On that backup thing. After my first external drive died I went a little backup crazy. I use a 2 TB Western Digital MyBook II external drive. It has two internal 1TB hard drives. Using the software that came with the drive, the device is programed for RAID 1. To my understanding each, the internal drives is mirrored, one drive goes the other is, with any luck is ready to go. I also have a 2nd external drive configured the same as the WD drive is and I use "Carbon Copy Clone" software to made a clone backup. Yeah, I know it's overkill but loading 2000+ CD's is a pain.
External drives
I'm pretty new to PC audio. I'm using a mac mini as server and have begun to import my cds. I'm getting the impression that drives are not created equal. I've been using a Samsung. Should I wait until I get a 'better' drive before ripping any more music with the theory that playback will be better with another/better drive? I'm thinking that I'll buy a Plextor for $85.00. Thanks for your comments.