HR44 or HS17?

We are finally upgrading an original Genie box to something new since it constantly freezes up. Customer service said Genie 2 would allow for an external HD. Turns out that is not actually true. Our tech said he can get an HR44 with an eSATA port on the back. He does not have access to any old HS17s with the eSATA port.

Anyone out there use the HR44 and successfully attached an external drive? I know we'll lose all the recordings on there now when connect to a new box. I've read on multiple posts that the eSATA doesn't work anymore on boxes that have them. Looking for advise. Thanks!