External HDD

[Kilauea]

Hello,

I am considering getting an external HDD, but I have an old computer with only USB connectors(USB 1.1 for that matter), it would be used mainly as a backup and as a way for me to remove some things from my current HDD. But I'd like to build a computer in the next year, so I would like if that HDD was also compatible with eSata and not only USB(even tho I could also connect it with USB anyway).

Are there any such drives which can be connected by either eSata or USB ?

What are the best few brands for external HDD, I assume Seagate, WD... but let's say out of those brands, how would they rank and please tell if there is a big difference(in terms of quality) between some. Here are the companies: Seagate, Western Digital, Comstar, Memorex, I/O Magic, Maxtor, La Cie, Mobel. I assume that some of these companies don't actually manufacture HDD, but how reliable are they ?

As far as size matters, is it worth it to go with a 2.5" drive rather than a 3.5" ? What are the advantages and disavantages ?

Any other things I should look at too ?

[Cricket]

Many of us here build our own external hard drive with an external HDD housing and our own HDDs. Apricorn is a favorite external housing brand.

Cricket

[TwoRails]

If you buy a premade box, Seagate's Free Agent has a model or three that does both USB and eSATA. Or, you could make your own: get a Seagate drive of the size / budget you want and an enclosure that fits your needs. Apricorn enclosures are very popular here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...&name=APRICORN.

Just make sure to get a drive that fits the box.

[Kilauea]

So, for an enclosure, would that one work well for what I want ?

http://www.directcanada.com/products...edia%20Systems

or this

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.p...acture=Kingwin

Actually, what make a good enclosure good ?

[glc]

Yes, but it appears that you may have to buy a eSATA cable separately. It looks like it only comes with USB cables.