Building a computer? Need advice/suggestions? Come here!

[TheGhost]

I would rather have three 64GB drives and split my data up into 3 winrars than have it all in one mega file, not only is it quicker to transfer but also safer and would allow more storage.

I am hesitant to put everything into a big RAR file (at least as a primary backup) for fear of corruption. If the archive gets messed up then ALL your files are potentially lost.

[Amit]

Therefore, having 3 is better, also who gives a fuck if you "look stupid" carrying around 3, least your data's backed up.

Exactly. Also, why would you display your USB drives to the world? Hell, I don't even keep my single drive around my neck for fear of the thread coming loose.

[Cortexian]

Again, I don't use my USB keys for backup purposes, I use them for their designed purpose, portable storage. I put data on and take it off later at another computer where it will be stored, external hard drives are useless for this because you can't just carry an external hard drive around with you everywhere you go!

If I wanted to back something up then I'd use a RAID 1 array of hard drives, not flash memory...

[Amit]

You can buy the portable "Passport" or similar drives from Western Digital and other manufacturers.

[=sw=warlord]

Again, I don't use my USB keys for backup purposes, I use them for their designed purpose, portable storage. I put data on and take it off later at another computer where it will be stored, external hard drives are useless for this because you can't just carry an external hard drive around with you everywhere you go!

If I wanted to back something up then I'd use a RAID 1 array of hard drives, not flash memory...

You can get external drives the size of a very small book with about 320GB's if not more in some cases which i really dont see as much of a burden, their pretty much same size as a PDA so how would that make it useless for your needs?

[Cortexian]

They still require an external power source, so you also need to carry around the power adapter and a connection cable. USB keys are by far the best portable storage out there.

[Amit]

The USB ports on most computers should sufficiently power the device, but for those that don't, Western Digital sells a 5V AC adapter for about $10.

http://reviews.cnet.com/laptop-hard-...-31239699.html

That could pose a problem with laptops that are not plugged into the wall, but I see no reason for it not to work without an external power source. My sister uses one on her Thinkpad and she says it works great. Her laptop is plugged in to an outlet most of the time, which most computers should be when transferring data.

The USB drive still remains the lightest and easiest method of transfer, though. I would carry both if I had enough money to buy a "Passport" and a large capacity USB drive. I'll stick with my 16GB SanDisk Cruzer Micro.

Cool SanDisk video:

[CrAsHOvErRide]

My external is smaller than a SSD, has 320GB and doesn't need an external power source.

[Bhamid]

Portable HDs i.e passports use USB power.

[Cortexian]

They're still too big to carry around everywhere I go all the time.