Hello all (incl @Andy Kay)
Regarding drives:
On eBay (where else?) I notice an external "caddy" for 2 1/2 inch drives.
In the photo below you can see one (of many) that are available.
These aren't lightning fast - but I find them convenient for portable "USB connected" storage.
I have no financial (or other) interest in these items. I just use them.
The drive (of course) must be purchased separately from the caddy.
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When I buy a drive to fit the caddy I always check the current rating. I try to choose a drive that draws 0.55A - and even this current demand is fractionally over the 500mA rating for a USB connector. However, few items actually draw the current load stated on the spec sheet - so I feel confident I'm not overloading the USB port.
I bought several of these caddies. These are convenient for back-up. (I only the Puppy 'save' file to save the operating configs.)
Mounting the drive in the caddy is a delicate operation. I always buy a metal drive, not a transparent (or plastic) item. I figure metal dissipates the heat better than plastic and isn't susceptible to static charge. When mounting the drive, take care to avoid contact between the drive card electronics and the metal case. Some suppliers provide small 'sticky-back' cushions to separate the electronics from the box.
That's all for this posting.
Hope others find these items useful.
You can, of course, just use a standard 'thumb-drive' in the USB port.
There are more ways to kill a cat than by drowning it in cream.
Cobaka.