How to Choose an External Hard Drive
We've all been there, right? Photos stashed on computers, phones, hard drives, and more. They’re everywhere, and it feels like a never-ending treasure hunt. That’s why you need a Photo Hub. It’s the central spot where all your lifetime of photos and videos come together to live.
Now, where should this hub call home? You’ve got two options: your computer’s hard drive or an external hard drive. Why? Because having your original digital images on a device you own means you’re in control. No more fretting about companies going under or service hiccups!
Let’s explore the benefits of external hard drives, the difference between hard disk drives and solid state drives, pro and cons of each and my personal recommendations as a professional photo organizer.
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Benefits of External Hard Drives
Free Up Space on Your Computer
Moving photos and videos to an external hard drive will free up space on your computer, preventing it from becoming sluggish and tight on storage space.
Cost-Effective
External hard drives are reasonably priced compared to cloud storage subscriptions, and you can continue to add additional externals if you run out of space.
Portability and Convenience
External hard drives are portable and convenient. You can start a project on a desktop computer, save it to an external, plug the external into a laptop, and continue working on the go.
Choosing the Right Size Hard Drive
A typical photo collection ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 photos. What you need to know is that 1TB of storage can hold roughly 100,000 photos.
But, here's the recommendation: Go for 2TB of data. Why? It provides ample room for your library to grow and allows for the digital organization workflow as you'll need double the space of your collection.
If you are not sure how many photos you have and need a personalized suggestion, I will answer this specifically for you during a digital photo organizing session.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Pros:
Less expensive
Large storage options
Cons:
Moving interior mechanical parts
Sensitive to bums and drops
Higher fail rate
Average Life Span: 3-5 years
Bottom Line: Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) are your best bet if budget is your primary concern and you won't be moving them around much. They offer loads of storage space for all your memories at an affordable price.
My Recommended Hard Disk Drives
Solid State Drive (SSD)
Pros:
No moving parts
Lightning-fast speed for quick access
Very small and lightweight
Cons:
Pricier, but worth the speed
Average Life Span: Up to 10 years
Bottom Line: If you're someone who lives life in the fast lane and needs your photo collection to keep up, then Solid State Drives (SSDs) are your go-to. They're not only speedy and durable but also perfect if you need your photo collection to travel with you.
My Recommended Solid State Drives
Tips to Extend the Life of Your External Hard Drive
Don’t keep it plugged in all the time, disconnect and unplug when not in use.
Store your hard drive on a flat, stable surface to prevent drops or bumps.
Avoid extreme temperatures – neither extreme heat nor cold is ideal for hard drive health.
Keep the dust out by cleaning it with a microfiber cloth.
Always eject your hard drive properly, avoiding abrupt unplugging.
Preserve Your Memories with Confidence
By choosing the right external hard drive and taking good care of it, you can ensure your photo collection remains safe and easily accessible for years to come. So there's no reason to be fearful of external hard drives. It's essential to remember that they are just one part of your backup system. When partnered with cloud backup, you don't need to fear a hard drive failure.
Remember, just like your photos need a hub, your backup strategy needs a plan.
Ready to create a foolproof backup plan for your cherished memories?
Schedule a FREE 20-minute photo consultation with us today.
If you've ever felt like your photos are scattered and it's a never-ending treasure hunt, let me help you bring them together into a cohesive, safe, and organized system. Your memories deserve nothing less.