travelling with a hard drive.....

Ok, so I sent Dell my notebook in the mail on friday, and tomorrow I am flying back home. Until then I have my harddrive with me because Dell had me take it out before sending them the notebook.

What should I do with it? I have a carry on backpack and a big suit case that I'm checking. I know that harddrives getting bumped is really bad, so any recommendations?

 

Get an anti-static plastic sleeve and protect from shock. But really I bet you will have no problem no matter what you do, as long as you don't throw it on the ground.

 

Get an enclosure and you can even use it as a ext HD

 

The most fragile part of the HDD is the heads which should be parked when the drive is not operating. In fact, it is not so much the heads but the microscopic clearance between moving heads and spinning discs which can cause calamities if the drive suffers shock when in use.

The whole HDD is also slightly vulnerable to compression damage so it should be either surrounded by some padding or a casing. There is also a slight risk of electrostatic damage. You could buy a suitable 2.5" external enclosure and put the HDD into it. I've been travelling with those for years without any problems.

John

 

I wrapped it in a towel, think that would be enough? My suitcase is packed tight, but it's pretty much all clothes so... yeah.

 

I think that is fine. If others think not so be it.

 

Fine as long as it is not in your suitcase. I wouldn't trust the airlines and baggage handlers to get it safely to your destination. It would be a little inconvenient if they lose it. I always take the small and relatively valuable things in the hand baggage.

John

 

Good point but you must agree wherever it ends up it will function fine? Even if not with the owner.

 

Wrapped the drive in anti-static bag. Get bubble wrap and a rigid box to put it in and if you're traveling DO NOT place in the luggage for check-in but carry it with you.