I need a backup HD and another D for projects and files...

I wonder if I could get some help. I see that some of the SSDs are reasonable in the 250G range I would consider one of those if I could install W8, X2, and all my plugs on it and use it as a dual boot. Hoever I don't know if it would then be insulated from the internal drive.
Right now I am using an i5 lpatop which has an e-SATA port. I suppose I would use it.
 
OR, and more likely should I get a couple or three 1TB 7200 RPm drives, use one for projects, one for backup, and one for samples, loops, midi, etc.
 
Then should I get an external enclosure that will hold three or more drives or get one that has slots that I can insert a couple of drives into.
 
I really have no clue what I should invest in eccept Acronis before it is too late. As of now I don't have too much stuff that I can't just re-install. I have a few recordings but I wouldn't be too put out if they were lost. However, I know I need to do this.
 
Also, what brands and models are most reliable in your opinion.
 
Many thinks!! and if, out of my ignorance, I didn't ask the right questions or all the questions... please help me.
 
I do plan on getting a Studiocat desktop system this year and I suppose at that point I will put all my drives except one in it. I want to have one in a faradaycage or pouch.
 
Understand, I don't know much... I don't even know what a raid system is... I just have an internal HD and a backp HD but I am not yet cloning.
 
Thank you!
 
J

Thanks Jim. The reason I was thinking about an external enclosure for full size internal drives is that I am now limited to a laptop. So I would use the internal laptop drive, it is a 500G 7200 drive and I'm sure will be great for my OS and programs. Then an external for samples, projects or audio, and one more for backup imaging. Then I would hope to use them in one of your builds when I get tmoney for that. In other reading I get the idea that WD Caviar Black drives are good and Seagate Barracudas are good.

Thanks for the help... and since I am thinking ahead to using whatever drives I buy now in a Studiocat, am I on the right track?

Again.. Thanks!
Julien