Suggestions on an external HD

[rage4order]

I'm looking to buy an external HD and would like some suggestions. I'm mainly going to use it as a backup to my Ipod(which is 30Gb) so I'm looking at anywhere from 30-100 gig. I'd like to keep the price under $100 and I saw a Seagate 120gb in the paper for $90 but it only has a 2mb buffer. My question is, is the difference between a 2mb and an 8mb buffer that big? Also, what are some other factors I should look out for?

[TeeJayHoward]

My question is, is the difference between a 2mb and an 8mb buffer that big?
In a USB drive, you won't notice a difference - USB limits you to ~20MB/s.

[rage4order]

In a USB drive, you won't notice a difference - USB limits you to ~20MB/s. Ok, as I said, I'm going to use it to back up my Ipod so really the first transfer/download will be the biggest. As it is, it's only about 3 gig right now anyways. After that, I'll really just be updating as I get more music/videos.

[TeeJayHoward]

Ok, as I said, I'm going to use it to back up my Ipod so really the first transfer/download will be the biggest. As it is, it's only about 3 gig right now anyways. After that, I'll really just be updating as I get more music/videos.
Understood. My intention was to point out that the buffer difference is insignificant in an external enclosure. Other factors to look out for would be the spindle speed -bigger is better. 7200RPM is average, but it most likely won't make a difference on an external. Rather or not it requires an external power source is another thing to look for. It's possible to pick up a little 40GB laptop hard drive in a usb enclosure within your price range, and most of those do not require external power. Simple, small, effective. It's about the same size as your ipod, I'd say.

[rage4order]

Understood. My intention was to point out that the buffer difference is insignificant in an external enclosure. Other factors to look out for would be the spindle speed -bigger is better. 7200RPM is average, but it most likely won't make a difference on an external. Rather or not it requires an external power source is another thing to look for. It's possible to pick up a little 40GB laptop hard drive in a usb enclosure within your price range, and most of those do not require external power. Simple, small, effective. It's about the same size as your ipod, I'd say. No, I didn't mean anything by my reply. Sorry if you took it wrong. Also, you did remind me about the power source deal. A laptop HD had crossed my mind for the simple fact that I can run it off the USB power. I did see a 60GB one at CompUSA for $90. I may just go with that one so I don't have to worry about the power source, plus I already have an enclosure for a lappy HD. Thanks so much for your help.

[serbiaNem]

In a USB drive, you won't notice a difference - USB limits you to ~20MB/s.

I have a laptop drive in an external usb enclosure and it has a nice declining hdtach from 28MB/s to 15MB/s with a 33MB/s burst. I'm thinking the interface could probably handle up to 40MB/s if needed.