What is the best deal on a external hard drive that is Mac/PC
compatible? Specifically, I am looking for one that has USB and
Firewire and is 40GB - 80GB. I would also like information on those
that just have USB.

MrGreen,

I searched at www.pricewatch.com and found a 40GB (free shipping and
insurance) for $105.  The least expensive 80GB (with USB external
enclosure) on pricewatch was $131.95 without FedEx shipping.  Both of
these drives include the cables.

On eBay, the least expensive 80GB USB Firewire that was sold recently
went for $160.  I couldn't find any recently-sold 40GB USB Firewire
hard drives.

The least expensive USB-only 40GB hard drive which recently sold on
eBay went for $61.  The least expensive USB-only 40GB hard drive on
pricewatch is $104.

The least expensive USB-only 80GB hard drive which recently sold on
eBay went for $89.  The least expensive USB-only 80GB hard drive on
pricewatch is $128.

So, it seems pricewatch is cheaper if you want a drive with both USB
and Firewire, while buying on eBay is cheaper if you can live with
just USB.

Another option is to find a good deal on any hard drive of your
choice, then purchase an external drive cage (eBay $70, pricewatch
$63) with USB and Firewire, which would be both MAC and PC-compatible.
 It's a simple matter to install the hard drive into the cage, and it
will save money buying them separately and installing it yourself.
It's only about 5 steps, and requires a simple screwdriver only.  With
this option, don't forget to buy your cables, if the drive enclosure
doesn't come with.

Let me know if this doesn't fully answer your question.  Good luck!


Search terms on pricewatch.com: 40.0gb usb firewire', 80.0gb usb
firewire, 40.0gb usb hard drive, 80.0gb usb hard drive, fire wire hard
drive case

Search terms on eBay.com (in Completed Items): 40GB usb firewire, 80gb
usb firewire, 40gb usb hard drive, 80gb usb hard drive, usb firewire
hard drive case.

Hi there:

I do a lot of digital video editing and have about 7 120GB, 7200 RPM
external Firewire drives hooked up to my computer.

I think ebay is the best source for these drives.  There are many
sellers who carry USB, Firewire, and USB/Firewire combo drives of all
sizes.  I have bought drives from the following user on multiple
occasions and have always received quality items for a great price
usually the same week I pay.

http://cgi6.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewSellersOtherItems&userid=webgravity

Not related, just a happy customer who is happy to recommend a company
he's happy with.

George S.
Miami, FL