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    External HD Question

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by ajgarcia, Aug 19, 2007.

  1. ajgarcia

    ajgarcia Notebook Enthusiast

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    I am looking for an External 2.5 laptop Hard Drive to plug into just 1 USB port. I have it narrowed down to a few options. Can anyone suggest which one I should go with. I want one that is very reliable, and should last for a long time. I will be using it to download, store and watching movies and listen to music.


    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136059
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822161027
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136060
     
    ajgarcia, Aug 19, 2007
    #1
  2. deputy963

    deputy963 Notebook Evangelist

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    Your links aren't valid.
     
    deputy963, Aug 19, 2007
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  3. ajgarcia

    ajgarcia Notebook Enthusiast

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    They are working now.
     
    ajgarcia, Aug 19, 2007
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  4. deputy963

    deputy963 Notebook Evangelist

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    The first and third are both WD, so you probably won't see any difference there. I'm a big fan of Seagate drives.

    As to only needing 1 USB port, there is no way to be sure, unless you know someone with the same pc and drive. The USB spec calls for 5V @ 500mA if I'm not mistaken, but that doesn't mean every computer will have that part of the motherboard capable of actually providing enough current to make the HD work. Worst case scenario is you have to use two ports and a "Y" cable.
     
    deputy963, Aug 20, 2007
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  5. ajgarcia

    ajgarcia Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have a T60 by Lenovo.
    Are Seagates usually higher quality than WD?
    How is IOgear? Are they a quality brand, or are they an off-brand, and will be lower quality?
     
    ajgarcia, Aug 20, 2007
    #5
  6. ajgarcia

    ajgarcia Notebook Enthusiast

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    ajgarcia, Aug 20, 2007
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  7. hydra

    hydra Breaks Laptops

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    I would go best warranty. Most new laptops have the required power, in any case, newegg is very easy to deal with. You may have the option to try the WD drives at BB or CC or Sam's club for testing as you can return in 15 to 30 days.
     
    hydra, Aug 20, 2007
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  8. deputy963

    deputy963 Notebook Evangelist

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    Seagate is the only manufacturer with a 5yr warranty.

    There are only a few HD manufacturers. Seagate, WD, Hitachi, Samsung, fujitsu, and Toshiba. (Seagate and WD are the same company) All the others are re-branded.

    As for negative reviews, I don't think any provided enough info to make an informed decision.

    I'd stick
     
    deputy963, Aug 20, 2007
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  9. Fastblack

    Fastblack Notebook Consultant

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    Fastblack, Aug 20, 2007
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  10. ajgarcia

    ajgarcia Notebook Enthusiast

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    ajgarcia, Aug 20, 2007
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  11. Fastblack

    Fastblack Notebook Consultant

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    the WD takes 1 port, but ur USB port has to be powerful enough to work. I've read most of the newer laptops shouldnt have a problem with it.
     
    Fastblack, Aug 20, 2007
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  12. Fastblack

    Fastblack Notebook Consultant

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    oh yeah. pretty sure the seagate is the same way. But it also has a y cable for 2 usb ports if needed. the WD has to be bought separately.
     
    Fastblack, Aug 20, 2007
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  13. ajgarcia

    ajgarcia Notebook Enthusiast

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    I have a fairly new T60 by Lenovo. That should be enough to power the Seagate, right? Should I go with the WD or the Seagate. I recently had a WD crap out on me after about a year and a half.
     
    ajgarcia, Aug 20, 2007
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  14. Fastblack

    Fastblack Notebook Consultant

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    My company runs t60's and the WD's work fine. no experience with the seagate. Its personal preference really, but the passport would be my choice, as it looks better, is smaller, and is much cheaper at only 87 dollars.
     
    Fastblack, Aug 20, 2007
    #14