You know, this might be the way to go. Buy a separate external HD. Below is a 1TB unit from Western Digital for $68.39. They're just a hair larger than a deck of cards and weigh slightly more so carrying one around is not a problem. By using this, you leave the operating system and programs on the Gateway HD.
WD 1TB External HD Amazon $68.39 2TB units are $89.
While this is made for newer USB 3.0 connections (due to age the Gateway will have USB 2.0 connections) all 3.0s are backwards compatible - they just don't deliver the 3.0 speed.
I believe there's also software loaded on it so that it will automatically serve as a back up HD for the Gateway in case it ever crashes. This may be beyond Mex's knowledge to execute, but if it happens, someone else (one of his kids?) can probably do it for him. And by being an external separate hard drive, it can be plugged into another PC if he changes computers.
I think this would be both the easiest and most cost efficient way of doing things. If he gets it ordered quickly, it should get to his address in CA to pick up on his trip. If not, he should be able to go into a Best Buy, pull up this add, and they'll match this price though he'll have to also pay taxes on it (8 - 12%?).
Other ideas?
Bill
