External Hard Drive Recommendation Please

[clutterbuster]

Can you please recommend an extremely reliable brand of external hard drive for use backing up an 80gb laptop. I'd like it to be simple, plug-and-play via usb 2 for a non-techy.

[Computer_Commando]

1.  What kind of backup are you intending to perform?
 1a.  Image backup of entire drive.
 1b.  Data backup of your important stuff.

2.  How small or portable does backup drive need to be?

[johnwill]

I normally buy the bare drive, then the USB case.  A couple minutes with a screwdriver, and I have the best deal on a USB 2.0 external disk.  For my laptop use, I have a 60gig 2.5" drive in a case that's not much larger than the drive, the USB cable has two connectors to draw enough power for the drive so that you don't need an external P/S.  Very compact and travels well.

Here's the case: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-155-701&depa=0

Here's the drive: http://www.gogocity.com/product_details.asp?dept%5Fid=211&pf%5Fid=CO02HDD0735

You can also get someone else to put it into the case: http://www.gogocity.com/product_details.asp?dept%5Fid=214&pf%5Fid=CO07HDD0735USB

[Computer_Commando]

This is the one I use, it comes with PS2 adapter for +5V power, which is required for reliable operation.
http://www.usbman.com/Reviews/usbgear_notebook_drive.htm