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General discussion

External Hard Drive?

Ok, so my laptop is only about two years old and is already dying on me. It won't start up, if it does it freezes. I was told that I would have to install Windows again. Before I do that I need to move all my documents, pictures and music into an external hard drive.
I bought the simpletech simpledrive 250GB for about 140 including tax.
Does anyone use it? If so, any pros and cons?
I have not used it yet. I'm going to check my school to see if they have cheaper ones for that amount of space (250)....starving student over here and I need to save money!

Also, does anyone recom. any other brand? Or, did I pick a good one?

Discussion is locked

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Less expensive alternatives
Feb 12, 2007 4:50AM PST

If you purchase online, for $100 or less you could get a 250GB OEM 3.5" hard drive and install it in a 3.5" external enclosure. Note that SimpleTech and many other external hard drive makers purchase OEM hard drives from the big names like Seagate and then install them in an enclosure with their own name on it.

Also check places like TechBargains.com for this week's deals, discounts, and rebate specials. Sometimes you can find an external unit for less than you could build yourself; that is, if you can wait for the rebate check.

Alternative: You could just purchase a $10 external enclosure for a 2.5" notebook drive. Install the notebook HD in the enclosure and then hook it up to another computer's USB port to access your files before wiping the drive clean.

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oookk?

Build myself? Hm, I'm confused. OEM? What is that, a brand?
I just need to know if what I have is good or not and if not, then what other brand is best and for a cheaper price.

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an example
Feb 12, 2007 8:01AM PST

My opinion: If you live in the USA, you paid at least $50 too much.

OEM vs Retail hard drives:
Retail desktop hard drives come with the hard drive, data cable, installation software, and fancy packaging. OEM hard drive is the same brand new hard drive (same manufacturer and model) except it doesn't have the extras (you can download free software from the hard drive maker). OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Manufacturers like Dell and SimpleTech purchase OEM drives in bulk to use in their products.

Retail 250GB hard drive WD2500JBRTL ($109 right now)
Retail 250GB hard drive WD2500JB ($64.95 right now)

* * * *

Here's a 3.5" enclosure ($15.99 right now):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16817182035

So if you purchase the 64.95 drive plus the $15.95 3.5" external enclosure you have a complete external hard drive about $80-90 (including shipping).

* * * * *

Bottom line: Do a little online shopping. Try PriceGrabber.com for external hard drives that you don't have to assemble.

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Correction
Feb 12, 2007 8:03AM PST

"Retail 250GB hard drive WD2500JB ($64.95 right now)" should be the "OEM."