what's the difference b/w external HD vs internal HD + enclosure?

[aye5882]

hey guys. just wondering what the difference is between an external hard drive and an internal one wrapped in an external cover. is the external hard drive more durable and can take more of a 'beating'?? i know externals are smaller and look sleeker but i don't care about that.

i would like the cheaper alternative of buying an internal and putting a case on it with firewire output for ~$150 total instead of paying $250+ for an external.

does it really matter?

thanks for any input!

 

[wallaby]

Absolutely none. An external HD is an internal with an enclosure around it, it's just already been manufactured and you don't have to put it together. If you can find an internal + enclosure for cheaper, go for it.