USB 2.0 enclosure drive upgrade

[Howell]

I currently have a 75G drive in an external USB 2.0 enclosure and need to replace with a larger drive. Has hardware changed enough that I need to be concerned with compatibility with the enclosure chip?

Am I better off switching over to SATA at this time? This drive recieves backup files over night so cheap, reliable and slow is fine.

 

[LunarMist]

PATA is not very economical now, so I'd start all over. The 2.5" type are fine for backups if huge capacity is not needed. I have a small army of the WD Passports, etc., but USB 2.0 speed is getting old.

 

[Stereodude]

IMHO, eSATA is essential for external drives now. USB 2.0 isn't so fast when you've got a 500GB drive (or bigger). I don't think I've seen an enclosure that was eSATA that didn't need a SATA drive inside it.

 

[Howell]

I guess I need to clarify. The backup drive holds a main backup and incremental backups. The incremental backups are about 3G each (and I'm working on reducing their size). So I'm really only backing up about 3G a night.

LM,
It appears eSATA would require a connection that I don't already have on my T61 and would add $30 or more. I have some concerns about the $30 implementation. : )

The card would be great if it did not lose data and catch on fire.

What is uneconomical about PATA? Are you interested in selling one of yours?

 

[Stereodude]

Oh, you're talking about a laptop. Stick to USB 2.0 there.

 

[LunarMist]

Between the two of you I'm confused. :scratch: Is it 2.5" or 3.5"?

 

[Fushigi]

Oh, you're talking about a laptop. Stick to USB 2.0 there.

Or Firewire if your laptop is so equipped.

Anyway, some time ago I picked up one of these to allow me to load up old IDE drives and new SATA drives as needed. I've only used it with a SATA drive (1.5TB Seagate) so far. I got mine at Fry's B&M for the same price. Takes 3.5" drives and requires external power so if you want something USB powered look elsewhere.

In fact if you want USB powered, the only options are 2.5" and (the more expensive per GB) 1.8" drives. I'd second LM's WD Passport recommendation. I also haven't had any issues with the SimpleTech unit I bought for my MIL to use for backups. Some laptops are marginal in providing adequate power for USB drives; the SimpleTech comes with a USB cable that can take 2 ports for added power if needed; the WD does not.

 

[Mercutio]

First thing is, yes, that Syba Expresscard thing absolutely sucks. I bought one and it seems to disconnect from the system every so often. I get an assload of Error 57 events and I have to pull the card out to make the drive work again. I'm hoping my next Thinkpad just has an eSATA port.

Or Firewire if your laptop is so equipped.

Every T60-series notebook DOES have Firewire and that's what I was going to suggest.

I've been purchasing 500GB Seagate notebook drives to use for external backups recently. USB2.0 certainly is fast enough for backup purposes, given how little hardware actually supports eSATA.