:rant Portable hard drives

raised by monkeys · 07-10-2016, 04:40 PM

So ive been doing uni part time whilst working full time, doing counselling with kids plus parent group work. At the a$$ end of my degree.

A while ago, after completing my first year at uni or so my laptop I accidentally broke my laptop screen. The hard drive from the laptop was put into a casing and used as a portable.

Fast forward a year or so later, the once laptop hard drive become corrupt. I bought a new WD portable hard drive, had a computer shop salvage %70 of my files and away I went.

Fast forward another year and had issues with the new portable HD. Lucky I had backed everything up on my laptop, so minus a couple of PDF's I could swallow this issue.

Fast forward another 6 months I had an issue with my laptop after a late night studying and spilt a bit of coffee on it. Took it into the computer centre again and although as they said my laptop my last 2 weeks, it may last 2 decades. Depends how long it takes for one of the damaged nodes to corrode.

Straight into Harvey Norman I go and buy a portable SSD HD. Expensive, but it can be used as a weapon. Save all my work on to the HD. Everything is safe an sound.

3 months later, the inlet to the HD decided to come out with the usb cord. SSD components are attached straight to the hardware. Looking like it may not be able to be fixed. On this HD is a 4 year degree with multiple late nights study.

(I did try the cloud online back up but with only a few files it reached it limit and it was asking for $$ so I threw that idea in the bin.)

I've had a bloody gut full of PC's and hard drives!

whitelion65 · 07-10-2016, 04:44 PM

Backing up is getting harder, not easier these days.
That said, I use TWO HDDs as well as the laptop, plus cloud, plus network drive.
All of this not accessible to a student 'though :-(

CoupeKing · 07-10-2016, 05:15 PM

I don't know how big your files are, but backing them up on different devices/brands/mediums and keeping them stored at separate locations, mite help next time your hard drive decides to go to sleep.

And you could also store your data on a PC. You won't drop it (I'm sure someone has) or if you spill anything on the keyboard, worst-case scenario (besides getting zapped) is a new keyboard.

b0son · 07-10-2016, 08:47 PM

One word...

RAID

Junkyard-Dog · 07-10-2016, 09:30 PM

Are you rough on your hardware? I've had the same WD External HDD for years and never had a problem. If you drop a HDD there is a good chance you will kill it, even if it's onto a soft surface like carpet.

Feathers · 07-10-2016, 11:50 PM

My less-than-1-year-old WD Elements portable drive has just died. No warning. Everything was shut down and unplugged while I went overseas, came back, powered things up again, and it's not showing up anywhere.
Had a 1TB Seagate, prior to that which died after about 4 years. So I'm less than impressed right now. Had all the back ups of my holiday photos on there, since I seem to kill SD cards and don't really want them on CD.

Could probably do something with warranty on the WD drive, but I just want my files back.

raised by monkeys · 08-10-2016, 02:58 PM

Not rough on my gear at all funnily enough.

Latest developments are:
Took it to a guy who was able to get my files off the HD, although, the HD was destroyed in the process - they can't be re cased. Leant me a USB with my files. Went home, backed the files up to my laptop. Turned laptop off and hung up the boots for the night.

Turned laptop on this morning and said problems re: node seemed to have killed my laptop. Laptop is in repair mode but no options are working. Went to the uni and I had cut and pasted the files from the USB. Hell. Bought ANOTHER USB, - metal one this time and contacted the fella who was able to salvage my files, he is hoping he can access them again. Hope he doesn't charge me a 2nd time. I've tried to hold off from buying a new laptop because I have a trip to Europe coming up in Nov.

Enough drama in my life to write another 2 series of home and away.

There will be a fire at my home tonight.

99AUXR · 08-10-2016, 03:37 PM

I used cloud backups, I think I have 50 GB free with dropbox (from samsung S5 promotion) and 100 GB free with one drive (from samsung S7 Edge promotion)

Plus I have a separate HDD to back up to. Allot just seems like very bad luck TBH and if it wasn't due to the coffee then wouldn't have been so bad

But yea I definitely like my cloud storage as I have accidentally lost all data before.

Interesting you say the SSD components were straight attached, you go buy a 2.5'' portable HDD enclosure and then fit a 2.5'' SSD to it..

Junkyard-Dog · 08-10-2016, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raised by monkeys

Not rough on my gear at all funnily enough.

k, just wondered.

jpblue1000 · 08-10-2016, 07:51 PM

Just goes to show brand and price doesn't always equate to quality I luck. I've hade a cheap Toshiba portable hdd for a very long time. I use it many times a week, and back up the business PC weekly on it. Its dented, scratched and the cable wobbles a bit in the aperture but keeps on keeping on, seem to recall it cost me 90 dollars all those years ago. Only problem is I'm running out of space for the weekly save.
JP

**cs123** · 08-10-2016, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b0son

One word...

RAID

Not really. RAID 0 ain't that great for data security.

99AUXR · 08-10-2016, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cs123

Not really. RAID 0 ain't that great for data security.

Yes but Raid 1 is mirroring of drives... But I dont think its the best for OP

XB GS 351 Coupe · 08-10-2016, 08:46 PM

Used to have these issues all the time, struggled for years, then about 6 or 7 years ago bought an iMac, and have not lost a single file or photo since, have not had a virus or any other hardware or software issues ever.

Turn on and away you go.

DJL351 · 08-10-2016, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XB GS 351 Coupe

Used to have these issues all the time, struggled for years, then about 6 or 7 years ago bought an iMac, and have not lost a single file or photo since, have not had a virus or any other hardware or software issues ever.

Turn on and away you go.

You just pay twice as much for 4 year old hardware.... the crapple way.

Computer hardware doesn't fail for no reason. You might realise that you damaging it, but likely you are.
I've got IDE hard drives that are 10+ years old that still work. I still have my first usb2 WD 500GB external (man that was a massive drive back in the day) too.

The suggestion to OP of a cloud base service makes a lot of sense if there is critical data - just be mindful of personal info, as there is not much that can't be 'obtained' by those that want it when it comes to the cyber world.

Use an external as long term storage for data that is not likely to change (old uni work and old photos) and use cloud storage for items that are being uitilised regularly.

XB GS 351 Coupe · 08-10-2016, 11:42 PM

Yes you might pay it bit more, but my sanity is well worth it, for 6 or 7 years not a single virus, not a single break down any new devices/printers etc just plug in and they work.

Used Microcrap based stuff for years and thought it was great, constantly suffing around and spending hours and days keeping the stuff running, viruses, reboots, reinstalling software etc etc

For 7 years I have done none of it, just turn on computer and away you go from the day I took it out of the box, missus was sceptical, when I bought my mac, I took it out of the box, plugged it and it connected to the internet and was running five minutes later. Been going ever since, my missus persisted for a few more month before we finally took her computer to the tip.

vztrt · 08-10-2016, 11:49 PM

Guess i been lucky. Portable drives that have lasted many years and still going. Gotta a usb stick thats 15 years old and still works.

Jeez even my work laptops that i manage to break everything on them (but that does happen when you treat them poorly) except the hard drives.

**cs123** · 09-10-2016, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XB GS 351 Coupe

Yes you might pay it bit more, but my sanity is well worth it, for 6 or 7 years not a single virus, not a single break down any new devices/printers etc just plug in and they work.

Used Microcrap based stuff for years and thought it was great, constantly suffing around and spending hours and days keeping the stuff running, viruses, reboots, reinstalling software etc etc

For 7 years I have done none of it, just turn on computer and away you go from the day I took it out of the box, missus was sceptical, when I bought my mac, I took it out of the box, plugged it and it connected to the internet and was running five minutes later. Been going ever since, my missus persisted for a few more month before we finally took her computer to the tip.

Same, Mac user for 10 years, love them....

99AUXR · 09-10-2016, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJL351

You just pay twice as much for 4 year old hardware.... the crapple way.

Mmm and I like being able to get new hardware when its released and even new cases if I get bored. Apple doesnt come close to suiting my needs at all but others it will. However the prices they charge for the hardware

Quote:

Originally Posted by XB GS 351 Coupe

Yes you might pay it bit more, but my sanity is well worth it, for 6 or 7 years not a single virus, not a single break down any new devices/printers etc just plug in and they work.

Used Microcrap based stuff for years and thought it was great, constantly suffing around and spending hours and days keeping the stuff running, viruses, reboots, reinstalling software etc etc

For 7 years I have done none of it, just turn on computer and away you go from the day I took it out of the box, missus was sceptical, when I bought my mac, I took it out of the box, plugged it and it connected to the internet and was running five minutes later. Been going ever since, my missus persisted for a few more month before we finally took her computer to the tip.

Mac Books have their place and I dont rubbish any ones choice or the other product because they dont suit user/user is incapable to use them easily....

Weird that you have such issues with windows that I have never had. But hey I'm silly enough to Root and install roms on my s7 edge the day after I got it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vztrt

Guess i been lucky. Portable drives that have lasted many years and still going. Gotta a usb stick thats 15 years old and still works.

Jeez even my work laptops that i manage to break everything on them (but that does happen when you treat them poorly) except the hard drives.

I have broken one HDD and it was after years of me falling asleep with laptop on bed and it falling off.. cannot blame it TBH other than that all my old HDD end up being used somewhere, my old portable 1TB I removed out of the case and ended up using them in my NAS thats almost 10 years old going strong.

Mercury Bullet · 09-10-2016, 05:22 PM

Never lost a hard drive.

I only buy raptor/velociraptor 10,000rpm drives though, they cost a lot more and are heavy, hot and loud. So while they may be reliable they have their drawbacks.

Instead of packaged external drives I use usb-3 docks and can swap drives in and out whenever I like. That way I also get to choose which drives I buy.
usb-3 is plenty fast enough to run desktop apps off them.

I also backup all my photos to Blu-ray and redo them every two years.

DBourne · 10-10-2016, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJL351

You just pay twice as much for 4 year old hardware.... the crapple way.

I didn't want to bite, but I just can't resist.. I've had my MacBook pro for 5 years, and it still works perfectly. Granted I actually know what I'm doing on a computer, so that would help, but even I've never had a PC that works just as good on day dot as it does 5 years down the track.

So yes Apple products cost a premium, but they certainly earn it as far as I'm concerned..

DJL351 · 10-10-2016, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBourne

I didn't want to bite, but I just can't resist.. I've had my MacBook pro for 5 years, and it still works perfectly. Granted I actually know what I'm doing on a computer, so that would help, but even I've never had a PC that works just as good on day dot as it does 5 years down the track.

So yes Apple products cost a premium, but they certainly earn it as far as I'm concerned..

Hardware on MAC is the same as a PC system, my point was that to buy a new Mac now, you are buying at least one generation older than current and paying the same (or more) money for it.

Modern Mac, you are paying for an OS and the belief of better hardware and support. But my experience, you are paying for an OS and overpaying for hardware. (price up a RAM upgrade on a Macbook against and other branded laptop and you will see.

Junkyard-Dog · 10-10-2016, 04:56 PM

Yes Apple is basically selling their OS at a very high price and giving you some aged hardware to go along with it. It is a much better financial decision to just build a "hackintosh" but most people that buy Macs don't know or care enough about pc hardware to build their own system.

macOS is very good, I will say that much. There are also some excellent Linux distros out there which a lot of people overlook. In the grand scheme of things Sierra is probably a better choice than Windows 10 for most users. It's not my cup of tea though. My PC is much more powerful/capable than the latest Mac Pro and cost a lot less... it seems like lunacy to pay such a high price for the hardware. Each to their own though.

**cs123** · 10-10-2016, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJL351

Hardware on MAC is the same as a PC system, my point was that to buy a new Mac now, you are buying at least one generation older than current and paying the same (or more) money for it.

Modern Mac, you are paying for an OS and the belief of better hardware and support. But my experience, you are paying for an OS and overpaying for hardware. (price up a RAM upgrade on a Macbook against and other branded laptop and you will see.

OSX is free. As in it costs $0. You can download it and install it for FREE. If you are keen you can make a Hackintosh and load OSX on that.

Just checked MSY. 16GB DDR3 1333 costs $99. I can afford that.....

I'm not going to get into any debate on hardware just reaffirm the comment made above. My MBP is 5 years old and still runs well.

Itsme · 10-10-2016, 06:30 PM

Think the big issue with PC/Hard Drive crashes is people ignorance on how to use a PC properly.

**Mechan1k** · 11-10-2016, 02:04 AM

I have had a couple of issues with WD portable drives (even had a near-new one fail ... and not a mark on the casing) .... I changed to Samsung units ... never a problem with them ... and they have been knocked around as well.

tranquilized · 11-10-2016, 10:49 AM

Dropbox all the way

$14 a month for 1TB+ of cloud storage.

I've got 5 computers selectively synced so my data isn't just in the cloud, it's sent down to a couple different computers so I'm pretty confident it's safe.

Every photo I've ever taken, any file I ever need can be accessed on my mobile phone in a couple of seconds.

Any photo I take on my phone is automatically sent to the cloud as soon as it logs onto WiFi and downloaded to 3 computers as soon as they are turned on.

I just can't understand how people are still losing data when services like this are available.

Bushbasher · 11-10-2016, 01:53 PM

I guess because we're not all as tech savy and/or well resourced as you.

tranquilized · 11-10-2016, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bushbasher

I guess because we're not all as tech savy and/or well resourced as you.

Well I've put it out there now for everyone to see so no more excuses!

XplosiveR6 · 12-10-2016, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cs123

OSX is free. As in it costs $0. You can download it and install it for FREE. If you are keen you can make a Hackintosh and load OSX on that.

Just checked MSY. 16GB DDR3 1333 costs $99. I can afford that.....

I'm not going to get into any debate on hardware just reaffirm the comment made above. My MBP is 5 years old and still runs well.

Mac OS is not free at all, it can legally only be installed on Apple hardware. Installing it on anything else is against their licence agreement.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**cs123** · 12-10-2016, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XplosiveR6

Mac OS is not free at all, it can legally only be installed on Apple hardware. Installing it on anything else is against their licence agreement.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Every download from Mountain Lion on has been free.

They do not care and make no effort to stop you installing it on any machine. I have downloaded the full installer from Apple and done bare metal installs on older macs. They could easily stop you

They also couldn't give a rats about Hackintoshes.