" Which External HDD Should I Buy? "
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rgarr
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Joined: 05 Oct 2005
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14 Jan, 2007 12:37 pm " Which External HDD Should I Buy? " [sdp=81311]  
I'm using Win XP SP and I'm looking for an external HDD to back-up all my data, files, photos. and music...basically all of C: drive for about $150 or less.

My other reason for wanting the external HDD is that after I transfer all of my C: drive and important files from my Dell desktop I plan to reformat the Dell desktop and do a clean install then transfer everything back from my external HDD to my desktop.

I have looked at Iomega 33215 250 GB External Hard Drive on Tiger Direct and read the reviews but I am interested in getting your opinions.

I understand that if I get this HDD I will have to reformat from Fat 32 to NTFS. Is this hard to do? I appreciate any suggestions and opinions from those of you who have been there and done this...thanks in advance!
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Don_HH2K
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Joined: 09 May 2004
Posts: 4535
14 Jan, 2007 12:53 pm Re: " Which External HDD Should I Buy? " [sdp=81312]  
rgarr wrote:
I understand that if I get this HDD I will have to reformat from Fat 32 to NTFS. Is this hard to do?


It's not hard at all. Open up My Computer, right-click on the external dive, and select Format. It'll ask what file system you want, make sure NTFS is selected and then format away.

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rgarr
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Joined: 05 Oct 2005
Posts: 16
Location: K.C., Mo.
14 Jan, 2007 2:08 pm Re: " Which External HDD Should I Buy? " [sdp=81314]  
Don_HH2K wrote:
rgarr wrote:
I understand that if I get this HDD I will have to reformat from Fat 32 to NTFS. Is this hard to do?


It's not hard at all. Open up My Computer, right-click on the external dive, and select Format. It'll ask what file system you want, make sure NTFS is selected and then format away.


Thanks "Don_HH2K",

I appreciate the advice and help with this! I didn't know it was that easy.

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Antony
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Joined: 18 Jun 2002
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14 Jan, 2007 7:19 pm Re: " Which External HDD Should I Buy? " [sdp=81326]  
Hello rgarr,

The thing you should be consider is which one works for you. Using USB2 or FireWire 400. Theoretically, USB2's data rate is a bit faster than FireWire 400 (480 Mbits/sec vs 400 Mbits/sec). However, in reality, FireWire 400 ones usually performs better than USB2 external hard disks (and usually costs a bit more).

You can format the external hard drive into any file system you wish (as Don mentioned.)

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rgarr
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Joined: 05 Oct 2005
Posts: 16
Location: K.C., Mo.
14 Jan, 2007 10:32 pm Re: " Which External HDD Should I Buy? " [sdp=81328]  
Antony wrote:
Hello rgarr,

The thing you should be consider is which one works for you. Using USB2 or FireWire 400. Theoretically, USB2's data rate is a bit faster than FireWire 400 (480 Mbits/sec vs 400 Mbits/sec). However, in reality, FireWire 400 ones usually performs better than USB2 external hard disks (and usually costs a bit more).

You can format the external hard drive into any file system you wish (as Don mentioned.)


Thanks Antony,
I appreciate the added advice! I think I'll go for the USB2

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