I need Computer help, BADLY!?

Question

I want to buy something computery for my dad this father's day, but I know nothing about computers, and I am on a budget. I was thinking about buying he an external harddrive so when he travels(he does that alot), he can carry some of his files with him. I saw this item on ebay but I wonder if its any good. This is the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-2-0-2-5-EXTERNAL-HARD-DRIVE-ENCLOSURE-CASE-NEW_W0QQitemZ120130964375QQihZ002QQcategoryZ74949QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem. If this is not somethign good can you please tell me and also give me some suggestions, Please.

Thank You for your Help :)

wyntre_2000 · Accepted Answer

Mimi - the link you provided is not working, however it looks like it is pointing to a USB flash drive.

EDIT *******************************

I just realized that your are pointing to an external USB hard drive enclosure.

Unless your dad really needs MASSIVE amounts of information on the road, then the external drive is not really a good solution. It's just another piece of hardware to carry on the road.

the rest of this below still applies though to a USB flash drive:

*************************************

If he doesn't have one, this is a great idea. The come in sizes from 128mb to 2GB and more. 

Anything 1GB or more will probably be great fro him. If you are in the Us, then STaples and Wal-Mart and Office Deopt all carry them - even Radio Shack.

Here is a listing of the ones from Staples on sale this week. Notice the 1GB drive for $14.95

http://www.staples.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaplesSearch?storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&categoryId=10976&cmArea=SEARCH&searchClassId=10976&keyword=usb+flash+drives&actualKeyword=usb+flash&searchSkuCount=60&compChartFlag=true&searchUnsumUrl=searchresults&searchSumUrl=searchresultssummary&errorUrl=searchnoresults&fromUrl=searchresultssummary&cmArea=SEARCH

Dick · Answer

I wouldn't go with the External Hard Drive.  Opt for the "Flash Drive".

They are so much easier to use and you can get one that holds 1G of data for about $10 to $20.  I've also seen lately that 4GB flash drives are running about $50.  So you have lots of choices in price and the flash drive will do the same as the external hard drive but he can carry it in his pocket.

It's a great little tool.  The only thing to consider is that he is using an OS not older than Windows Me.  If he has XP he is all set.

Hope this helps.

Nedra E · Answer

The added info is good, but you didn't tell us what your budget allows in price.

If you shop or have a friend who shops at Sam's club, you can get a USB thumbnail drive (2GB) or a 40GB SimpleTech USB hard drive... which is a lot more helpful to your dad than a drive "carrier".  The SimpleTech costs $49. as I recall.  

If your dad is buying an external drive, is a 2.5" with NO carrier ???  I just can't see your dad doing that...

jake_of_90210 · Answer

An external HDD is a good idea. Its shows your concern for your dad's work. But its rather heavy and bulky often subject to tight security inspection by airport security.

I suggest a USB flash disk. Its relatively inexpensive very light  and could act as a key chain. It'll last years (kingston has a lifetime warranty in fact) and is almost indispensible. 2 gigabytes of storage is often more than enough space.

Try personalizing it with glue with glitters stating that you care and I bet he'll get to brag it to his friends.

2 gigabyte USB flash card :)

avina · Answer

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thillu · Answer

u can buy a 1/2/4 GB USB flash drive, the brands for these drives are sony, kingston,transcend. if your father likes to entertain himself during journey he can hear songs as well from these USB flash drives, but u'll have to select flash drives with MP3 player options in that case.

ELfaGeek · Answer

Don't take a chance on eBay.  Used computer parts are seldom worth it.

Buy him a USB Flash Drive instead.  They're like a giant floppy disk or CD-RW.  Very useful!!!

See them here:

Andrew · Answer

I'll suggest you this one:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Seagate-USB-2-0-Portable-External-Hard-Drive-160-GB_W0QQitemZ200118403165QQihZ010QQcategoryZ116254QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It is of Seagate, the best quality; 160GB a lot of space, also portable and USB2.0; everything's perfect with not much cost.

medic391 · Answer

i couldn't access the link you gave, but i can also suggest a usb thumb drive. smaller then portable hard drive, capacity up to 8 GB. cheaper then a portable hard drive. fits in your pocket.
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductList.jsp?ThirdCategoryCode=110702

Anonymous · Answer

an external HD enclosure and a regular HD can be bought separately

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I need Computer help, BADLY!?

11 Answers