Internal vs external

[sleeepr]

I'm needing to increase my drive space, either with a second internal drive of 500-750 gb, or a similar-sized external drive. However, reading the product reviews on Newegg and other sites, I'm bothered by frequent stories of external drives failing, being buggy, etc.

Does anyone have any input on this? External means that I could use it between boxes, and I don't have to crack the case, but if I can have fewer headaches by cracking the case and installing, I'm game.

Thanks to all in advance.

TA

[pam123]

With the understanding that all hard drives fail, the first thing is to buy a decent external case.
Most of the problems are there, not with the drive.
This is one occasion where "do it yourself" is a good idea.

ez bus dt with Apricorn is what we recommend ( PATA/SATA , your choice depending on what you bought and USB/E-SATA/Firewire depending on what your computer uses. ).

Intelligent management : it's connected for back up, period.
If you're not using it for that it's disconnected, remember, it's your fail safe!

Don't drop it, knock it off the desk, let the dog chew on it or dump it in a back pack unprotected ( You want mobility spend the time/money to get a good mobile usb drive or, better yet, a key.)

recommended enclosure (This one is currently in stock at newegg there's a wait for the others ) : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817362002

[not important]

I strongly agree with the do-it-yourself external drive. The Apricorn comes with a version of Acronis which makes it a sweeter deal.