[Buying] External HDD or External Enclosure?

[DaRkF0g]

I am in the position to go ahead and purchase a external solution for my computer but am not sure what to do. I want a external hard drive STRICTLY for storing the images for all of my drives. I just want to store them externally in case anything ever happened to my computer (lightning, drive failure, etc.).

I do not know which solution I should go with.

A. Buy a prebuilt external solution (eg. the WD My Book). I have read those have somewhat of a high failure rate though (no matter what manufacturer).

or

B. Buy a hard drive and an enclosure. Recommend me an enclosure if you think that is a better route (I read the Antec ones are popular).

I am going to need something which is 500GB. The way I figured it option A and B are both around the same price.

I am just looking for something which is reliable. This won't be something which runs 24X7. I will only have it hooked up when I am copying over my images.

Ideas? Suggestions?

Thanks!

[Old Hippie]

I've been using this type external back-up for years. It's a no-brainer. You always wanna roll yer own and use seperate components. Buy any HDD that suits your fancy, and put it in a decent case. Lately, I've been recommending the Antec MX-1 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371008). eSATA, USB, quiet, and great cooling. Wait for a sale. They can be had for @ $40.00.