By Andreas Lee

disk drive external

As we know that every computer needs a hard drive to store Operating System, files, and programs. Hard drive is divided into two types; internal hard drive and external hard drive (disk drive external). Internal hard drive is installed in Central Processing Unit (CPU), while disk drive external stands outside the computer in its own enclosure that connects via USB port.

The disk drive external has become an essential device these days. Beside as an additional storage and a back up storage, it can also be a security storage from virus threats and easy to secure within disaster.

Because of the disk drive external works outside the computer case, it is not so easily to get hot. Some have a cooling fan to keep its temperature low.

Through a high speed interface cable, the disk drive external is able to connect to the computer/notebook. There are 2 interfaces which enable it to communicate with the computer, namely firewire and USB.

The data in the main internal hard drive can be transferred to disk drive external by offline or online activities. This portable device can also be an emergency storage if something goes wrong in your internal hard drive. Today, this external media must belong to every computer/notebook users.

Most disk drive external have back up features to back up contents of main internal drive securely and safely. It can secure any type of files, images, digital photos, videos, programs, etc. No need to shut computer down if you want to plug it off from computer, simply click on ‘safely remove’ icon in the toolbars and it is ready to revoke.

Two formats are available for disk drive external; IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) and the next generation namely SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment). SATA disk drive external’s transfer speed is six times faster than IDE USB external disk drive.

The components of this external hardware are; read/write head, platters, spindle motor, and head actuator.

The function of platters is to store the magnetized data. It is made from ceramic and glass because these kind of material can be processed to create thin platters and can resist high temperature. The bigger the capacity of a hard drive, the more platters are needed. Generally, each disk drives external has at least 2 platters.

To make the platters work, disk drive external needs spindle motor. Spindle speed is one of the most important specifications which are considered by the consumer. Presently, spindle speed which is owned by any type of hard drive in the market is ranging from 4500 rpm to 7200 rpm.

Reading and writing the data are the part of the read/write head’s job. One side of platter needs one head and each head is attached to an actuator shaft which moves the head around the platters. Only 1 head is active while reading and writing data activities occurred in disk drive external.

Please also check my other guides on: external disk, HDD drive, and camcorders hard drive

By Andreas Lee

external disk drive

Another large capacity external disk drive which can be owned with a low price is Hitachi 500GB external USB disk drive. The price ranges between $75 and $100, pretty good deal for the 500 GB external disk drive that can provide large empty space for your unemployed digital data. It can store up to 2 million images, hundred thousand digital photos, and thousand hours video duration.

This external disk drive speaker design eliminate your slightest bit of worry about the performance, has a 7200 rpm rotation speed that gives you convenience in accessing data without killing your time, and has the best buffer cache 16 MB which give speed to used data access.

Your comfort for back up data provided by this Hitachi product with 480 Mbps transfer rate which saves your time when back up data, and ArcSoft TotalMedia Backup which has the feature for easily backup your photos, videos, email, etc. This software is able to make your back up data schedule, and provides step by step wizards.

Its speciality also includes high connection USB 2.0 which necessary belong to external disk drive today, hot swap and can plugging on any computers/laptops. If your old version USB port is the problem, then Hitachi 500 GB external USB disk drive has the solution, its USB 1.1 compatibility allows it to be accessed on any USB port.

Pros

It is coming with low price and has all the performance and capacity which is needed by external disk drive users these days.

Cons

Its complex shape makes it hard to put in the bag.

Specs

• Capacity : 500 GB
• Buffer cache : 16 MB
• Transfer rate : 480 Mbps
• Rotation speed : 7200 RPM
• Platform : Windows PC and Macintosh
• Weight : 2.75 lb
• Dimensions : 6.7″ Height x 2.6″ Width x 4.8″ Depth

My Other articles that you might be interested in: disk external and refurbished laptops