external HD

Baz · Apr 27, 2009, 19:27:37

out of interest do you know the model Rik.

If I was to get an external one for use mainly on one of the laptops would I benefit with a SATA or not

Sebby · Apr 27, 2009, 19:28:38

It depends how vital fast transfer is. If you get SATA, you've got the option of connecting via eSATA.

Rik · Apr 27, 2009, 19:28:49

Not a lot, Baz, the bottleneck is the USB connection. If, otoh, your motherboard supports e-SATA that's the way to go for now. (USB3 will move the goalposts again...)

Baz · Apr 27, 2009, 19:39:30

good point Sebby. its not that vital will only be used for back up of my sons music/photos from his laptop.

Rik, does the mobo have to support SATA to use one of these drives. e sata been external is that right but USB3 willpush this out will it.what does an e sata connection look like. Dont think his laptop will have one.

Sebby · Apr 27, 2009, 19:41:37

Yes it would, Baz. If your motherboard has SATA, you can get a plate that you fit in the computer case that connects to an free SATA port on the motherboard, and gives you an eSATA connector on the back of the case.

To be honest, it's quite difficult to find IDE hard drives these days, so you'll probably get an SATA anyway.

Baz · Apr 27, 2009, 19:43:49

cheers Sebby. its going to be used on a laptop mainly anyway so think I should just stick to IDE for what hes going to be using it for too

Baz · Apr 27, 2009, 19:53:38

if you buy an internal drive and stick it in a caddy do you get the cables with the drive or not

Rik · Apr 27, 2009, 19:54:30

Not with the drive, normally, Baz, possibly with the caddy, but in all probability you'll need to buy the correct cable.

Sebby · Apr 28, 2009, 13:03:28

You'll definitely get a power cable with the caddy, but only possibly an eSATA/USB/Firewire. The caddy has fixed internal wires to connect the drive.

Baz · Apr 28, 2009, 20:28:04

whats this like drive I have a 500GB version and its good. The price seems ok or doesnt it, I dont know really.Any one use Misco before

Sebby · Apr 28, 2009, 21:58:28

I have the Home version, Baz, and I'm really pleased with it. Rik swears by Misco, so you can't go wrong with them.

Have a look at the comparison of WD MyBook drives as you might find you could go with a lesser model.

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/index.asp?cat=8

Rik · Apr 29, 2009, 00:03:30

I've used Misco since the 80s, Baz. They're not always the cheapest and you pay for delivery, but service is excellent.