to the mods: should this post belong in a different forum, let me know where it gets moved to, please.  i've opted for this forum to hopefully reach a general audience rather than those that specialise in a particular media...

i currently have a couple of external SSD drives - one that remains my constant mainstay, always in use, and one i'm using for back-up/cold storage, making sure to plug it in once a month or so to avoid degradation as much as possible.  it is my understanding, however, that HHDs are truly best for cold storage, and as such, i'm in the market for an HHD external to house my files.

i am not one to use cloud/DropBox type options, though i do understand the 3-2-1 ideology...

i've started doing research, reading reviews, etc., as my tech guru is no longer available to assist.  but i'm having trouble with sorting through so many conflicting opinions, and some of what folks have to say is tech speak that i simply do not understand, and i will if i must, but i truly don't have the mental accumin to also research all the meanings and specs and nuances of things i need to maybe consider, but seem unimportant as i just want a drive that works, is reliable, and can keep my files secure.  i do understand that experiences are individual as the unit itsel is individual, but surely there must be a general consensus... maybe?  hopefully?

anyway, i'm curious what folks here have used, are using, and whatever recommendations, experiences, advice and thoughts anyone cares to share...

thank so much in advance! :))