Shoutbox

I've got/had:

Western Digital 320GB oooold style...lasted ages until I plugged in the wrong power supply...and even then after a bit of fixing and fiddling it worked again (my brother now uses it)

Western Digital My Passport Elite 500GB...absolutely brilliant drive, quiet as anything, no external power supply, ULTRA portable

Seagate 750GB...again, absolutely brilliant, haven't had any problems in almost a year.

Basically go with WD or Seagate...unless it's going to be used solely on a desktop then I'd look to get one without a power supply, it's so much less hassle.