Rate my backup solutions

[Okcookienc]

Hey community, after some research and excellent advice from WyomingKnott, I've narrowed my backup options down to 2 approaches. I'm now seeking feedback on which makes the most sense. My current relevant hardware is:
Crucial M4 128Gb SSD (system drive - Win 7 64, apps, games)
Seagate Barracuda 1Tb HDD (data drive - user folders, media, etc.)

It was suggested that I install a SATA hot swappable bay, but the ones I've seen are reported to be difficult to install in tool-less cases (which mine is). Thus, I'm considering the following 2 solutions:

1. Azio USB 3.0 external SATA enclosure - $39.99
2x Seagate Barracuda 1Tb SATA drives (for redundancy) - $64.99 each
Total: approx $170

or

2. 2x Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex USB 3.0 external drives - $179.99 each
Total: approx $380

Obviously electing to go with the enclosure and drives is cheaper and I'm clearly leaning in that direction. I would store the drives in anti-static cases.

Either way my goal is to perform regular interval backups of my data and full images of my system, using 2 drives for redundancy. I will test various software programs. I hear good things about Acronis.

What do you guys think?

As usual, thanks for all your help.

 

[Ubrales]

Option #1 above will give you reliability at a good price.

I built two using these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182211 (USB 3.0)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817173043 (USB 2.0 + eSATA)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148433

Total cost for two approx. $250

These Rosewill enclosures are very rugged and have an 80 mm fan built-in. I like this fan feature.

Acronis is good - EASEUS TODO BACKUP (free) is good - Win 7 Backup is good. You get top marks for planning regular backups!

 

[Okcookienc]

Option #1 above will give you reliability at a good price.

I built two using these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182211 (USB 3.0)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817173043 (USB 2.0 + eSATA)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136533
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148433

Total cost for two approx. $250

These Rosewill enclosures are very rugged and have an 80 mm fan built-in. I like this fan feature.

Acronis is good - EASEUS TODO BACKUP (free) is good - Win 7 Backup is good. You get top marks for planning regular backups!

What's your experience been so far with the Rosewell enclosure? Also, how easy is it to swap out drives? One thing I
like about the Azios enclosure I was looking it is it's supposed to be screw-less; the drives fit onto rails and then you slide them in just like that.

 

[Ubrales]

What's your experience been so far with the Rosewell enclosure? Also, how easy is it to swap out drives? One thing I
like about the Azios enclosure I was looking it is it's supposed to be screw-less; the drives fit onto rails and then you slide them in just like that.

I have a total of 4 Rosewill enclosures. The HDD inside is not intended or designed for frequent replacement. In order to change/remove the hard disk, the top cover and the side covers must be dismantled. Then the 4 HDD fastening screws must be removed. At this point, the HDD can be unplugged from the connector.

I like the Rosewill because it is 1) rugged, and 2) it has an 80 mm built-in fan.

I am aware of commercially available external backup devices, and my 5th. enclosure will be another Rosewill. They hit a home run with this product!