I was beginning to wonder why my iMAC 24 was running a bit slow, when I noticed my HDD is almost full. Guess I'm in the market for an external HDD. I was wondering if there is a list of criteria I should consider with this purchase.

I could rhyme off a few things, but want to see what you guys mention first.



Thanks,

Joe

i think all the external hdd's are very similar and that there isn't much difference between them

but i'd like to hear it from someone who is better informed than me

Just stay away from the Western Digital My Book Essential- The ones in the green packaging, I haven't had the best experience with them.

I do suggest purchasing a standard HD and putting it in a enclosure. I picked up a pretty nice Antec Enclosure that has a fan and eSATA.

Well there are a few things to consider...

Firstly, what is your budget like? There is quite a range in build quality and price when it comes to externals.

For my money, I would be sure to get something that was built solidly. You can do this if you're on a budget with a product like a Seagate FreeAgent for Mac. If you are going to be using this drive most of the day, you might want to consider getting one with a fan, like a G-Tech G-RAID2 or G-RAID3, or perhaps a Glyph. You definitely end up paying more, but both companies build really sturdy products and Glyph has a pretty excellent warranty. I think Glyph will do an overnight replacement in the first year.

I just bought a 500GB WD Passport Essential. $80.

This one:

(http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=9084064&type=product&id=1218018140789)


USB-powered and doesn't give a "Low Power" warning when plugged into the hub on my aluminum apple keyboard. Awesome.


<3

I'd say go with WD's My Book Studio Edition.
My brother got one a week ago and we are both amazed by it.
I'm going to get one soon too.
All I can say that it's amazing and the 1TB costs only around 150$/€

Both of those look appealing. Studio for iMAC and Passport for travel.


Thanks,


Joe