[Housteau]

There are a lot of external USB HDs out there for music storage and back-up to choose from and I was looking for some recommendations.  The storage space is not as critical to me as the quality of the mechanism and reliability.  I would like something that has a good known track record of service.

[satfrat]

Ever thought of doing a search on this often talked about topic, could prove fruitful.    For the last such thread tho, you need only look down 20 or so threads in this circle's front page for the latest recommendations.
 
Cheers,
Robin

[mackortoyota]

A couple years ago I bought a 250gb maxtor drive from radio shack for $80 on sale. It never gave me any trouble, and even with the original case missing, it still never acted up. I think the case was ruined because of a soldering iron accident...

[mshan]

Given your requirements, you might want to research a Windows Home Server box, install two hard drives, and enable "folder duplication" for the music folder.  HP makes their MediaSmart series, and Acer has a stylish H340 WHS box.  You can also buy a copy of WHS (you would probably want the 2003 version, based upon a locked down version of Windows Small Business Server 2003) and build your own computer:  http://www.wegotserved.com/

As long as you don't run into a defective particular model, most hard drives are probably quite reliable.  5400 rpm is probably fine for external media storage, and typically will be quieter and generate less heat than 7200 rpm external hard drives.

Externals do differ in terms of warranty (possibly as little as 1 year), though, so you would want to research that.

[Housteau]

Thank you.  I will look into those.  This part of The Circle is fairly new to me and so I was not familiar with what had already been discussed.

[MaxCast]

I recently bought a Western Digital My Book.  Iomega and WD were recommended to me when I asked a buddy the same question.  Pretty much plug and play except for the software.  I don't like WD's back up software that was free for 30 days then asks you to pay every time I was at the computer.  I went to Cnet and got a free back up program and everything seems fine.

I paid a bit more as I bought it locally.  Next time I'll buy online.