Member Avatar for iamrobertkrogh

I learned about this site a few days ago, and it has already helped solve one of my problems, so I thought I'd ask another question.

I am looking for an external hard drive. I found a great buy on amazon.com, its a SimpleTech 250gb external hard drive for $104. The reviews on Amazon.com for the product were mixed. People either loved it, or hated it. What is your suggestion for a new HD? Is SimpleTech a decent product line?

Thanks, Robert

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Quick summary tied to the thread: is looking for an external drive to store photos and back up documents; correctly raised brand preferences and asked why external vs internal. Below are practical, long-lasting points to help decide and avoid common pitfalls.

External vs internal — tradeoffs

  • External is easiest for sharing, portability, and quick plug‑and‑play backups from multiple machines. It is the right choice when the drive needs to move between computers or sit on a family room shelf.
  • Internal typically gives better cost per GB, slightly higher sustained performance, and easier long‑term cooling in a desktop. It makes sense if the drive will stay inside one PC and you want the best price/space.
  • A common source of headaches with externals is the enclosure (USB–SATA bridge) or external power adapter, not always the platter drive itself. Favor designs with good ventilation and a solid warranty.

What to look for when buying

  • Interface: USB 2.0 was standard; FireWire/eSATA give higher throughput if you move lots of large files. For cameras, use a card reader — faster and safer than tethering.
  • Drive size and form factor: 2.5" portable drives need no extra power but run warmer; 3.5" desktop externals require a power brick but usually cost less per GB.
  • Replaceability and warranty: Prefer enclosures that let you replace the internal drive without voiding warranty, or buy a quality internal drive and a separate enclosure. Check the seller’s return policy.
  • File system: NTFS for Windows (no 4GB limit); FAT32 if you need broad device compatibility but remember the 4GB file limit; exFAT is a modern alternative for cross‑platform large files.

Backup best practices

  • Don’t rely on one copy. Keep at least two backups, with one offsite or in a different physical location. Schedule regular automated backups and test restores occasionally.
  • Read polarized user reviews with caution — they often reflect a single bad unit or a flawless one. Look for consistent patterns (warranty service, RMA ease) rather than isolated rants.

Tying back to the thread: ’s brand suggestions (Maxtor/Seagate/WD) are reasonable starting points, but for an external purchase focus more on warranty, replaceability, and the enclosure quality than on the brand decal alone.

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Member Avatar for dcc

The problem with reviews from consumers is that they are always biased. Either the product worked for them and there for it is great, or they had a problem and it's a p.os..

Simple Tech is ok, but I do have a preference for Maxtor, Seagate, or Western Digital, and not necessarily in that order.

Just curious here, why a external hdd?

Member Avatar for iamrobertkrogh

I want an external HD, because I got a digital camera as a gift a month ago. I want to be able to store my photos, along with all my friend's photos. Sort of like a community photo/video album among my family/friends. I also would like to back up all my important documents and information. I doubt if I will ever fill up a 250gb drive even HALF way, but oh well.

Member Avatar for dcc

That explains why you want a extra hdd but not why a external opposed to a internal one.

There are some connectivity advantages with a internal hdd.

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