[Rodster]

I plan on buying one when Leopard shows up. I want to buy a fast USB2.0/Firewire external hard drive, install OSX 10.5 on it and use it as my primary drive. Does OSX allow for external booting?

[the_glassman]

Yes, OSX has supported this as long as I can remember. You just install the OSX on the external drive and use Firewire target (hold the t key down on bootup) when booting. Also you can choose your startup disc in the system preferences pane.

[Andy8]

Originally Posted by Rodster

I plan on buying one when Leopard shows up. I want to buy a fast USB2.0/Firewire external hard drive, install OSX 10.5 on it and use it as my primary drive. Does OSX allow for external booting?

I have been using an external Firewire drive as my primary drive for almost 18 months without a drama. Mind you I am using FW800 and a 7200 rpm external drive to boot from, which is very snappy indeed

I should mention I am not using a Mini, but a G4 Powerbook with a FW800 port.

[Rodster]

Thanks fellas woohoo. The only reason i'm even considering this is because the SATA drives in the mini's are still 5400 rpm.

Can't wait for Leopard so I can pickup a mini. Oh btw check out my very cool looking future external HD.

Western Digital Extreme Lighted 250GB 3.5" External Hard Drive - Retail at Newegg.com

[chipchen]

Target Disk Mode is for turning the computer itself into an external HD. Holding down the OPTION key during start up will allow you to choose start up disks.