If you don't need 1tb then I wouldn't get one that large (I am assuming this is for backups). Instead I would invest in a couple smaller drives and rotate them for backups and store one off-site if possible.
I haven't used any external hard drives recently but some of the better name brands are:
Western Digital
Seagate
Iomega
Amazon is a good place to order so is
Tiger Direct .
If you need any additional help let me know.
Allison