USB case or external drive?

[jpcummins]

I recently visited a computer repair shop with a friend and while there asked what he had in the line of external hard drives. He recommended I consider a USB case. Would a USB case with a hard drive be as safe as an external hard drive? I am more concerned with the safety of my information than the cost of a few more dollars. I would appreciate any and all replies and I thank you in advance.

John

[farmerlee]

Personaly i prefer using external laptop hard drives. Not only are they far more portable but i figure they're designed to take bumps and knocks better which should help to keep my data safer.

[fuzzylogic]

with the prices of portable media just dropping by the day, its almost no difference between getting a usb case or a complete unit. you may as well get a complete hard disk unit and case in one, that way you get the protection of a warrantry if the unit fails (through you have to trust someone with your information), if not then get a usb case, then if it fails your only a case out rather than a whole unit.

[DIGIT_1]

Hi jp

Just for info, I use both types of outside hard drives and consider them totally safe! Example: Put your important files on either type (will explain types later) of hard drive. Call up the drive with the new data and verify it is there and complete. Once there and safe, disconnect the usb cable! If satisfied the data is safe, delete all forms of it from original locations! (possibly print out a copy for dual safety and store elswhere)
Explanation of the two types of external hare drives. One is as you ask about, in a housing outside the computer. The other is only a cable that is simply plugged into ANY hard drive out or inside the case, when finished just disconnect the cable and store it and the hard drive for later use. Store the extra hard drive in a safe place not too hot or cold. A home safe is very favorable if available. Once the data is safe and off the original drive, You are as safe as you can make it! Of course, if a hacker used a special program and checked your original hard drive that had not been written over, they possibly could obtain some info, but, that is extremely unlikely as how would anyone know how important your data is unless already observed?
Hope this sheds some light on the subject for You,
Good Luck
Sparkzam3