Differences Between "External" (Desktop) and "Portable" H.D.Ds

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Cyanide2x4

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I have a big archive and it's constantly expanding and when I go on a trip I definitely want all my files with me so I really don't want to go for Internal drives. I currently have two MyPassport Portable HDDs and I really like their small size which gives me the possibility to carry them around easily.


I was wondering what are the differences between the External (the ones that need adapters) and Portable HDDs ? Of course except their size, power consumption, weight and speed.
Are the small Portable HDDs safer to be carried around ? And are the adapter-based ones more sensitive to damage ?


In my case it's a bit different, As I need a lot of space the Portable H.D.Ds right now only have up to 2Tb versions but the External Desktop H.D.Ds have a capacity up to 4Tb and that really tempts me to go for a 4Tb External Desktop H.D.D. But I'm still not sure if it's OK to move an External HDD (with Adapters) around all the time, Is that safe ? Isn't it better to carry just one External rather than carrying 3 Portables all the time ?
 
Solution
USAFRet


If the power cuts during a write operation, you may well have some corrupted data.
But a portable one that gets power via USB will do exactly the same when the laptop runs out. And it will suck laptop battery power faster than a drive with an external power source.

Tradeoffs either way.
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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The only real difference is that the "portable" ones are 2.5", low power consumption drives that can be powered via USB.
The "external" drives are 2.5" or 3.5" that need external power.

The 2TB vs 4TB is down to the platter size. They haven't yet squeezed 4TG into a 2.5" drive.

Any difference in safety carrying one around would be in the case construction, not the actual drive.
 
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Cyanide2x4

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So if I carry the 3.5" External (Desktop) with me around all the time in a bag won't it harm it at all ? All the shaking in the car for instance and all the temperature difference on the road and so on.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Just don't drop it and you should be fine.
 
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Cyanide2x4

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How about the power failure harms ?
Electricity sometimes goes wild where I live and the electricity might just be suddenly gone while I am using the computer (even 3 times a day in some occasions)! Will that harm the HDD by any chance ?
I guess the External ones are more in danger in the case of power failure as they're running with adaptors? Right ?

By the way thanks a heap for all the help. Much appreciated.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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If the power cuts during a write operation, you may well have some corrupted data.
But a portable one that gets power via USB will do exactly the same when the laptop runs out. And it will suck laptop battery power faster than a drive with an external power source.

Tradeoffs either way.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Yes. Exact same thing. The only difference is where the drive is getting power from....wall plug or USB. If it cuts out, it cuts out.
 
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