Portable Storage - Everything you need to know (well, almost everything)
July 4th 2006 12:49
There are many ways to store data nowadays, ranging from CD-R/RWs to USB drives to portable hard disks. If you have just a few files you would like to carry around, a USB drive is sufficient. However, if you carry a PDA or any other portable device that utilizes a SD card, the Sandisk Ultra II SD Plus SD card is the way to go. If I'm not mistaken, Buffalo also has something similar in the works.
If you are more hardcore and carry a LOT more than what a mere USB drive can carry, then a portable hard disk drive (HDD) is for you. The first thing you want to consider is what interface (for the casing) do you want for it; usually USB (2.0 is the choice here, as it is a LOT faster than USB 1.1), Firewire (IEEE 1394), networked enabled (the availability of a Ethernet, RJ45, cable to connect to a network switch, router or hub to share with peers on your network), or all of them. The more interfaces you have on the external casing, the more expensive it is going to be.
The next is the form factor and functionality of the drive. Here we have a variety of choices:
1. 2.5” HDD with external enclosure. These drives are relatively small and do not require an alternate power source (they get the power from the PC you plug them into). The only thing is that they cost quite a bit more compared to the 3.5” HDDs.
2. 3.5” HDD with external enclosure. They are substantially bigger than their 2.5” counterparts, and most of them need an external AC adapter. There are some with built-in adapters, but they all still require an external power source. 3.5” HDDs are a LOT cheaper than the 2.5” ones, as you can get an 80GB one for around AUD60-70 and an external case from AUD15 upwards. Most of the casings do not really differ from performance, as you are paying more for the design. However it would be good to choose an aluminum case instead of a plastic one, as they dissipate heat better. Internal fans are also a plus.
Well there you have it; some of the options that are available for external HDDs. Below are some links to some good selection of external casings, so happy shopping. Cheaper (generic) alternatives can be found at shops like MSY.
http://www.pccasegear.com.au/category75_1.htm
http://www.nintek.com.au/x/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=956
If you are more hardcore and carry a LOT more than what a mere USB drive can carry, then a portable hard disk drive (HDD) is for you. The first thing you want to consider is what interface (for the casing) do you want for it; usually USB (2.0 is the choice here, as it is a LOT faster than USB 1.1), Firewire (IEEE 1394), networked enabled (the availability of a Ethernet, RJ45, cable to connect to a network switch, router or hub to share with peers on your network), or all of them. The more interfaces you have on the external casing, the more expensive it is going to be.
The next is the form factor and functionality of the drive. Here we have a variety of choices:
1. 2.5” HDD with external enclosure. These drives are relatively small and do not require an alternate power source (they get the power from the PC you plug them into). The only thing is that they cost quite a bit more compared to the 3.5” HDDs.
2. 3.5” HDD with external enclosure. They are substantially bigger than their 2.5” counterparts, and most of them need an external AC adapter. There are some with built-in adapters, but they all still require an external power source. 3.5” HDDs are a LOT cheaper than the 2.5” ones, as you can get an 80GB one for around AUD60-70 and an external case from AUD15 upwards. Most of the casings do not really differ from performance, as you are paying more for the design. However it would be good to choose an aluminum case instead of a plastic one, as they dissipate heat better. Internal fans are also a plus.
Well there you have it; some of the options that are available for external HDDs. Below are some links to some good selection of external casings, so happy shopping. Cheaper (generic) alternatives can be found at shops like MSY.
http://www.pccasegear.com.au/category75_1.htm
http://www.nintek.com.au/x/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=956
| 47 |
| Vote |
