Seagate Technology 200 GB USB 2.0 and FireWire External Drive ( ST3200823A-RK )
met all expectations...
My OS is Win2000.   I purchased the Seagate 200 gig external drive.(CD, firewire & usb cables inc.)  I purchased a Belkin USB 2.0/firewire PCI 6 port internal card..which installed easily.(CD,cables inc., $ 52.00)  It allows for 2 USB & 2 fire external ports, and 2 ports inside the computer.  No problems or hitches with any procedures. (rare for me)  If you run Win 2000 or XP, and you are updated with all security paks, you won't need the cd's drivers. The ext. drive will show up as a drive letter in 'my computer', and the computer finds the new hardware.  It can be used for a complete, regular backup or transfering files for storage. The 'BounceBack' software is simple, not confusing, and with enough selective options. So far, it seems very stable.  Using firewire, I initially backed up 5.4 gb (entire local C drive) in 23 min., smoothly and with minimal noise. I'm assuming my other storage drive (photos & music) will transfer at similar rates. The speed in accessing/reading files on the external is quicker than I expected. (firewire & the computer's processor are two main reasons)  I don't know, or really care, if others are faster. This is sufficient for me. I am more concerned about stability and reliability. So far, this Seagate seems solid.      Thoughts:   - someone else here had reasoned why buying two 200gb drives seems smarter than one 400gb drive. I agreed & followed their advice.  - everyone needs an external drive for storage/back-up.   - turn it off, walk away & everything's safe no matter what happens to your computer.  -whoever invented it deserves all credit/money....