External harddrive for extra storage? What would you do?

[jim.t]

Will be taking alot of digital pictures soon and thinking about getting an external HD, but don't know if I want to go to the extra expense of an firewire/IEEE card for that type drive or just get one that will be USB pluggable. Will I be disappointed with the USB setup with obvious slower seek rates, or should I throw in a IEEE card and go Firewire?

I'm expecting to do some digicam uploading of pictures, and was thinking of some extra storage area for that and possible backup areas. I've got a half-used 40gb, but as I understand it, those pics can take up some room. Any thoughts and what would you do?

[rangeral]

I'd slave a large drive internally for storage or invest in a burner would be better if you don't have one then you don't have to worry about space.