External HDD

[davestar_delux]

Hey, looking to purchase one of these and don't have any experience with them and looking at the OcUK range am really spoiled for choice. Is there anything I should be looking out for or avoiding specifically or are they all much alike?

 

[davestar_delux]

<consultant mode> Well, it depends... </consultant mode>

Start off by narrowing down your requirements a bit:

How much space do you need?
Do you want one that's self powered or can you cope with a separate power brick?
What interface do you want - USB, Firewire, eSATA, ethernet?
Do you want a pre-built unit or would you prefer to pick the caddy and drive separately?

Cool, this is handy

Space: At least 160GB would cover the 2 PCs i have at the moment which aren't even full.

Self-powered. I don't want a brick really.

Interface: Well I guess USB or Ethernet so it will work with the 2 PCs but i'll be moving to a Macbook soon which could use Firewire.

Last question: I have no idea? Why would you choose them seperately?

 

[davestar_delux]

there are certainly better deals to be had if you buy a "desktop" style drive rather than a mobile.

Thanks guys, both very helpful replies.

This quote above, I take it a "desktop" style simply means it will have a power unit yeah? Sorry if this is obvious, just something I wanted to clear up.

Can one of you tell me more about caddies? I am looking at this one here:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-008-BT&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=72

as I have a spare IDE 3.5' not being used here. How does the caddy connect to my PC? And is there anything else to consider before going down this route?