external hd suggestions?

[stitch]

I need to get an external HD but I've never owned one before so I don't know much about them. Any suggestions on what to get, and not to get? I'm looking for 320-500gb drives, and I'm guessing Seagate and WD are the way to go.

[Know Nuttin]

You can go with the prebuilt ones (in this case, find one that you like in terms of weight/power brick/looks/PC interfaces, etc). You can also go with your own HDD and then an enclosure of your liking (ensure they are the same interface, either IDE or SATA).

You can also go the more expensive route of using a 2.5" drive and enclosure. While the 500GB 3.5" equivalent is 1/2 the price (or cheaper), this offers you a slimmer/smaller enclosure while not needing a power adapter (power is supplied through USB). 320GB 5400rpm is the best/economical option at this time, 2.5" sata drives can be had for around $70 and then a USB enclosure for around $10.

Take your pick.

[Mr.Guvernment]

get a Vantec external case
get any regular HD - assemble - done and often cheaper.