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JesseHolmz · Feb 5, 2010, 03:24 PM

could someone recommend a solution for an external backup drive for a macbook pro?

turtle777 · Feb 5, 2010, 03:31 PM

You need to be more vague

USB or Firewire ?
What storage size ?
Self-powered or with power adapter ?
Price range ?

-t

JesseHolmz · Feb 5, 2010, 03:44 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

You need to be more vague

USB or Firewire ?
What storage size ?
Self-powered or with power adapter ?
Price range ?

-t

sorry... as far as USB or firewire goes, either one is fine although i'm sure it will affect the price range, so i'll start with that. i'd like to stick in the 100 or less range. self powered doesn't matter, reliability is more important to me, this isn't something i would be bringing anywhere. thanks for the help

turtle777 · Feb 5, 2010, 03:53 PM

Well, if you go with USB, it means you can't use it as a backup for a complete bootable OS X install, only for data.

I'm still not sure what you mean by "External HD vs. Enclosure" ?
Personally, I only use FW ext. HDs, so I really can't help too much with affordable USB drives.

-t

JesseHolmz · Feb 5, 2010, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

Well, if you go with USB, it means you can't use it as a backup for a complete bootable OS X install, only for data.

I'm still not sure what you mean by "External HD vs. Enclosure" ?
Personally, I only use FW ext. HDs, so I really can't help too much with affordable USB drives.

-t

yeah i would only be using it for data, important files. by enclosure i mean an enclosure you would use with an internal HD

turtle777 · Feb 5, 2010, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by JesseHolmz

yeah i would only be using it for data, important files. by enclosure i mean an enclosure you would use with an internal HD

Well, internal HD + enclosure = external HD.

I'm not sure why said External HD vs. Enclosure, because clearly, you are not only interested in an empty enclosure w/o a HD inside

-t

JesseHolmz · Feb 5, 2010, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

Well, internal HD + enclosure = external HD.

I'm not sure why said External HD vs. Enclosure, because clearly, you are not only interested in an empty enclosure w/o a HD inside

-t

sorry, i was assuming that when i said enclosure it would have you under the impression that i would also buy an internal drive to use in it.

turtle777 · Feb 5, 2010, 04:23 PM

Ok. Here's the scoop:

It's cheaper if you buy the HD and enclosure separately.

Everything else: I'd check Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, Digital Cameras and more!, they have good prices and fantastic customer service.

Look at the comments and feedback to see if a product is good.

-t

Spheric Harlot · Feb 5, 2010, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

Well, if you go with USB, it means you can't use it as a backup for a complete bootable OS X install, only for data.

What?

besson3c · Feb 5, 2010, 04:26 PM

Note that newer Macs laptops do not come with Firewire.

Newer Intel Macs support USB booting: Mac 101: Yes, Intel Macs can be booted from an external USB drive . I would get the highest recommended USB drive from NewEgg.

turtle777 · Feb 5, 2010, 04:35 PM

ALL newer Intel Macs, or just a few ?

-t

besson3c · Feb 5, 2010, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

ALL newer Intel Macs, or just a few ?

-t

Starting from an external USB storage device (Intel-based Macs)

SierraDragon · Feb 5, 2010, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by JesseHolmz

could someone recommend a solution for an external backup drive for a macbook pro?

For backup only USB 2 drives (slower) are fine. Just get a deal from newegg.com or dealmac.com or OWC http://www.owcomputing.com.

Personally I repurpose drives all the time so I only buy drives that have both FW800 and USB ports.

-Allen Wicks

Spheric Harlot · Feb 5, 2010, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

ALL newer Intel Macs, or just a few ?

All Macs released since January 2006 have been able to boot from USB just fine.

Simon · Feb 6, 2010, 02:39 AM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Newer Intel Macs support USB booting: Mac 101: Yes, Intel Macs can be booted from an external USB drive .

Originally Posted by turtle777

ALL newer Intel Macs, or just a few ?

Umm yeah, news flash. Every Intel Mac can boot from USB. Always has been that way.

And yet the question keeps popping up every once in a while. I have no idea why this isn't crystal clear to everyone by now. Maybe Apple should put little stickers on their computers that say so.

tooki · Feb 7, 2010, 12:15 PM

Even some PPC Macs can boot from USB.

Spheric Harlot · Feb 7, 2010, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by tooki

Even some PPC Macs can boot from USB.

Namely G3 PowerMacs and Rev A & B (possibly C as well) G3 iMacs, IIRC.

spencers · Feb 9, 2010, 11:27 AM

Check out the daily deals at newegg. There's usually a decently sized hard drive on there for a good price.
Here's todays deal.
Newegg.com - HITACHI Deskstar HD31000 IDK/7K (0S00163) 1TB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Retail

I've been using these enclosures without any problems
Newegg.com - macally T-S350SU 3.5" USB & eSATA External Enclosure - External Enclosures