topic Re: Recs for portable external hard drive? in Electronics

Recs for portable external hard drive?

Brooklynny — Tue, 24 May 2016 18:37:45 GMT

Do any of you tech-savvy folks have any recommendations for a portable external hard drive much like the old Clickfree? Microsoft installed Win10 on my laptop a couple of weeks ago -- unbeknownst to me! Anyway, I don't think my old Clickfree is compatible with Win10, and their website has disappeared into oblivion. I've google-searched for alternatives, and Seagate gets favorable reviews. Any opinions or advice? Thanks in advance!

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

MKR14 — Tue, 24 May 2016 18:56:03 GMT

I also am looking for the same but still have Windows. 7. I set my computer to not do the Windows 10 update a few weeks ago.

I still have my Clickfree and it still works but the website is now Kooboodle and that is now gone, I would like an easier way to get my files back. I bought a Toshiba Slim External drive but it wasn't the easy back-up I wanted as Plug and Play.

Thanks for posting

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

chickenbutt — Tue, 24 May 2016 19:08:58 GMT

I have a few, but my newest one is a 1tb Toshiba USB3 external hard drive that I really like.

Even if you have an older computer that only has USB2 ports, it is compatible. Might as well have the most current tech, I figure, and also that one has lots of space.

I got it on Amazon and, as I recall, it was pretty affordable.

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

MKR14 — Tue, 24 May 2016 19:35:45 GMT

Thanks @chickenbutt Does the one you have make it easy to get the files and move them to another computer also?

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

chickenbutt — Tue, 24 May 2016 20:07:44 GMT

Hi MKR!

Yes, VERY easy. You can just copy files (obviously, you cannot move programs - just files such as documents, pics, and other such items and folders) from one computer onto the external hard drive.

Then, if you additionally want to copy them to another computer, you just plug it into the other computer and copy them there. It's just a 'drag & drop' type deal.

Now, you not only have your file backed up on the external hard drive but you have them on more than one computer. I do this a lot. Having learned my lesson with having a computer just die one day, years ago, I started putting all the stuff I didn't want to love in AT LEAST two places.

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

SaRina — Tue, 24 May 2016 20:16:15 GMT

I've been looking at them this past week. I'll probably get the Toshiba Canvio Basics 1TB from Best Buy. It's on sale for $54. (reg. $99). Very reasonable. Best Buy price matches too.

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

Luriya — Tue, 24 May 2016 20:20:12 GMT

I've had a toshiba shock proof for now...4 years now, and still have no problems. Not just that I purchased one more two years back and have still to open that from its box. It's a perfect back up, and this was when TB weren't very common. I'd recommend these.

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

MKR14 — Tue, 24 May 2016 20:23:31 GMT

@chickenbuttSounds like what I am looking for. Could let us know what one you got on Amazon. There are several that look similar. I like the plug and play without a lot of things to choose from they add to the product. I like my photos,documents, and music backed-up. The rest is not important. They need to make a mini one for our iPads. There is a new SanDisk that QVC sells for the iPads but reviews are not in enough to get yet. All mine have the newest plug for them and that was compatible. Thanks.

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

chickenbutt — Tue, 24 May 2016 21:38:28 GMT

THIS is the one I have. Looks like I purchased this one last July and it was a just a few dollars more (I paid $61).

I have absolutely no complaints. I chose it for the size. I don't save stuff like hd movies or really ginormous files - just documents, pictures and other such items.

I also chose it since it has USB3.0, instead of the older 2.0 - just for speed. Works fast enough for me.

I also, BTW purchase Case Logic hard drive cases for my external hard drives. There is room for the hd on one side and a netted in area on the other side for the cord. It's kind of a hard case.

THIS is the case I have for this particular hard drive and it's perfect in size. Case Logic makes outstanding quality cases. I use this brand for many different types of cases and have for years. They are also so affordable! Just a few dollars more for great protection.

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

NickNack — Tue, 24 May 2016 23:03:07 GMT

I've been thinking about getting one for my MacBook Air, too. I believe Seagate is the one they recommended at the Apple store. Does anyone have a Seagate for their Mac? What do you think of it? Any complaints? Is it easy to use? I've never used one before. I mainly want it for my pictures and documents.

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

hckynut — Tue, 24 May 2016 23:16:00 GMT

@Brooklynny wrote:
Do any of you tech-savvy folks have any recommendations for a portable external hard drive much like the old Clickfree? Microsoft installed Win10 on my laptop a couple of weeks ago -- unbeknownst to me! Anyway, I don't think my old Clickfree is compatible with Win10, and their website has disappeared into oblivion. I've google-searched for alternatives, and Seagate gets favorable reviews. Any opinions or advice? Thanks in advance!

there has been a thread here for at least a week about Windows 10 being installed automatically. Have you read that thread? The reason many try to help here is to prevent others from having the same thing happen.

ETA: Sorry, that thread is on the Community Chat Forum.

Why? Beats me. hckynut(john)

As far as external hard drives? I have owned 3 of them, 2 of which I still have and use. I chose Seagate as my newest of them because of it's features and reputation. I wanted a 1tb hard drive and one that uploads info via 3.0 USB speed.

If I buy another, I will stick with Seagate.

hnj

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

chickenbutt — Tue, 24 May 2016 23:05:28 GMT

Hey Nick! I've had Seagate products in the past and don't remember any problems.

I think it's probably more of a brand preference than anything - more than what works best with any given brand of computer.

What I'd probably do is go on a place like Amazon and read reviews for the products you are checking out. Like anywhere, of course, every single review isn't credible but they sell such volume that I always find a lot of helpful reviews and information.

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

NickNack — Tue, 24 May 2016 23:19:26 GMT

Hi CB, I've been reading the reviews on Amazon for the Seagate, and they seem to be good. I like reading the questions and answers, too. I think I'll probably just order it. I am not using anything now, and I'd hate to loose my pictures and documents.

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

Brooklynny — Tue, 24 May 2016 23:24:43 GMT

@hckynut, yes, I saw the thread but not before the darn thing updated itself. I've always clicked "no" when prompted to install Win10, but I guess Micorsoft doesn't take "no" as an answer. I wanted to decide if I wanted Win 10 before the free offer expires in July. Anyway, I was leaning towards Seagate as I've seen many 4+ star reviews on Amazon and elsewhere. I think I'll go ahead and order one, thanks for the input, everyone. Much appreciated.

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

Brooklynny — Tue, 24 May 2016 23:31:02 GMT

@Brooklynny wrote:
@hckynut, yes, I saw the thread but not before the darn thing updated itself. I've always clicked "no" when prompted to install Win10, but I guess Micorsoft doesn't take "no" as an answer. I wanted to decide if I wanted Win 10 before the free offer expires in July. Anyway, I was leaning towards Seagate as I've seen many 4+ star reviews on Amazon and elsewhere. I think I'll go ahead and order one, thanks for the input, everyone. Much appreciated.

Excuse the typos. The forum problems still haven't been fixed, and I can't edit without backspacing and deleting half a sentence and starting all over. Heeeshh....

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

SaRina — Wed, 25 May 2016 01:27:03 GMT

@hckynut, the Windows 10 thread is also in Community Chat because there seems to be a growing number of posters experiencing the Windows 10 problem, who might never come to the Electronics forum. It's just a matter of reaching more posters with a fix for this annoying issue. :-)

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

Nuttmeg — Wed, 25 May 2016 18:29:06 GMT

I usually buy Western Digital hard drives from Amazon with a three year warranty.

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

hckynut — Wed, 25 May 2016 20:50:03 GMT

@nutmeg3

I bought my last Seagate from them also and it also had the 3 year warranty. I have had several external drives and none of the had any problems. I gave 1 of them to my sister and it ain't missed a beat.

Western Digital is certainly a very reputable company for sure. I don't think anyone buying either brand would have problems.

hnj

Re: Recs for portable external hard drive?

Nuttmeg — Thu, 26 May 2016 01:08:28 GMT

@MKR14 wrote:
I also am looking for the same but still have Windows. 7. I set my computer to not do the Windows 10 update a few weeks ago.
I still have my Clickfree and it still works but the website is now Kooboodle and that is now gone, I would like an easier way to get my files back. I bought a Toshiba Slim External drive but it wasn't the easy back-up I wanted as Plug and Play.
Thanks for posting

I use Carbonite to backup my main computer.