Good External HD?

[mattluiz]

Hey everyone,
I'm looking for an external drive ~$100, ~320 GB, that's bus powered so I can take it with me wherever I go without having to plug it into an outlet. I basically need it just to consolidate my (very large) music collection which is spread across 3 different drives at the moment so I can have it all with me. Which company right now is making the best sub-$100 drives and are the most reliable? Difference between reliability when it comes to 500 GB, 320 GB etc.?

In terms of brand, Seagate, Western Digital, LaCie, etc.; one isn't necessarily better than the other?

Recommendations would be most helpful!

I've been thinking about these two:
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/on-the-go

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Seagate+-+FreeAgent+Go+320GB+External+USB+2.0+Portable+Hard+Drive+-+Silver/8992904.p?id=1218007085552&skuId=8992904&st=FreeAgent%20Go&cp=1&lp=13


Thanks!

 

[evongugg]

I usually build my own, so if the enclosure goes bad, my data is safe.
Here are some options in case you want to go that way. Just add a 2.5" hard disk of your choice.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010010092%201053807124%201053907127&name=No

 

[mattluiz]

I've heard some bad things about USB only enclosures. Something about the drives not getting enough power and that I should avoid them. True, not true?

 

[evongugg]

Some USB enclosures come with 2 USB connectors in order to provide enough power for the disk.
You can use a USB powered hub, if you don't have enough ports.
Or you could use a USB power adapter.

 

[evongugg]

Like you say, a separate power source is preferable.