portable hd

[lionelhutz_esq]

i want a nice portable hd. i guess i have to options:

either i get an external one (wd 120, but only 2mb for around 210)

or i try this enclosure thing: wd 120 with 8mb (110) plus a case (50) makes a total of around 160; a portable 120 gb, 7200 8mb for 160 looks like a great deal, but how much of performance do i loose when i use such a case? any thoughts and experiences on that?

when i look at this test here (http://www.tomshardware.com/storage/20030116/external_ata-05.html) it seems that the performance difference is quite huge, but i dont know how the 8mb would influence the test.

 

[Flinx]

However, we do have to point out one small flaw of the USB 2.0 Drive Kit: the performance is a far cry from what USB 2.0 is actually capable of. Compared to a Maxtor USB 2.0 drive (see benchmarks), the ADS housing only just manages half the performance both at the maximum transfer rate (burst) as well during the writing and reading tests.

If used as a backup medium and in the course of day-to-day operation, this is more or less irrelevant, but especially if larger volumes of data (several gigabytes or more) need to be copied for transferal in a short space of time, you'll have to expect quite a wait.

Also, when burning CDs at 32x there were several buffer under-runs, which the burner was able to compensate for thanks to the burn-proof function. We therefore recommend using a maximum burning rate of 24x.

The ADS is able to score more points when it comes to installation, initial start-up and its foolproof operation. You won't find an easier-to-operate ATA device, neither internal nor external.

Yep you lose quite a bit of performance with the ADS enclosure. But note that, at least here in Canada, the ADS enclosure is about $50 cheaper than buying from the enclosed disk from the drive manufacturer. The ADS enclosure is also more versatile.

So it boils down to what you want to use it for.

Nevertheless, those who need the versatility will have to accept compromises in terms of performance.

The loving are the daring!

 

[lionelhutz_esq]

thanks a lot for the info.