I use a pair of 500 GB LaCie d2 quadra drives--one for storage and one for backup. I have them connected to my macbook via firewire for the storage drive and USB 2 for the backup. I've had them for about six months and so far no problems with either (knock on wood). Whatever brand you end up choosing, I would definitely recommend getting 2 drives with at least 500 GB of storage, or more if you can afford it.
Regardless of the brand's reputation, external hard drives can always fail. Without a backup, you are faced with the morale-crushing prospect of re-ripping/re-downloading all your music. I make it a habit with each new cd I'm ripping or piece of music I download to immediately copy it to my backup drive. Call me paranoid, but experience has taught me well. Good luck in your search.
Regardless of the brand's reputation, external hard drives can always fail. Without a backup, you are faced with the morale-crushing prospect of re-ripping/re-downloading all your music. I make it a habit with each new cd I'm ripping or piece of music I download to immediately copy it to my backup drive. Call me paranoid, but experience has taught me well. Good luck in your search.