laptop HD for ext HD enclosure

[jblue42]

Hello, I was thinking about getting a Laptop External HD Enclosure on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3449487069&category=42183

I only have a few concerns with this. I plan on using it on my desktop PC, IC7 2.8C 1GBpc3700, and I will need to boot from this drive sometimes.

I have a few concerns though, no power adapter is one of them, on the auction it says that it draws it's power directly from the usb port. How reliable is usb2.0 power? It also has a double USB cord to "supply more power", is this for real?

Lastly, should I get a 5400rpm or 4200rmp drive? Will there be a speed increase even though I'm using usb 2.0? Thanks.

[Benny Blanco]

Do you prefer ebay over newegg? (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=property&DEPA=1)

I didn't look at all their drives, but most of them do not come with a separate power supply, so it must work fine for 2.5" drives.

There's an enermax unit there for $19.99 shipped, that has USB/PS2 power supply, plus an ac adapter if need i guesss... anyway, it got good reviews.

As for the USB ports, I think they put out 500mA at 5v, maybe more. I'd get the slower rpm model because it will possibly be quieter. Chances are it'll still max out the USB transfer rate at 25mb/s or so, but i don't know this for sure :rolleyes:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=property&DEPA=1