Hey. I'm really interested in getting an external HD for my macbook...However, I'm trying to build it myself. So any suggestions as to which HD's / Enclosures work the best thru a FW400 / USB2.0 port would be great. I'm trying to build a 400-500GB drive. Thanks guys.
You can use pretty much use any HD or enclosure, it really depends on your budget. I just bought this enclosure from http://www.cooldrives.com/ducooldrives.com. It is a bit pricey, but it has everything I need: USB 2.0 FW400/800 and it's RAID 0. I just popped in my 2 WD 300GB SATA Drives and now I have a very nice 600GB Storage unit!
It works with an eSATA drive, which usually are very large in storage size. The enclosure is the best-looking one I've seen; furthermore, the way you install the HD is very unique and extremely simple.
Good quality enclosures are not cheap. The chipset quality is important so, if you want to built a good quality external HD (using a reputable HD), you'll end up saving $20 to $30, it's just not worth it, believe me. Get one from OWC. The Mercury Elite Pro Aluminum USB 2.0 + FW 400, 500GB, costs $249.99.
The unit is covered by a 2 year warranty + 3 year warranty for the HD (total of 5 years for the HD). They use Seagate HDs, check it out:
