The computer idiot is back! External hard drives please.

[gotta240]

Ok, as previously stated, I suck at computers. I need an external hard drive to backup pictures and maybe music on my laptop and desktop computer. Prefer a portable one. So far i've heard Western Digitatl and Seagate are good. However, i looked at reviews on amazon.com and western digital portable hard drives got TERRIBLE reviews by HUNDREDS of people.

So.....should i try seagate? Any other easy to use brands? I want at least 750gigs if not 1TB, but even that is probably overkill.

Simples14? Where you at?! so far you haven't let me down with REALISTIC electronics advice! (ie:mp3 player, laptop, etc.)

[ronmcdon]

I have 4 Segate external HD's.
a 2TB, a 1.5TB, 1TB, & 500Gig (500gig was a gift).
No problems whatsoever so far the past few yrs of usuage.
They're not portable however & require a power source.
Does seem hit & miss as per Newegg.com reviews.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148357

If I had to get a new external hd today,
I'd prob opt for something with USB 3.0 for faster date transfer.

Something like this.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136516

[Future240]

^What he said. Western Digital are good drives as well (they are made by seagate) I think they are a bit cheaper than seagate drives.

[gotta240]

is there ANY advantage of a larger "book" style instead of the smaller portable "passport" ones(other than price)? I'll prob. grab a 750g or 1 tb and prefer a portable drive. Is there something i'm missing OTHER than price?

And sounds like seagate is going to be brand choice unless other advice is given. The portable WD's have TERRIBLE reviews from what I have seen, where the seagates get decent reviews... Advice/thoughts/opinions?

ps- thanks for previous replies

[Future240]

^When picking a drive you look at its transfer rate, how much it can hold, and now whether it is usb 3.0 vs 2.0.
Here are some HD's that you can decide from.

Newegg.com - Western Digital Elements 2TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive WDBAAU0020HBK-NESN (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136471)
Newegg.com - Western Digital Elements 1.5TB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive WDBAAU0015HBK-NESN (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136505)
Newegg.com - Seagate FreeAgent Go 1TB USB 2.0 Tuxedo Black External Hard Drive ST910004FAA2E1-RK (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148505)

[gotta240]

Thank you sir! The third link (seagate 1TB) is what I was leaning towards before your post. Now I'm basically set on it.