External hard drive: everything you need to know

When deciding to buy an external hard drive, consumers need to consider factors such as the device's storage capacity and price, but also the format: in addition to external hard drives, there are table options that need power sources to function.

In general, what separates the two models is portability: while the pocket version can be taken anywhere, since it only needs the power distributed by the USB port of the user's computer. Also by the auxiliary connection of the power supply that is generally higher, and they depend on the USB connection itself.

External hard drives that use dedicated power sources are also called desktop hard drives and are good options for those who need to expand the ability to store data on machines they have at home or in the office and the fact that the disk will not move.

Because this type of product is made to stay in one place, there are some benefits that are not easy to find on external pocket hard drives.

One is that this type of device can normally be connected to the Internet and allows the user to configure a personal cloud storage system. Therefore, the files stored on the hard drive can be accessed anywhere in the world, as long as the user is connected to the Internet.

Another point of this type of hard disk is the storage space, which can be much larger, reaching 4 or 8 TB. Another benefit is that these drives, hard drives for use on desktop computers, end up having superior performance to portable hard drives.

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Disadvantages

As mentioned above, this model is not suitable for those who want to purchase a portable external hard drive.

Another drawback to consider is the prices. A Seagate model, with dedicated power, weighing 1.5 kg and space for 3 TB can be found for around 100 euros, while a laptop usually raises the price considerably for its portability.

Furthermore, to operate these external hard drives require their own power supply. Keep them connected all the time, especially to take advantage of remote access capabilities to data stored over the Internet that can do substantial damage to your electricity bill at the end of the month.

In what situations is an external hard drive convenient?

Known manufacturers of pocket hard drives also have desktop models, with the dedicated power supply: Iomega, WD, Seagate, Toshiba, Hitachi and Samsung being a few examples.

There are situations where sacrificing portability can be a good idea for your next external hard drive.

At home, such a static disc can be used to store the user's collection of songs and movies, for example. Connected to the network, HD becomes a multimedia library that can be stored for all devices connected to the network.