The better external hard drive : Toshiba Canvio Basics or WD My Passport

Anybody who can give an informed opinion?

 

I'd check the user reviews on Amazon and Newegg, based on what size drive you're looking for.

 

External hdds serve a purpose, but I would not rely on them totally.

External hdds are prone to failure,more so than internals.

If you use one, back up to another location as well (preferably an internal hdd.)

That said, I think WD externals are very good.

 

To the external hard drive I intend to add backup on BuddyBackup and at least a couple of cloud services. I think that will provide good redundancy.

What would you say to those who say that external HDDs are not made to run full time? (I would prefer to have it run concurrently with my computer till I retire for the day and turn it off.)

Can you get coolers for external hard drives like you can for the internal hard drive + enclosure arrangements?

 

I've got two external hdds and keep them plugged in always.
I don't move them at all, which lessens the chance for failure.

As far as coolers, never used one.

I once went to the library, and dropped one - fell 3 feet- but since not plugged in has worked ever since.

If you want to remove it, remember to click "safely unplug devices" or go to Dev Mgr>properties>policies and click the top button which will allow you to remove it safely.

 

I have the Toshiba Canvio, and would choose another if this one failed, over the WD Passport any day.