External HDD questions

[cute.bandar]

have to get a external HDD for my cousin. have lots of questions!

1. I have an old(4 years) never used USB 2.0 ide HDD casing. Would it be safe to use it ? i.e buy a 2.5" ide HDD and just stick it in the casing.
2. is the speed affected if the external HDD's interface is sata or IDE ?
3. are IDE 2.5" external HDD available these days? if so what would a 500GB one cost ?

That's it for now.
Thanks

[Cybertonic]

1. It should't be a problem. The real problem would be getting hold of a 2.5" HDD. Better ditch it and get a 3.5" one.
2. External IDE isn't available and eSATA(faster than both IDE and USB) is not present on older PCs.
3. I don't think so. If you find it then it's going to be very expensive.

[cute.bandar]

thanks for replying! I think I'll just stick with branded seagate external HDD..

[CA50]

Originally Posted by cute.bandar

have to get a external HDD for my cousin. have lots of questions!

1. I have an old(4 years) never used USB 2.0 ide HDD casing. Would it be safe to use it ? i.e buy a 2.5" ide HDD and just stick it in the casing.
2. is the speed affected if the external HDD's interface is sata or IDE ?
3. are IDE 2.5" external HDD available these days? if so what would a 500GB one cost ?

That's it for now.
Thanks

Answers
1. Yes it is safe, get a 2.5" ide hdd and you are good to go
2. The interface of the HDD casing is probable USB 2.0 so you will get the maximum bandwidth of a regular usb 2.0 port i.e. 480 mbps
3.You may not get in local shops, try e-bay, you will definitely get there

[cute.bandar]

Thanks CA50 , i'll inquire about the price of IDE drives and see how it goes from there...

[CA50]

^^welcome, here is a link of 250gb HDD

eBay India: new 250GB laptop IDE ATA hdd 2.5" 5400rpm WTH warranty (item 400204211672 end time 26-Mar-2011 22:34:06 IST)

[cute.bandar]

its damn expensive! as predicted. will stick with sata.