fgp wrote:1. I would like to put a 1tb drive into the brand new box, can i format the hard disk using copy+ and then put the drive straight into the brand new box and turn it on??
Copy+ can not format a source disk on it's own. It always requires a donor disk to copy from with the pre-initialised system files on it (Copy+ can not create these from scratch).
Check the Darwin FAQ to see what you are planning is still possible if your box has the Darwin release.
2. What is the most reliable 1tb drive out there for skd hd boxes??
Exact same make and model series as the supplied drive is a fairly safe bet.
Other than that check the forums posts to see what others are using in your box model.
Sorry, but there are just too many box and drive combinations for me to test or advise individually.