Question for computer boffs External HD's

[Eeyore]

Whatever you do do not use SSD for long term storage of files. In my experience SSDs last about a year and a half and HDDs last about 6 years. Once its gone its gone. CDs and things will last 10 years plus but the best form of storage is tape which of course is impractical. My best advice would be to get 2x HDDs and run them in raid config so you have two copies. As soon as one breaks get another! Its unlikely both will break at once!