Hard drive advice please

[G]

Hi all,
At present, I have an IBM 4.3GB SCSI HDD (Model DCAS-34330 E182115 S, FRU 76H4616). I would have liked to have continued to use IBM SCSI HDDs but they are so expensive. A couple of IBM 36LZX DDYS-DDYF 36.70 GB SCSI/FC-AL 10,000 RPM would have been nice but in the UK they are at their cheapest at £352 (VAT included). This make this drive, compared to the excellently reviewed 75GXP DTLA-307075 76.86 GB Ultra ATA/100 7200 RPM (£230, VAT included) 53% more expensive but with half the GB capacity. IBM HDDs is my prefered choice.

Should I go with the IBM 75GXP (76.86GB) Ultra ATA/100? All I want to do is use the system for general computing - no game playing or the like - and to learn advanced computer hardware configurations using two HDDs, data recovery techniques, HDD imaging and so on. Would you recommend the IBM 60GXP (60GB) instead of the IBM 75GXP? Does the IBM 60GXP (60GB) have a technological advantage over the IBM 75GXP? Would it be more prudent to go with smaller drives in the event that larger HDDs may have a greater propensity to fail?

Is it possible to purchase the HDDs from the USA and still install them in a UK spec. machine. Would any voltage difference be irrelevant, as they are internal HDDs?

Thanks for any help proffered.
G

[golfcart]

I have read that the 60gxp is better than the 75gxp (which is an excellent drive from my experience). In what ways, I'm not sure. I think the only difference between computers in the uk and usa would be the voltage setting on the power supply. If you are into learning, It may be more fun to do an IDE raid setup versus a scsi setup.

[justy]

Golfcart is correct, the voltage spec is only for the mains power. After that ( anything inside the machine ) the power is all the same. 12v and 5v etc.

You can buy the bits that you need from anywhere.

Sorry I can't help with the HD question though.

Hope this helps, Justy.

[G]

On reflection due to a number of problems with some IBM HDDs, e.g., 75GXP (in particular) and 60GXP, unless new information comes about I will probably go with the IBM SCSI 36LZX 36GB 10 000 RPM model. I may get them in the USA.

Thanks for replying golfcart & Justy.

G

[Jonty]

Hey G, before you buy anything from abroad, make sure of the exact cost of importing it into the UK. I read an article just the other day (I can't find it now, but if I do I will post the details), and they were saying that there are lots of hidden costs, even the Royal Mail taking some sort of fee too.

[G]

Hi Jonty,
Thanks for the tip but I think I now the hidden charge you are referring to. UPS or an equivalent delivery service will deliver the ordered package and you would think that would be that, wouldn't you. Unfortunately, I was caught off guard with this hidden charge, the Royal Mail post a note stating that the recipient owes Custom & Excise duty on the package at 17.5%. Therefore, if anyone ever thinks about importing anything from the States bear in mind that Custom & Excise will charge an addition 17.5% (or something equally obscene) on top. Woe betide anyone how does not pay it.

If I do bring hardware through, I have some family who can, on their way back from USA, bring it through for me. Legally, such packages would need to be declared or there could be trouble but they have to stop you first, ah. However, if one were to bring a laptop back from the USA without the packing to make it less conspicuous Custom & Excise have the legal right to charge you excise duty if you cannot provide proof of purchase within the UK. So, watch out.

All the best,
G

[Jonty]

Couldn't find the article I referred to but glad you know about these hidden charges now.

Some time ago I thought about buying some Microsoft software from the USA but by the time all these charges were added it would've cost more that I could've got it for in this country!

Why is our hardware and software so dear? Whether you are in the UK or the US it still more often than not comes from another country so its still got to travel. I don't think it's just down to taxes either.

[G]

It's down to the Rip-off Great Britain disease I'm afraid. If one wants to get any hardware or software from USA, it would require doing it technically illegally. However, considering how much the Government (regardless of colour) takes from us all, our actions would be a relatively minor offence, hehe.

There is also the added hassle of ascertaining whether the hardware and sometimes software is compatible with the UK. If any hardware happens to go wrong, then saving money is a moot point indeed. I guess we will simply have to find anything we need as cheap as possible from a UK web site.

All the best,
G