External hard drive prices

[nathanvl]

Hello,
I am searching for a good 2TB external hard drive. I just found out that there is a MASSIVE price difference between drives using power adapters and the ones that don't. I want one that runs smoothly on Linux, Windows ànd Mac, without any problems. Any suggestions? So far I am looking into http://www.amazon.com/Book-External-Drive-Storage-Backup/dp/B0042Z55RM/ref=amtcd_B005HMKKH4_B0042Z55RM
and
http://www.amazon.com/Passport-Portable-External-Drive-Storage/dp/B005HMKKH4/ref=zg_bs_595048_1/176-0941011-6670732

Any tips or advices? Are there other pros or cons for example between these two except for the power adapters?

 

[phil22]

I have both types, three mains-powered, and one portable "My Passport".

All are WD models, and all have been reassuringly reliable, and still are (which is more than I can say for the three Seagate ones which all ended up as land-fill within 2 years).

I use the Passport one to carry on my travels in my laptop bag, mounted in a purpose-made protective shell called the "WD Nomad", also available from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-WDBGRD0000NBK-NASN-Nomad-Rugged/dp/B00505EZZ6/ref=pd_sim_e_3

The biggest and main advantage of the portable models is just that - portability.
and the ability to mount it in it's protective shell when on the move. I wouldn't want to keep moving my mains-powered external drives around from place to place - too much hassle.

 

[popatim]

I have a 3 year old seagate 2tb usb3 drive that I've had no problems with. This is the book sized external with a 3.5" drive inside that uses an interchangeable dock that you can also get in usb2 or esata forms.