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    Most recommended portable Hard Drive?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Jitsun, Sep 15, 2007.

  1. Jitsun

    Jitsun Notebook Guru

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    I'm looking for something above 80GB in size that's portable to lug around with my notebook.

    I'd prefer to eliminate the use of a power cord. However.. would it pull off my HP 8510p's battery too much?.

    I intend to use it as my primary hard drive, where all my documents and music are stored to keep the laptop running smoothly. Ability to swap it between my desktop would be a plus. Sync isn't necessary - wouldn't use it.

    Just want something I could lounge around with, without having to worry about setting it up vertically/plugging it in a power outlet/etc.

    Any recommendations?. Experiences with WD vs. Seagate?.
     
    Jitsun, Sep 15, 2007
    #1
  2. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    The performance champ right now is the Hitachi 7k200.
     
    ZaZ, Sep 16, 2007
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  3. Macpod

    Macpod Connoisseur

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    wouldn't the interface dictate performance with external portables?

    Seagate free agents looks pretty good and they go up to 160GB. Otherwise you can get eSata capable thermaltake MUSE enclosure. I think they figued out a way to power it using USB as well, since Esata obviously isnt powered.
     
    Macpod, Sep 16, 2007
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  4. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    There is a good selection of USB-powered external 2.5" HDDs. Most of the HDDs will work with the power from one USB port although this depends on the notebook / HDD combination. Some of the enclosures come with a cable which can be used to take power from a second USB port.

    The USB 2.0 interface hits a data transfer rate ceiling of around 25MB/s. The recent 2.5" HDDs can run faster than this. eSATA is the way forward and will run as fast as the HDD. Some notebooks include an eSATA port but otherwise you need an eSATA PCMCIA or Express Card. I haven't seen a ready-made 2.5" HDD with eSATA but you can buy enclosures for 2.5" HDDs which have both USB 2.0 and eSATA interfaces (you need an SATA HDD to work with the eSATA). These enclosures get power from a USB port.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Sep 16, 2007
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