3 brands that have come up top are, HP(which is actually what my laptop is), Seagate & there was one at Radio Shack-forgot the name-priced at $69.99 for 500GB.

I have to agree with Teri. I've got 2 Western Digital externals and have been very happy with them. I can plug in both of them to the same computer and transfer designs/folders between them. I've had some that don't let me do that and it's a real pain.

Lori

Hi Linda,

I'm a Western Digital fan. You can pick up great deals from Fry's. I got a 2TB for 109.00.

teri

I have seagate freeagente drive and i like it. :)

i have an Iomega. I like it.

1 comment

by hightechgrammy 27 Jan 2011

Iomega is a reliable company that has been making removable storage for at least 20 years.

What you want to shop for is Reliability, and not just the price. You don't want it to fail - or why have it at all. You could do a google search for external hard drive review or comparison. I have a Toshiba because it was recommended by the Geek Squad at Best Buy. Who can argue with the Geek Squad :-) It was $70 a year ago and about half of a Terabyte, which is HUGE. I'm using a combination of backup storage. My first line of defense is Carbonite and then the external and then I burn them on DVDs every month and send it to my mom for safekeeping off site. I bet that was too much information, wasn't it... Ooops

wow-thanks for all the great feedback everyone-I will probably wait till we get our income taxes done before I get mine-my husband said he wants to get one for the IMac too.~linda~

Hi Linda, only just seen your message. My husband gave me an external hard drive as one of my Christmas presents it is a Verbatim - it is tiny and I am delighted with it.

1 comment

by hightechgrammy 27 Jan 2011

What a nice husband to give you digital presents! That is one well-trained guy!

My kids have Western Digitals so that was my choice when I needed to get one. Just remember to press the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media when you are ready to disconnect the device.

1 comment

by hightechgrammy 27 Jan 2011

That is really good advice! You always should do this when removing any USB device, either PC or Mac, or you could lose data or really mess up the device. On a Mac you put it in the trash, on a PC you click on that little dooohicky button on the bottom.

Linda,

Check with Tigerdirect.com. That website comes highly recommended by several people who have ordered from them and have been very satisfied. Great prices.. I just ordered an exteranl floppy disk drive. I only paid $14,99 and $2.68 for shipping.

1 comment

by hightechgrammy 27 Jan 2011

A Floppy disk drive can be an inexpensive way to get back up storage. It used to be hard to get enough storage on them, no you can get lots of space on them. They aren't quite as reliable as a full backup drive, which can have much much more data storage. But, those little floppy usb sticks are really easy to use and you can keep on anywhere. They can get lost easily and you need to keep them dry. If you wash them in your pocket, make sure they are completely dry before you plug them into your computer, and you may not have destroyed them! Amazing! Tiger is a great company - the made Furbies!

Thank you for asking this question as I am looking for one as well, but here in Australia...so all this information is great. Hugs Sally

I've been looking at these too & I was wondering should I get a 500GB or a TB which is twice the size or not.

I have had good results with the Seagate FreeAgent drive. It backs up daily plus I can use it as a regular drive as well. Don in TX

I like Western Digital. Started with a small one a few years back... then, was able to pick up a 2T on the day after Thanksgiving sale at Target for 69.99. I think they are usually over 130.00.
Good luck.

If you stay with one of the bigger names (Western Digital, HP, Segate, etc.) you should be fine - know that ANY drive can go out so a CD/DVD backup every once in a while is not a bad idea.

I have a Western Digital I got before CompUSA closed. So it's been awhile! Works good, but if you need help, you have to pay to talk to someone after the first yr. I finally "fixed" it by shutting down the computer & starting all over! That's usually my way of fixing things!! Friend said I probably shut down too fast one nite & it was still in limbo!! Everything was there & fine when I reopened. I doubt you get "free" help from anyone after the first yr or so.

I had read a article they had the western digital as best choice but it was awhile ago.

I would stay with a reliable brand, but check out CompUSA and Best Buy. They usually have people that can answer questions. I've had a few, but my current one is a Seagate.

I have two Western Digitals and they work well for me. Bought a Best Buy, but remember the price.