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Which external USB HDD? 
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matelot
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Post # 292931
Post Re: Which external USB HDD?
Thanks for all the input - I've been researching for days. But I've just opted for this: WD My Passport Essential SE 750 GB Metallic Red Portable Hard Drive (USB 3.0/2.0). Plenty of space and the price was as cheap as I've seen.

It's attaching to my Samsung R730. Although that's only USB 2.0, I've also ordered a USB 3.0 external adapter for a little future-proofing. So, here goes!

But if there's any warnings, I've still time to cancel the order...

Cheers

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Sat Jan 07, 2012 4:36 pm
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Eadwine Rose
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Post # 292939
Post Re: Which external USB HDD?
m_pav wrote:
I agree in part that they are all similar, though some drives draw more power from USB ports than do others.

USB 2.0 specs only stipulate 5v at 0.5a, (500ma), and only in the last 2 years or so have manufacturers of external drives been producing units that can run on less than half an ampere of current.

Check the current rating of the drive you are purchasing and if you intend to plug it into an older desktop system with front ports, or an early model netbook, make sure the drive you're getting uses less than 500ma.

Mike P

Now THAT is useful info that one needs! Thanks :happy:

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Sat Jan 07, 2012 4:56 pm
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Caesar2
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Post # 292983
Post Re: Which external USB HDD?
A weak point may be where the usb cord plugs into the drive. A friend had the connector break completely off. I did a search for "broken usb connector" to try and help him get it going again but so far no luck. Just be aware this is a possibility.

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Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:22 pm
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malspa
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Post # 292993
Post Re: Which external USB HDD?
matelot wrote:
Thanks for all the input - I've been researching for days. But I've just opted for this: WD My Passport Essential SE 750 GB Metallic Red Portable Hard Drive (USB 3.0/2.0). Plenty of space and the price was as cheap as I've seen.

It's attaching to my Samsung R730. Although that's only USB 2.0, I've also ordered a USB 3.0 external adapter for a little future-proofing. So, here goes!

But if there's any warnings, I've still time to cancel the order...


Well, check out this thread, see if any of that makes a difference to you: http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=91030
Sun Jan 08, 2012 12:33 am
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uncle mark
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Post # 292995
Post Re: Which external USB HDD?
malspa wrote:
matelot wrote:
Thanks for all the input - I've been researching for days. But I've just opted for this: WD My Passport Essential SE 750 GB Metallic Red Portable Hard Drive (USB 3.0/2.0). Plenty of space and the price was as cheap as I've seen.

It's attaching to my Samsung R730. Although that's only USB 2.0, I've also ordered a USB 3.0 external adapter for a little future-proofing. So, here goes!

But if there's any warnings, I've still time to cancel the order...


Well, check out this thread, see if any of that makes a difference to you: http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=91030


Which is one reason I suggested a dock. You then get a raw drive to go with it and you're done. None of the proprietary nonsense built in.

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Sun Jan 08, 2012 1:20 am
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matelot
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Post # 293002
Post Re: Which external USB HDD?
Well, in view of comments, I've cancelled it. Couldn't find any info - even from WD - about current draw, only that it's powered from the USB. I don't think the firmware VCD is an issue, indeed on some Linux forums it's used as a dual boot drive. But overall I'm reading just a few too many poor reports.

I'll look further.

But if there's any positive recommendations for a drive...

Cheers

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Sun Jan 08, 2012 8:20 am
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fbt
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Post # 293006
Post Re: Which external USB HDD?
I have a couple of Seagate Expansion drives. They are USB2 and unpowered but I got them for about $40 I use one to store music and the other for data. Only had them for 6 months but so far no problems.
Sun Jan 08, 2012 9:24 am
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