Hi TheCow or anyone,
I'm looking to pick your brain on a backup device. I'm leaning toward getting an external hard drive or possibly 2 with a view to having one offsite at all times. My PC has a 1TB WDC drive of which I'm using about 45GB including Win7 and all other software/craplets. I'd guess that my personal data is probably less than 5GB and certainly less than 10GB.
I was initially thinking that I'd let Win7 manage the backup process (it does both images and incrementals). Then I saw an HP SimpleSave drive which has disk resident software that's literally plug and play for managing one's backup requirements without any action whatsoever required on my part.
Both drives are 2TB external, both will manage the backup process, and both are on sale for $190Cdn until tomorrow.
I kind of like the idea of having a Win7 independent backup in case of a catastrophic Desktop failure. And I like the idea of just letting Win7 take care of everything.
There's also a Seagate drive that doesn't come with comprehensive backup process management software, is 1TB, $150Cdn, has a 32MB data buffer rather than the 16MB of the others; and a 5 Year warranty rather than 2 years for the others.
Any thoughts re selection of one or the other? Or would you do something completely different? (P.S. I'm not concerned about the sale deadline. There's bound to be many more.)
Thanks.
Ian
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Western Digital My Book Essentials 2TB External Hard Drive (WDBAAF0020HBK-NESN)
Model #: WDBAAF0020HBK
Western Digital's My Book Essential USB external drive preserves all the chapters in your digital life. WD SmartWare software backs up your data automatically, shows your backup as it happens, and retrieves lost files effortlessly. And with a huge 2TB of storage, you've got plenty of room for everything and then some.
Product Features
This external drive's small and sleek book-like shape takes up less space on your desk and allows two or more My Book drives to nestle neatly together like volumes on a shelf.
Password protection ensures your files are safe
An illuminated capacity gauge instantly shows available space
USB 2.0 interface plugs directly into your computer for plug and play installation
Automatic, continuous backup instantly makes a copy when you add or change files
Visual backup organizes and displays content into categories and show backup progress
Retrieve your valuable data to its original location whether you've lost all your data or just overwritten an important file
Customize your backup, set drive security, run diagnostics, manage the power settings and more from the WD SmartWare control centre
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HP SimpleSave 2TB 3.5" External Hard Drive (HPBAAD0020HBK-NHSN) - Black - Best Buy Exclusive
Model #: HPBAAD0020HBK-NHSN
HP's SimpleSave external hard drive is perfect for plug-and-play instant storage and makes data backup so simple anyone can do it. The included backup software runs right off the drive, so the minute you plug it into a USB port, it automatically finds all your valuable data and begins backing it up. And with the 2TB storage capacity, you can store everything and more.
Product Features
The backup software runs off the drive, so there's no need to install and learn the software making it practically hands-free. It can find all your valuable data, no matter where it is on your computer and, after the first backup, it can check for file changes so you data's always up to date.
2TB external hard drive
High-speed USB 2.0 interface
PC compatible
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Seagate FreeAgent Desk 1TB 3.5" External Hard Drive (ST310005FDB2E1-RK) - Silver
Model #: ST310005FDB2E1-RK
Smart, sleek desktop solution for storage and safekeeping of all your photos, music, videos, and more. Store all your photos, music, videos, and documents with the powerful yet simple Seagate FreeAgent Desk storage solution. Count on the FreeAgent Desk storage solution to store and safeguard everything on your PC - and to look really good doing it.
Average Seek Time Not Provided By Manufacturer
Data Buffer 32MB
Included In Box See The Features Section
Interface USB
Internal or External External
Maximum Data Transfer Rate 480Mbps
PC/Mac PC
Product Dimensions 3.37(W) x 17.5(H) x 17.2(D) cm
Product Weight 1 kg
Rotations Per Minute (RPM) 7200RPM
Software Included No
Storage Capacity 1TB
System Requirements Windows XP/Vista, USB 2.0
Type of Media External Hard Drive
Warranty 5 Years Limited
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OR FOR ONLY $70.....
Western Digital My Passport Essential 250 GB 2.5" Portable External Hard Drive (WDBAAA2500ABK-NESN)
Model #: WDBAAA2500ABK-NESN
Average Seek Time Not Applicable
Data Buffer 8 MB
Included In Box Manual, USB Cable
Interface USB 2.0
Internal or External External
Maximum Data Transfer Rate 3 Gbps
PC/Mac PC/Mac
Product Dimensions 15.0 (W) x 4.9 (H) x 17.0 (D) cm
Product Weight 0.18 kg
Rotations Per Minute (RPM) 5400
Software Included Yes
Storage Capacity 250 GB
WD's ultra-portable My Passport Essential USB drive, features WD SmartWare data management and backup software that backs up your data automatically and continuously, shows your backup as it happens, and restores lost files effortlessly. And with a 250GB storage capacity, it has plenty of room for all your important files.
Product Features
Large 250GB storage capacity
Password protection and military-grade, 256-bit hardware-based encryption lets you secure your data
USB interface
Automatic, continuous backup will instantly make a second copy whenever you add or change a file
Visual backup displays your content categories and shows the progress of your backup
Retrieve your valuable data to its original location whether you've lost all your data or just overwritten an important file
Customize your backup, set drive security, run diagnostics, manage the power settings, and more from the WD SmartWare control centre
System Requirements PC/Mac with USB Port
Type of Media External
Warranty 2 Years |
