I back off what I said in this instance. That LaCie goes for around $400 which is a good deal. That's not too much of a premium over a 400 GB drive and probably no more expensive then a bare 500 when they come out.

[Edit] OK, I think I was completely wrong. The premium for external drives has come down. Last time I looked it was like a $100 premium for external when you could buy the enclosure yourself for $30.