Backing up my music - USB external harddrive?

Question

I'm buying my first ipod :o) and worried that if my computer breaks, that when I plug my ipod into a new computer, all my songs will get wiped! So, I was going to back up all my music and can re-install it if I need to get a new computer, so I can reinstall all the music back on to my ipod. (Pls tell me if there are any flaws in my logic so far!)

Many ppl suggest backing up on to CD/DVD but I only have a CD writer, and with my large music collection it isn't really feasible. So, I read somewhere about getting a external harddrive which plugs into the USB port.

Can anyone pls tell me if I'm not thinking along the right lines? Would this work? And what would be a good USB compatible external hard-drive? Any suggestions?

I'm not very good with computers as you can probably tell (!) so any advice is gratefully received :o)

Answer 1

A CD will hold about 850 MB, that is a lot of music.  There is no reason why you cannot make multiple CDs.  If you want to use an external drive, get one large enough to do a complete backup of your entire system.  Why save one thing when you can make sure you can save all of your data.

Answer 2

There are flaws in your first paragraph. It won't wipe all your songs off of your iPod.

You should, back it up though, otherwise its gonna be hard if you get a  new computer.

Answer 3

Why don't you buy Sygate 250GB external USB disk? That is slim and cute + it doesn't require electricity for connection. Don't go for 500gb as it won't be flexible for you.

rest is upto you ;)

Thanks,

Suji