External HDD - Usb powered - should i get a 2.5" HDD?

[ashatron]

G'day chaps.

Im after a new external HDD, my current WD passport 250gb has done me well but is getting full.

im considering this -
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-299-WD

But i have noticed many people encourage the use of a 2.5" hard drive in an enclosure.

Questions -
Can you have a USB only (powered and data transfer) 2.5 external drive?
Are they more reliable?
Do they generally have faster rpm? (i think most WD passport drives are 5400rpm)
Can you get fairly compact external 2.5" HDD? (the more compact the better)

Also, i have 4 pin firewire 400 connection on my laptop- can i use this with a 2.5" external HDD? (that doesn't transfer power though does it?)

Thanks, hope you can help.

 

[rpstewart]

Questions -
Can you have a USB only (powered and data transfer) 2.5 external drive?

Yes, you may need to use a Y-cable to supply 2 ports worth of power but that should come with the caddy.

Are they more reliable?

Than what? If you treat it reasonably carefully and don't knock it about while it's running then they're fairly robust.

Do they generally have faster rpm? (i think most WD passport drives are 5400rpm)

If you're putting a bare drive in an enclosure then you can pick whether you want a 5400rpm or 7200rpm drive. 5400s are generally cheaper for a given size and also available in larger capacities than 7200rpm units.

Can you get fairly compact external 2.5" HDD? (the more compact the better)

Yeah, a 2.5" enclosure isn't much bigger than the disk itself. The WD passport is about the normal size

Also, i have 4 pin firewire 400 connection on my laptop- can i use this with a 2.5" external HDD? (that doesn't transfer power though does it?)

You should be able to get a firewire 2.5" enclosure but it'll be more difficult to find one since the market for them is smaller. You're right that the 4 pin connector doesn't supply power so the enclosure will either need a power brick or a USB cable to supply power.

 

[Gamer4Life]

If your only going to use the ext hd for casual backups then go for a 2.5" Otherwise, go with a larger 3.5" with cooling. The 2.5" typically have smaller amp requirements thus USB powered. The 3.5" needs more amps thus the ext power supply.

I've got two 2.5" and two 3.5" usb drives. They both serve diff purposes for me. 2.5" for casual backups and 3.5" with cooling for heavy server loads.

 

[ashatron]

Yes, you may need to use a Y-cable to supply 2 ports worth of power but that should come with the caddy.

Than what? If you treat it reasonably carefully and don't knock it about while it's running then they're fairly robust.

If you're putting a bare drive in an enclosure then you can pick whether you want a 5400rpm or 7200rpm drive. 5400s are generally cheaper for a given size and also available in larger capacities than 7200rpm units.

Yeah, a 2.5" enclosure isn't much bigger than the disk itself. The WD passport is about the normal size

You should be able to get a firewire 2.5" enclosure but it'll be more difficult to find one since the market for them is smaller. You're right that the 4 pin connector doesn't supply power so the enclosure will either need a power brick or a USB cable to supply power.

Wow! Thanks for all the help dude!!

 

[xiphrex]

If you do get an enclosure that states it can be "usb powered" then make sure your hard drive is a low energy one, and most probably 5400rpm.

If you get a high performance one like a western digital black then it may require additional power, either an external source or via 2 usb ports.

I bought this akasa enclosure: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-007-AK

It comes with a usb power connector that features 2 usb heads to supply this extra power.

Personally I hate all these extra connections and I was surprised why eSata didnt feature power itself.

 

[ashatron]

If you do get an enclosure that states it can be "usb powered" then make sure your hard drive is a low energy one, and most probably 5400rpm.

If you get a high performance one like a western digital black then it may require additional power, either an external source or via 2 usb ports.

I bought this akasa enclosure: https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-007-AK

It comes with a usb power connector that features 2 usb heads to supply this extra power.

Personally I hate all these extra connections and I was surprised why eSata didnt feature power itself.

Thanks dude!

Im beginning to wonder if a purpose built portable hard drive may be more suitable, like the passport western digital ones or the seagate ones. The toshiba StorE steel looks good too.

What would be the disadvantage of one of these portable drives as apposed to a 2.5" HDD in an enclosure?