You may have noticed that high quality dual layer DVD discs have become almost impossible to find. While most electronics stores carry one or two brands, they tend to sell only cheaply made products at high prices. This trend is a particular problem if you use these discs to store large files for work or personal use. One solution to this problem is to buy an external hard drive that can be used to store all of your large files in one place. There are a few things to consider, however, before going out and buying the first hard drive you see. Factors such as reputation, quality and the type of earth magnets used in the device should all be a part of your final decision.