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08/24/2006 09:38:32 AM · #1 |
I've been struggling for a while with insufficient memory for all my pictures, and although I do back up on DVD's (occasionally), the thought of having all my precious pics on a few DVD's scares me, not to mention the extremely long time it takes.
I have been thinking of buying an external hard drive. Does anyone else store their data on one of these, and is it a good idea? What questions should I ask myself before I go out and get one? I know that things like speed, ease of installation and the ability to store very large individual files are important to me.
Any advice on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Julie |
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08/24/2006 09:48:12 AM · #2 |
| LaCie has a bunch of different options from one disk units to RAID systems and Networked storage units. Or you can go the cheaper route by buying bare hard drives and putting them in USB or Firewire enclosures. |
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08/24/2006 09:54:01 AM · #3 |
| I use external hard drives for backing up all important info on my computer, including all my pictures. There are great deals to be had on hard drives - there's virtually no excuse for not having a comprehensive back-up strategy. Check this thread from yesterday for a screaming deal. |
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08/24/2006 09:54:39 AM · #4 |
I store my most important pictures on a 300G internal with an 300G external to back it up. And now I've begun moving my older stuff to DVD to make room for the incoming files.
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08/24/2006 10:00:51 AM · #5 |
check out this thread.
//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=450719
if you are really looking into an external hard drive for your pictures, buy the enclosure  scalvert talks about in the thread.
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08/24/2006 10:18:57 AM · #6 |
OMG I have a lot of reading to do :)
Thanks for your quick responses and solid advice. That deal looks very good. Can anyone tell me, can you retrieve files quickly from them or are they slow, or does it depend on what model you buy? |
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08/24/2006 10:30:32 AM · #7 |
Since it's a backup, you only need to retrieve images from it if you lose one, accidently delete, or have a main hard disk failure. When connected and turned on, external hard drives are just as fast as your main hard drive (close enough anyways).
Originally posted by JulieG:
OMG I have a lot of reading to do :)
Thanks for your quick responses and solid advice. That deal looks very good. Can anyone tell me, can you retrieve files quickly from them or are they slow, or does it depend on what model you buy? |
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08/24/2006 11:00:48 AM · #8 |
For those using the external drive only for backup, speed is of little relevance, especially if backups are done unattended. For those who would like as close to "internal drive" performance as possible, Use FireWire external drives (requires a FireWire port on the 'pooter).
Another option is NAS (Network Attached Storage). These "drives" attach to your existing home or business wired netowrk (ethernet). Some have RAID built in, but at much higer cost. One interesting device that has received very good reviews is Seagate's Mirra Personal Server. |
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08/24/2006 11:36:46 AM · #9 |
| I recently bought a Western Digital MyBook 250Gb with USB and Firewire to replace a Maxtor external disk which gave out on me. The MYBook has been good. It's this model. Check prices elsewhere. |
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08/24/2006 04:13:56 PM · #10 |
| i have a maxtor 250GB 16MB Cache in an ICY BOX Firewire/USB2 enclosure - i also backup on DVD x2 when i've finished a job.. |
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08/24/2006 04:35:37 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by pineapple:
I recently bought a Western Digital MyBook 250Gb with USB and Firewire to replace a Maxtor external disk which gave out on me. The MYBook has been good. It's this model. Check prices elsewhere. |
I just picked up a 500 GB MyBook for $239 at Best Buy over the weekend.
USBII, no Firewire
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08/25/2006 07:57:23 AM · #12 |
Hmmm, I think I do want it to operate as much like the internal hard drive as poss, which makes me now think that an option could be just put my current pics on DVD's and upgrade my current 100 Gb hard drive to 300 Gb or something.
I'll wait a couple of days and mull all the info over. Thanks everyone who responded. You guys are great.
Message edited by author 2006-08-25 08:02:51. |
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08/25/2006 08:04:02 AM · #13 |
You probably have room for a second internal drive. Rather than replacing your current drive, consider installing a second dirve. Ust your first drive for the OS and applications, and the second for data storage.
That will solve the space issues, but not the backup issue. You'll stil need someplace for a second copy of critical files. |
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08/25/2006 10:43:00 AM · #14 |
Originally posted by pineapple:
I recently bought a Western Digital MyBook 250Gb with USB and Firewire. The MYBook has been good. It's this model. |
i just bought 2 of those last night at circuit city for $99 apiece. i looked at both the 320gb and the 500gb, and thought this made more sense for the money. i don't mind not having it all in one place. knockwood, even though i haven't had a failure with any of my WD stuff, i'd rather lose just a bit than lose it all... |
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08/25/2006 10:48:01 AM · #15 |
I use an Revoltec alubook edition 2 and (it's only a case) and you can put a internal harddisk in it. I have got 3 cases and 3 300gb internal harddisks. When one is full I store it (only the harddisk) and put a new harddisk in the case.
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08/25/2006 11:05:49 AM · #16 |
| Skiprow got a good price too. I paid a little more. The key to using external USB/Firewire drives is to make sure you 'stop' them before ripping out the cable. |
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