I see 40 gig and 60 gig external usb drives, that do NOT use any other power source, *only* the usb connection.

are these slow? any downsides?

It would of course depend on the manufacturer/model, but typically I would say no. They are a bit slower, but as long as you're not transferring all 40 GB at once you shouldn't ever have a problem.

Originally Posted by Tyler

It would of course depend on the manufacturer/model, but typically I would say no. They are a bit slower, but as long as you're not transferring all 40 GB at once you shouldn't ever have a problem.

True Tyler. I used to use an 80GB external, and I did transfer up to 20GB's to a few DVD/RW's :eyespop: . It worked fine.

I have an external AC powered harddrive, and it's great. I leave it connected but powered off most of the time. but if I want to take it when I travel, I have to lug the power source along.

oh, and I have a small usb-powered light running, too. I think it was made for a laptop user, but it doesn't complain about being used on a desktop. i don't need it for anything, but I got it for $1 on clearance, so why not!

Originally Posted by CD Burnt

I have an external AC powered harddrive, and it's great. I leave it connected but powered off most of the time. but if I want to take it when I travel, I have to lug the power source along.

oh, and I have a small usb-powered light running, too. I think it was made for a laptop user, but it doesn't complain about being used on a desktop. i don't need it for anything, but I got it for $1 on clearance, so why not!

Hi CD, Yes, I eventually migrated to an AC power one, but I didn't notice any difference in speed. One thing I did do was keep all my docs and files I didn't want to lose backed up onto it, and that backed up onto DVD/RW. I think they are really great for backing up, and in some ways I wish I had kept mine and not had the secondary HDD put in. Now I am forever backing up.

USB plugin 512MB is VERY good for use with laptop though.....

$1...............:eyespop:

Very Lucky
Orphelia