View Full Version : Looking for an External drive.
XXXmen
Apr 12th, 2009, 12:39 PM
Hi guys,
I just bought an Imac with Firewire 800. I'm looking for an external 1Tb drive.
My question is if i should just look for a usb 2.0 version. Is there much difference bet. a usb 2.0 and firewire 800 in terms of speed transfer?
Which type should i get? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Amourek
Apr 12th, 2009, 01:24 PM
USB is much slower. If you're just using it for storage, the lower cost might be worth it, but if you're going to run applications off it, get FW.
Seiphas
Apr 12th, 2009, 01:56 PM
USB == Theoretical 480Mbits/sec
FW800 == Theoretical 800Mbits/sec
XXXmen
Apr 12th, 2009, 05:14 PM
Anyone know if I can get 1Tb external drive for $125 range with Firewire.
If so please let em know via this post. Where is best place to buy besides Apple and the Big shops!
Amourek
Apr 12th, 2009, 05:45 PM
Anyone know if I can get 1Tb external drive for $125 range with Firewire.
I don't think I've ever seen one even close to that price. $200 maybe for one with FW800.
fakishan
Apr 12th, 2009, 05:59 PM
Come on you're not going to be running heavy applications off of it, just get a 2.5" terrabyte drive like the one that was on sale earlier (99$), good quality, single cable and no heat damage worries.
RCGA
Apr 12th, 2009, 06:22 PM
Come on you're not going to be running heavy applications off of it, just get a 2.5" terrabyte drive like the one that was on sale earlier (99$), good quality, single cable and no heat damage worries.
I agree. If you're just dumping files onto it, who cares about the speed?
itsjed
Apr 12th, 2009, 06:30 PM
Large file transfers is a good reason why. I would suggest grabbing a good 3.5" drive on its own, and buy an external case. That way you can skimp out on the case for now and settle for USB speeds, and have the option of upgrading to a firewire case later on.
RCGA
Apr 12th, 2009, 06:42 PM
Large file transfers is a good reason why. I would suggest grabbing a good 3.5" drive on its own, and buy an external case. That way you can skimp out on the case for now and settle for USB speeds, and have the option of upgrading to a firewire case later on.
This is just me, but if I was only transferring large folders (50+gb) say, once a month, I wouldn't really be concerned with the fact that HD1 goes 5min faster than HD2.
But I agree, get a good 3.5" and stick it in an enclosure.