External storage/backup

[Mistrblank]

Rather than going with an extensively large linux fileshare build based on RAID5ing disks, I've decided I want to just want to use external USB based drives for both filesharing and as locations to backup critical data to. Specifically I will be plugging them into Windows XP and OSX hosts in my house, potentially networking them through an Airport extreme and USB Hub.

Can anyone make a recommendation on external USB drives? Is any brand or type better than others? Is it better to build my own using external enclosures and if so, which brand enclosures would you recommend? Are there any more efficient solutions?

I had though about external SATA, but I don't really have room for additional PCI cards in the machines I have or the laptops hanging around.

 

[Unknown-One]

As far as speed goes, eSATA would be the best interface option...can't help you with teh space issues with your desktop PC's, but there are eSATA cards for laptops in both PCMCIA and ExpressCard flavors.