Laptop expansion

[Sheldon_King]

Let me start by saying, I am looking for more storage in my new to me HP Elitebook 8560w laptop. It is currently using a single 256GB SSD (Adata SP600) and a external 1TB USB3 Seagate drive (910GB Used). I would prefer the new expansion to have the most space possible without crazy mods, and to not need any external power source (be available when mobile and away from a AC outlet or Cigar Lighter). Ports available are 2 USB3 ports, 3 USB2 ports (1 with charging feature), a USB2/eSATA combo, and a Firewire (800 iirc) port. Note that I do not want to sacrifice the upgrade bay, as I actually use my DVD-RW DL drive often. 

 

On a Side note, I have a 3TB Seagate 3.5" SATA drive in my desktop I can re-purpose for this task, if there is a external case for it that would not need a power source other than maybe a couple USB ports for power. Would something like this be possible, or would I be limited by the USB ports lack of a 12V power supply? 

 

TLDR: NEED more HDD space. 

Lowest price possible (per GB). 

No AC power. 

2TB+ (x2) or 3TB+ (x1) necessary. 

USB3, Firewire, or eSATA data connection. 

 

Thanks for the help in advance. 

[DarrenP]

Let me start by saying, I am looking for more storage in my new to me HP Elitebook 8560w laptop. It is currently using a single 256GB SSD (Adata SP600) and a external 1TB USB3 Seagate drive (910GB Used). I would prefer the new expansion to have the most space possible without crazy mods, and to not need any external power source (be available when mobile and away from a AC outlet or Cigar Lighter). Ports available are 2 USB3 ports, 3 USB2 ports (1 with charging feature), a USB2/eSATA combo, and a Firewire (800 iirc) port. Note that I do not want to sacrifice the upgrade bay, as I actually use my DVD-RW DL drive often. 

 

On a Side note, I have a 3TB Seagate 3.5" SATA drive in my desktop I can re-purpose for this task, if there is a external case for it that would not need a power source other than maybe a couple USB ports for power. Would something like this be possible, or would I be limited by the USB ports lack of a 12V power supply? 

 

TLDR: NEED more HDD space. 

Lowest price possible (per GB). 

No AC power. 

2TB+ (x2) or 3TB+ (x1) necessary. 

USB3, Firewire, or eSATA data connection. 

 

Thanks for the help in advance. 

Does it need to be portable? You could also buy a NAS or build one, hook it up to your home network and bob will happen to become your uncle. 

 

if not you wont be able to get more than 2TB without using a plug in the wall device. 

[Sheldon_King]

Does it need to be portable? You could also buy a NAS or build one, hook it up to your home network and bob will happen to become your uncle. 

 

if not you wont be able to get more than 2TB without using a plug in the wall device. 

150% Must be portable, as I am on the move constantly.  

 

While I understand that it is most likely going to be able to be done with a desktop drive, what you said is not right. It is possible to grab an off the shelf Seagate 4TB that runs off USB power http://www.seagate.com/external-hard-drives/portable-hard-drives/performance/backup-plus-fast-hdd/ Only problem being it cost well over double what 2x2TB seagates cost, Not looking to spend over 200USD on it (2 2TB seagates are about 160+ shipping), but I prefer a single drive. (but I guess it would not be damaging to use velcro and Super 88 electric tape to make 2 drives one physical unit (tape them together).