Dilemma With Mac Mini

[Tuned MP5T]

The Mac mini comes with only one FireWire connection and Two USB connections. What I wanted to do is store all my music and office files on an external HD but my iPod will be connected to the FireWire. So now I don't know if I should use the FireWire connection for the external HD or iPod. Or just dump the idea of a external HD. But I read on the site it's good to back your system up and also that the FireWire connection for the HD is better then USB.

[switchedanhappy]

USB 2.0 is actually faster than firewire by 80 mbps. (fw=400 mbps, USB 2= 480 mbps) so i'd say use the firewire for your ipod, and plug in the external hdd with one of the faster usb 2 ports. firewire 800 however is faster than USB 2, but there is no firewire 800 included on the mac mini, so no worries. short answer: firewire--->ipod, USB2--->external hdd. hope that helps!

[dejo]

Most external FW drives have more than one port on them (to allow daisy-chaining). Just plug the FW HD into the mini and plug the iPod into the FW HD.

[Romulan]

Why can't you use USB 2.0 for your ipod? I do! :p

[Tuned MP5T]

Yeah it helps. On my PC the C:/ drive is use just for program files. While the D:/ is use for Music, Photos, and Office files. Can this be done on the Mac mini with an external HD?

Sorry but coming from the Windows, Mac is like learning a different language. :(

[dejo]

Yeah it helps. On my PC the C:/ drive is use just for program files. While the D:/ is use for Music, Photos, and Office files. Can this be done on the Mac mini with an external HD?

Sorry but coming from the Windows, Mac is like learning a different language. :(

Yeah, external HDs just appear as separate volumes on your desktop, in Finder, etc.

And I'd say Mac isn't a different language, just a different dialect. :)

[jsw]

USB 2.0 is actually faster than firewire by 80 mbps. (fw=400 mbps, USB 2= 480 mbps) ...
Actually, most multi-port drives (including the iPod) work faster connected to FW than USB because FW achieves closer to its rated capacity than USB tends to. I go with the suggestion to plug the iPod into the drive FW piggyback port.

You can try both, but I'd be willing to bet you lose performance with a USB2.0-connected drive over a FW400 one.

[sjpetry]

Why can't you use USB 2.0 for your ipod? I do! :p

I believe USB 2.0 doesn't charge your iPod.

[AliensAreFuzzy]

I believe USB 2.0 doesn't charge your iPod.
It does on the 4Gs

[sjpetry]

It does on the 4Gs

My bad. :o

[jsw]

My bad. :o
Don't be embarrassed - I thought the same thing, and I own a 4G. I had to plug it in during my original reply to stop me from writing the same thing you did. I'd never used the USB plug.

[AliensAreFuzzy]

Most external FW drives have more than one port on them (to allow daisy-chaining). Just plug the FW HD into the mini and plug the iPod into the FW HD.
I do this with mine

Actually, most multi-port drives (including the iPod) work faster connected to FW than USB because FW achieves closer to its rated capacity than USB tends to. I go with the suggestion to plug the iPod into the drive FW piggyback port.

You can try both, but I'd be willing to bet you lose performance with a USB2.0-connected drive over a FW400 one.
I definately agree that Firewire is faster. While USB 2.0 has a faster initial burst, Firewire tends to have a faster average speed

[sjpetry]

Don't be embarrassed - I thought the same thing, and I own a 4G. I had to plug it in during my original reply to stop me from writing the same thing you did. I'd never used the USB plug.

Thanks :) , I always thought that firewire was the only one that charged devices. I would be guessing it would also charge the 3G iPod. Am I right?

[jsw]

Thanks :) , I always thought that firewire was the only one that charged devices. I would be guessing it would also charge the 3G iPod. Am I right?
I don't think it does. Don't have a 3G to play with, don't want to download the manual. AliensAreFuzzy's reply suggests that it doesn't, but I don't know. :)

[jsw]

Thanks :) , I always thought that firewire was the only one that charged devices. I would be guessing it would also charge the 3G iPod. Am I right?
And, of course, it charges the Shuffle! :p

[sjpetry]

And, of course, it charges the Shuffle! :p

Sorry to be off-topic but on eBay people are paying around $170 - $200 for the 512MB Shuffle which retails at $99. :eek:

[jsw]

Sorry to be off-topic but on eBay people are paying around $170 - $200 for the 512MB Shuffle which retails at $99. :eek:
They're insane.

And I'm an idiot for not buying ten of them yesterday.

[sjpetry]

They're insane.

And I'm an idiot for not buying ten of them yesterday.

I am buying 3 on Saturday to throw on eBay. Buying them at the Chicago Store - North Michigan Ave. :D

Edit: are they selling them at the stores yet. As in tomorrow? :confused:

[jsw]

I am buying 3 on Saturday to throw on eBay. Buying them at the Chicago Store - North Michigan Ave. :D

Edit: are they selling them at the stores yet. As in tomorrow? :confused:
I bought mine at an Apple Store in NH yesterday. Those eBay prices are going to plummet in a few days.

[Peterkro]

Firewire400 is I believe faster in real terms than USB2.0,this I believe is because FW is a master to master setup,while USB is master to slave.

Here is one of many sites comparing the two if anyones interested http://www.frozentech.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7&Itemid=1