Which external hard drive??

StevieP · 9 Apr 2011 at 14:46

I'm in need of a smallish external hard drive (USB powered) to keep a safe backup of photos and videos and wondered which was best out of these two:

Western Digital Passport Essential 500GB

or

Buffalo 500GB MIniStation Lite

Both are USB 2.0 and 3.0 compatible (I figured even though I dont have USB 3.0 now, I will no doubt in the future!)

Any opinions either way on these or any better suggestions out there?

Both are available at around £50 delivered which is around my max budget!

Thanks for any feedback.........

DirtyJester · 9 Apr 2011 at 14:55

I have the WD 320gb and find it superb. Very compact (short usb cable), quiet with one very small white led light so not annoying if left on at night.

crisbduck · 9 Apr 2011 at 15:00

I have the passport and have no complaint's - works well

StevieP · 9 Apr 2011 at 15:15

Must admit I was leaning towards that one but I read one or two reviews that suggested the bundled software was a bit awkward to use! I assume though you can just reformat in Windows to use as a simple drag and drop!?!

Thanks guys.....

crisbduck · 9 Apr 2011 at 15:23

I've never used the software on it, and just use as drag and drop

DirtyJester · 9 Apr 2011 at 16:09

crisbduck said:
I've never used the software on it, and just use as drag and drop

Same here

SparkyG · 9 Apr 2011 at 16:09

Agree with the WD option, and getting rid of the software on it

StevieP · 9 Apr 2011 at 17:12

Sorted!

Thanks peeps!

StevieP · 10 Apr 2011 at 13:54

Quick update - was just about to press the button for the WD drive when I saw the Verbatim 53021 drive for £10 cheaper which is USB 3.0 and 500GB - has anyone got any experience of this drive? (or Verbatim in general!)

Thanks again guys.....