I am trying to find a usb powered hard drive to install in the xB. I live in the Midwest so the potential temperature range inside the car is -20 to 150++. I don't really need anything larger than 320GB. Any ideas on drives that can take the temperature swings and not crap out?

 

Western digital black drives are pretty tough.

So are these AV-25's
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=811

 

Newegg.com has a pretty large selection of drives and plenty of user evaluations. If you know what you want or if you're still looking, they're worth taking a look at.

 

Hmm... looks like these have a minimum operating temp of 32 degrees. I know some vehicle manufacturers are starting to include hard drives in their vehicles, what are they using?

 

Well, here's my 2 cents on the deal. I'm an I.T. Network Engineer and Database Administrator professionally...

The min. operating temp in this case is simply due to the HD having moving parts internally. You could mount the drive somewhere in the car that you could gradually bring it up to a safe operating temp. And also make sure it's in a location that will generally not see direct sunlight.
Electronics in general can handle being exposed to colder temps much better w/o damaging the unit than being exposed to high temps, regardless whether or not the device is on or off.

 

Yeah, it can be in lower temps, that's just a lower operating temp. The stock radio in my car moves a little slow when it was a 10 degree day in va. I think a good HDD, in a good external case, mounted IN the car is what you want. Put it under a seat or something.