about computers so I've just joined the forum to get some advice from some "experts"

I'm interested in purchasing an external hard drive but I'm not sure what/where the best/bargains are.

I've seen one on Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=16178&item=5192831186&rd=1

Is this one any good?

Also (again, remember I'm a novice!) what does "combined Firewire (IEEE1394)" mean??

Thanks in advance!

The Dr!

P.S. Hope this is in the right forum....

 

[Ian]

Yup! This is the right forum! Welcome

That does actually look like a good deal for an external drive. The combined part just means it can use a USB port or a Firewire port (more common for Digital Video connections).

How much are you intending to store on the external drive, as they range from 40GB up to 300GB.

 

[1nteger]

It seems like a reasonable price, but all they're selling is a basic laptop pc 40Gb hard disk in a small aluminium case. You could by a similar drive and the case seperately from many suppliers. The case usually comes with all the cables you need and instructions. It doesn't need an 'expert' to fit it together - if you can change a fuse in a plug, you should be able to do it quite easily.

If you buy a case that's just for USB (i.e it doesn't include a Firewire socket) then it will be even cheaper.

Of course, all this assumes you don't mind getting the parts and using a screwdriver. I reckon they're charging around £15-20 extra for having done that for you. Still, I don't think they are ripping you off

 

[Dr Gonzo]

Yup! This is the right forum! Welcome

That does actually look like a good deal for an external drive. The combined part just means it can use a USB port or a Firewire port (more common for Digital Video connections).

How much are you intending to store on the external drive, as they range from 40GB up to 300GB.

Cheers for the info Ian and 1nteger!

I think I might just get a 40Gb to be honest. Just need a bit of extra space you know.

But if you guys think that it's pretty good then I'll take your word for it!

Thanks again!

 

[1nteger]

Just take note m8 - the external hard disk that you linked in your first post is a small form factor one based on a 2.5'' hdd from a laptop pc, and I think 40Gb is the max u can get at the moment. For an external hdd bigger than 40GB I think youhave to move up to a 3.5'' hdd and they often need a seperate power cable. (The small ones are usually powered via the USB cable)

 

[Techy]

Dr Gonza,

Just out of curiosity are you buying an external hard disk because your worried about fitting an internal drive?

J

 

[Dr Gonzo]

Dr Gonza,

Just out of curiosity are you buying an external hard disk because your worried about fitting an internal drive?

J

It's Gonzo dude! You know from Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas?!

I wasn't aware you could fit an internal HD into a laptop......

 

[Techy]

you didn't mention it was a laptop.

And yes you can fit an hard disk into a latop. but prob best sticking to external. Laptops are a nightmare, when taken apart you always end up with more screws than you started with.

 

[Dr Gonzo]

you didn't mention it was a laptop.

And yes you can fit an hard disk into a latop. but prob best sticking to external. Laptops are a nightmare, when taken apart you always end up with more screws than you started with.

Sorry mate I thought I had mentioned it

 

[Ian]

Not to worry An external drive is the best thing for a laptop, although I'd consider going for something a bit higher than 40GB if possible.

It is possible to upgrade an internal hard drive, but it can be difficult to transfer all of the data, and the maximum size will only be around 100GB.