Getting an External Hard Drive

A reader wrote me this week to ask:

I knew there was something else I had on my mental list for you.
I think I am in the market for an external hard drive to back up my files.
I have downloaded Karen's Replicator as you suggested in one of your recent newsletters.
I now need a destination to save my files to, external to my desk top. I do it now periodically to the laptop, but want something else.
I have reviewed your Computer Tips web pages on backing up and external hard drives.
Your advice to get one with a USB connection is right on.
30-40 gigs would be plenty big for what I have.
Can you aim me or do you have a link where I could buy on the net via you?
Jack

Thanks for writing, Jack, and for wanting to give something back for getting my free newsletter!

You'll find it really hard to find one as small as 30-40GB today.

The smallest regular external drivve that I've seen advertised in a long time is 160GB. These will use normal desktop-type hard drives and will have a power brick that plugs into the wall.

There are some really small GB sizes today -- they have notebook drives in them and are about paperbook size -- and are usually designed to plug into your PS2 ports or 1 or 2 USB ports to get their power.

Anything you want to buy at CompUSA, you can order though the CompUSA link (in the "Shopping" pull-down in my navigation bar) -- or just go to http://terryscomputertips.com/compusa

You can have it shipped to you or you can select "Pick it up at the store" -- and I'll still get a commission. They quote that it will be ready for pickup in 15 minutes.

CompUSA had a Seagate USB 2.0 external drive recently that was $90 after rebates. $130 - $20 instant - $20 "eRebate" (you file online). They ought to have something similar this week.

Link to this page — just add this code to your web page!

<a href="http://www.terryscomputertips.com/computers/getting-an-external-hard-drive.php">Getting an External Hard Drive</a>

Copyright © 2006 Terry A. Stockdale. All rights reserved.