So I'm looking at adding some external backup storage to my computer, something that is portable and that I can un-plug easily. I want something with high capacity (3TB and above) and that doesn't require a power adapter/cord. I found this Seagate Backup Plus Fast 4TB Portable External Hard Drive USB 3.0 STDA4000100 at Amazon. Seems kind of pricey when compared to it's desktop model with the only difference being that the desktop model requires a power adapter/cord. My question is, are there any cheaper ways to add a hard drive to an enclosure and make my own portable drive that doesn't require a power adapter/cord and keeping with the USB 3.0 interface? Something like what Seagate has done with this drive.

Thanks,

Uncle

Here's a link to an article in the WSJ today about external storage,,, some additional info for you. Hope the article is not behind a pay-wall...

http://www.wsj.com/articles/build-your-o...WhatsNewsSecond


I bought a NAS enclosure from Synology last year and it was about $500 with the two 4 TB drives in RAID. I have a few of those Seagate external USB drives, too, and they work OK.

WC

Interesting article. I too have a Synology NAS but it's only (1) 3TB hard drive capable. All my networked computer files are backed up to this and that is backed up to an attached USB hard drive. I believe that you can never have too many backups lying around because years ago I had (2) Western Digital SATA drives fail within 12hrs. of each other effectively wiping out everything that I had accumulated over the past 20yrs. Nothing life or death but I was devastated. I'll never touch a WD drive again, that's just how I am. I'll figure something out.

Thanks,
Uncle

I know you mentioned not wanting a power cord, but have you considered just using an enclosure ? I've used them before without issue, but they do require a power cord - just add your HD.

By the time I buy a 4TB drive and then buy an enclosure, I'm not that far away from the same price as the Seagate 4TB portable (when it's on sale). I'm not at all interested in a power cord. It defeats my sole purpose of having a truly portable drive. I'm just waiting for a sale. Missed one last week on Tigerdirect. There will be more

Uncle

4TB bare drives are around $140 now, and the enclosures are around $25. But I do understand you're not wanting the power cord.

It's just one more thing to haul around when going from place to place. I've got a 2TB drive now and the power adapter is a 3x3 brick. I'm just looking for simplicity. I noticed the Western Digital drives are around $140, but they could be free and I wouldn't touch one. And besides, a Seagate 4TB USB3.0 external drive with power cord is $120.00 so it would be fruitless to buy a drive and enclosure.

Thanks,

Uncle

I just use a traditional HDD and a Front Bay enclosure that I can:

Turn Key to Power Off Drive, Open Door, pull drive out, and close when I want the drive out,
and then when I want to use it, open door, slide drive in, close door, turn key to turn on, copy data to it at SATAIII Speeds, then turn key to power off, open, pull drive out, put in box.

as for 3+TB Drives that are self powered,

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822178449


I've seen some in stores locally, but they arent online.

Portable vs Desktop External Drive Category usually means external power and some other things.

Also, the Price:Size Ratio is effected.

ie:
3-4TB Portable self powered drives run $250
5-6TB Desktop external Drives run the same price.

ie:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236732