Which hard drive option?

[aimeeandbeatles]

Currently, I have a Maxtor 150 gig HDD. I don't really like Maxtors, so I'm planning to get another one (definitely a Western Digital). I'm not short on HDD space, so the size doesn't matter. Now, I have three choices here:

a) Get another HDD (80 gig), attach it as a slave for files and a few programs and stuff, and use the Maxtor for booting. (I'd keep the system files on the slave drive, in case something goes wrong.) (Total: 230 gigs, about 35 dollars, $0.15 per gig)

b) Get another HDD (500 gig). Replace the Maxtor. Use the Maxtor for backup. (Total: 500 gigs, 150 dollars, $0.30 per gig)

c) Get another HDD (500 gig). Remove my Maxtor, and swap it for my mother's HDD (WD Caviar 80 gig.) In this case, my mom would get a bigger HDD, and it wouldn't wear out as fast since she only uses her computer half as much as me. She's already said I can do this. (Total: 580 gigs, 150 dollars, $0.25 per gig)

Which one do you guys think would work? Getting the 500 gig will definitely be easier, since its in a local store.

edit: to hell with hard drives -- i'll just use punch tape! j/k

 

[Aramazd]

Do you need a new drive? Not liking a brand is not a good reason to waste money.

That said, b.

 

[ainwood]

Moderator Action: Thread title changed. Please make sure thread titles are descriptive.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Do you need a new drive? Not liking a brand is not a good reason to waste money.

That said, b.

Well, my Maxtor is starting to get old, so I want to replace it before it completely wears out. I could still keep it for booting, but also put the system files on the slave drive so I can boot from it.

Sorry for the triple post, but I had a thought: If I did get the 500 gig HDD, I'd have room for another partition to dual-boot Linux.

 

[Aramazd]

Well, my Maxtor is starting to get old, so I want to replace it before it completely wears out. I could still keep it for booting, but also put the system files on the slave drive so I can boot from it.

If you have you files backed up it shouldn't be an issue. If you want extra space I'd definitely go for a 500gig; Seagate is good as well as WD.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Yes, but the Seagates are more expensive locally. I've also heard that Seagate owns Maxtor, so I'm not sure what to make of that.

My files are backed on onto a 40 gig portable HDD. It's kinda like an external one but smaller. I got it for $15 at a yard sale, almost brand new except the previous owner had some school stuff on it. (I formatted it.)

 

[Aramazd]

Yes, but the Seagates are more expensive locally. I've also heard that Seagate owns Maxtor, so I'm not sure what to make of that.

My files are backed on onto a 40 gig portable HDD. It's kinda like an external one but smaller. I got it for $15 at a yard sale, almost brand new except the previous owner had some school stuff on it. (I formatted it.)

Do you need more room? If not there's not a good reason to get a new HDD.

 

[Genocidicbunny]

Seagate does indeed own Maxtor, so any issues affecting Seagate affects the Maxtors ( Im looking at you bad firmware )

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Do you need more room? If not there's not a good reason to get a new HDD.

Well, it'd be nice to have more space.

The reason I want another HDD is because I'm worried my Maxtor drive is wearing out, and of course that'll happen when we can't afford to get a new one.

I'm upset -- the WD 500 GB HDDs are on sale at Staples ($30 off) but mom spent all the money on a bunch of bologna

 

[Aramazd]

Well, it'd be nice to have more space.

If your not going to use it, it is a waste.

The reason I want another HDD is because I'm worried my Maxtor drive is wearing out, and of course that'll happen when we can't afford to get a new one.

If you have a backup your fine.

I'm upset -- the WD 500 GB HDDs are on sale at Staples ($30 off) but mom spent all the money on a bunch of bologna

Bologna doesn't cost as much as a 500GB HDD.

 

[aimeeandbeatles]

Bologna doesn't cost as much as a 500GB HDD.

Well, when you buy a LOT OF IT....

I don't know what mom was on, but now we have a deep freezer full of bologna.

Of course, if I wait until it really does wear out, we'll have no money to replace it.

 

[Aramazd]

Well, when you buy a LOT OF IT....

I don't know what mom was on, but now we have a deep freezer full of bologna.

I find that hard to believe; grocery stores don't carry that much of anything. I suppose Costco might, but still.

Of course, if I wait until it really does wear out, we'll have no money to replace it.

Hard Drives don't wear out very fast.

 

[Zelig]

Of course, if I wait until it really does wear out, we'll have no money to replace it.

So save some money?

Buying computer hardware in case of failure is a pretty bad idea for most consumers.

Actually, buying pretty much anything in case of failure is a bad idea for most consumers.

 

[GoodGame]

So save some money?

Buying computer hardware in case of failure is a pretty bad idea for most consumers.

Actually, buying pretty much anything in case of failure is a bad idea for most consumers.

I disagree when it comes to backuping data and PC installations. Reinstalling a complete system with tons of software is a major drag. That said, I think 2-3 hard-drives is reasonable if you've got a lot of work or hobby time put into what's stored on your hard-drive. But on the other hand, I agree, I wouldn't buy crap parts with a planned obsolence in mind, but rather try to get the best bang for buck.

 

[lndm]

I've also heard that Seagate owns Maxtor, so I'm not sure what to make of that.

...and IIRC Maxtor bought out Quantum, which was my favourite brand.....but it doesn't necessarily mean I'd buy a Maxtor.

If you fork for a new drive it would be nice to think the extra speed would be put to good use as your system drive.

Seagate are fine as far as drives go. WD drives may be a little more special, ie: some are more quiet and some are especially fast but otherwise they are just another Seagate (IMO) for all intents and purposes.