External HDD

Posted by: CrackersMcCheese

External HDD - 14/05/2007 18:54

My dad wants an off the shelf external HDD. Anyone have any opinions on these two?

Western Digital 500gb

Freecom 500gb

Or a third option?

Cheers
Posted by: JBjorgen

Re: External HDD - 14/05/2007 18:59

Western Digital 500GB about £20 cheaper. I don't know if the free shipping will go to the UK though. If not, I'd be happy to ship it to you.

EDIT: Their FAQ says they don't ship internationally. Bummer.
Posted by: oliver

Re: External HDD - 14/05/2007 19:09

I wouldn't get the Essential, I'd go with the My Book Premium or Pro edition. I forget which one includes a fan. I got mine before they had 15 different editions and started to strip out the fans from the lower editions.
Posted by: drakino

Re: External HDD - 14/05/2007 19:11

Neither of those listings really list one important spec, the bridge chip in use. I've been burned on some cheep chips that I finally got sick of it and bought an enclosure with an Oxford 924 chipset. The 924 is probably a bit much for what is needed here (it does does Firewire 800/400, USB2, and eSATA), but something Oxford based would be my vote.
Posted by: CrackersMcCheese

Re: External HDD - 14/05/2007 19:20

Seems none have a fan - unless I plump for the 'Edition II' models. Why so many models - just to confuse me??

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/index.asp?cat=5