Recommended external HDs? (extensive video usage)

[C_S]

This is ever so slightly off-topic, so I apologize if this needs to be moved...

I have a PowerBook G4, and two Lacie d2 drives [with Triple Interface]. My first (200 GB) drive required an enclosure replacement within 6 months of purchase, and just today, it has decided to pretty much die. [Though not officially just yet, although the drive is clicking and won't mount.]

My other (250 GB) drive seems fine for the most part since I purchased it last summer, but I'm getting wary of Lacie. (There is one small issue with this 300GBer... it does not automatically mount once it is plugged in; you need to physically hit the power button. This was never the case on my 250GB.)

So. Does anyone have recommendations for external HDs? Since I use them extensively for logging footage in Final Cut, they get tons of daily use. I can't have some weakass HD that is gonna slow me down or die within a year.


Any help would be great.

[Frobozz]

Otherworld Computing - http://www.macsales.com - is an excellent resource for Mac-friendly external hard drives that aren't LaCie.

[terryj]

I build my own, and they have been rock solid.
I have a 300GB Western Digital in an external
case made by ADS Technologies. The case is
the "Pyro FW/USB Combo case."

The drive is put through heck and back,
but has remained rock solid.

I would not reccommend anything by Maxtor...
I have seen the Maxtor 300GB drives go poof
after less than 2 weeks in.

At work, we just bought a Lacie 1.2 TB drive,
I'm anxious to see how it works out!

[TugBoat]

If you're tired of hearing things like, "OS 10.x.x ate my Firewire drive(s)", like Apple is, you might try External SATA drives. It's the new hot item. There are a few PCMCIA Cardbus cards around fairly cheap. I'm waiting for this one;
http://www.firmtek.com/seritek/seritek-1sm2/
Then, hook it to one of these;
http://www.firmtek.com/seritek/seritek-2en2/
Insert SATA drives of choice, I'm partial to Seagates
It seems the Pros are headed in this direction, away from Firewire/USB2 for external hard drives. Actually I'm considering a new MacBook, so, I'll have to wait for the proper size ExpressCard.

[terryj]

Insert SATA drives of choice, I'm partial to Seagates

and on that note, I'd keep that one to yourself. :P

Best Hard Drives in US

[C_S]

I should mention... I'm looking for at least 300GB at $250 or less, if possible. A SATA might be nice, but I need the ability to use the drive between many computers, as well.

terry: Can I have a link to the enclosure you mentioned?

[terryj]

C_S;
sure,
from the company's website,i usually get mine from Zones.com,
but they are also available from your local Circuit City.

[DeadLily]

Dumb question: When installing an IDE drive into an external enclosure, I understand what goes with the IDE connector and the power connector, but what happens with the third one? (the jumper connector?)

[terryj]

Jumper's aren't necessary in most FW enclosures.
Setting it to Master ( no jumpers) is often enough.

[dcsos]

Careful TERRY J, n the IDE drives I'm famiar with the default has been different!