How reliable are 500gb 3.5" HDD? Intending to buy one (and slot into an external box) to store my files, but unsure as to it's reliability - will it spoil from moving around? How long would it last? Is now a good time to buy, or will there be higher capacity and more reliable drives coming out?
Would DVDs be a safer backup option?
If I were to choose between Seagate and WD, which would be the better option for reliability (performance is not an issue)?
I can wait up till another year before I need to purchase an external storage drive, so if TB drives iwll come out next year, or BRD reach 100gb capacity etc. please let me know if I should wait.
Thanks
Hard disks don't spoil from moving around, but from being near magnets or if static electric zaps it. It may also spoil if banged too hard on a hard surface.
DVD is a good backup option as well, but on one condition. The DVD discs needs to be treated as care as well to prevent scratches, otherwise, it may render it unreadable or even not recoverable without professional services.
Personally, I prefer Seagate. If possible, backup your data not just on one medium, but several, in case one fails, there's still another.
If I can only choose one or the other ... which should it be? DVD or HDD?
Also, I read that Seagate is recognised by IT profs but when I went to their site, I couldn't find anything as to their reliability; compared with WD, which listed all the reliability features.
Lastly, should I wait the one year? or is now a good time to buy?
Thanks!
Personally, I prefer hard disk. Better than buying lots of DVD disks and finding a good rack to hold them so that they won't be lost.
A hard disk is also portable. You don't need to bring out a dozen of DVD disks to recover all or parts of your data.
And also the issue of availability. While your computer may have DVD drive, it doesn't mean that others will have (assuming that data is going to be recovered/backup to and from other PCs as well).
USB ports is available on nearly all PCs (if they are not too old).
In terms of reliability, WD and Seagate are both reliable. You could find various reviews of them on other tech websites, such as CNET.
For tech products, there's no such thing as a good or bad time to buy. Prices drops in a short span of time.
MAXTOR>.....
8 months,...and still going
