Thinking about an external HDD; USB or SATA?

[videobruce]

This is one of those 'I always wanted to do, but never got around to it projects'. I'm not sure which route would be best.

Situation;
Three PC's; two towers (both w/ two HDD's) and one Laptop (not used often),
Not alot of data, but instead of using DVD's to back up, this seems easier,
One device for all three would be nice, though the Laptop I could live without,
It would be used mainly for my main box (tower).

Questions;
1. If I went with a USB interface, can I assume the PS is external?
2. Can I then assume most are those damn 'bricks' as opposed to internal PS's within the HDD enclosure?
3. Are there any models w/ internal PS's, or at least a PS that is on a cable so it isn't hanging from the power strip?
4. Between the all in one (HDD, enclosure & PS) vs buying the encloseure, PS and the HDD separately, what's the better route?
5. If I went with a SATA drive, are there any enclosures that are taylored to this setup?
6. The cableing from the PC to the unit. Make shift or use a premade PCI slot plate w/ connectors (assuming they are available)?

Sorry for all the questions, as I was just thinking of my known options and configurations.

[videobruce]

This was suggested elsewhere;
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...6/DSCF1224.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...6/DSCF1233.jpg

[pullmyfoot]

Well SATA is faster but USB will be more compatible with other computers because not every computer has an external SATA port. besides you can connect the USB port easily to the front of your case as most dont have front SATA ports. For conveneince if your gonna be bringing it around alot then id say USB. If its not gonna be travelling arount alot then you might consider SATA for the speed I guess

For SATA you would want to buy the thing whole I guess. But USB would just be the better and more convenient route as it reaches speeds of up to 480mb/s which is more than ehough to match your HD's speed

[videobruce]

Speed nisn't the issue at all. I only mentioned SATA since I have the ports on the MB and with the quirky nature of USB I thought it might be better.

[pullmyfoot]

Nah USB will really be much more convenient. If there is not much difference between the 2 then I would really go for the one that is easier to use. USB is basically more compatible with.. Well stuff. Routers, every other computer.. etc. Whereas a large proportion of computers dont have SATA external ports to start with

[videobruce]

Ok on USB.
Then is it better to buy a all in one or separate?

[BipolarBill]

Separate. If a part blows out, you won't have to wait weeks for a replacement. If the enclosure fails and the drive is OK, you can get the data off it. With pre-built, you're stuck.

[pullmyfoot]

No you can also take out many pre builts actually. Its basically the same as doing it yourself. I can take it out on all my pre builts jsut like a DIY. But to be on the safe side Id just DIY

[BipolarBill]

Taking apart a pre-built voids the warranty. You may get the data off, but you will have to shell out for an entire new drive.

[videobruce]

Aren't the HDD ,manufactures the major players for pre-builts, considering the HDD is the major component?