I have an external hard drive, but have pretty much stopped using it. Instead, I started using USB Thumb drives. I have separate ones for different type files, e.g. photos, music, video, documents etc.

I just found them more convenient to use as they plug in directly (no cable), don't need external power, and are small and easily carried or safely stored. Also, with an OTG USB cable, I can access the data on these drives from my Android smartphone & tablet.
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"Better is the enemy of good enough."