Best use of an External HD

I would also create a bootable copy of the internal HDD via CarbonCopyCloner, as that would keep you running even if the internal HDD fails.

For instance, I have a MBP with an SSD and HDD, where the SSD gets cloned to a partition on the HDD on a daily basis.
My iMac also has an SSD and that SSD gets backed up to an external FW800 HDD on a daily basis too, so if one SSD fails, I can still boot from the backup and use my iMac or/and MBP.

Just FYI...

You don't have to partition the drive for Time Machine and other files. Just stay out of the Backups.backupdb folder.

Other uses.

• Time Machine drive
• Store additional files/disk images
• Store your Parallels/Fusion VMs there
• Share a folder out to other machines on your network
• Make it your emergency boot drive

Only Firewire?

I was in the same boat - a Lacie 1 TB drive just sitting around - and I knew there had to be a use for it somewhere in my house. My Lacie was a quadra so it had eSATA port. I connected it to my DVR's eSATA port, vastly increasing its storage size.

In addition to bootable backups with CCC, I use external drives to store movies and TV shows, as well as other archives that I don't need available when I travel. I also split my iTunes library between internal and external drives, since it won't all fit on the internal. When I travel, I have my favorite music with me, and can still have the rest available when I'm on my wireless network.

KScottMyers said:

Just FYI...

You don't have to partition the drive for Time Machine and other files. Just stay out of the Backups.backupdb folder.

Other uses.

• Time Machine drive
• Store additional files/disk images
• Store your Parallels/Fusion VMs there
• Share a folder out to other machines on your network
• Make it your emergency boot drive

Click to expand...

If you don't partition the drive, then TM will continue to use up as much space as is available due to incremental back ups.

HD use with DVR?

sbk1799 said:

I was in the same boat - a Lacie 1 TB drive just sitting around - and I knew there had to be a use for it somewhere in my house. My Lacie was a quadra so it had eSATA port. I connected it to my DVR's eSATA port, vastly increasing its storage size.

Click to expand...

I have a Directv HD receiver/DVR and was told it had to be a specific brand bought from them. While I never trusted their answer, I never bothered experimenting either. What kind of DVR are you using? Thanks!

EricMN1 said:

I have a Directv HD receiver/DVR and was told it had to be a specific brand bought from them. While I never trusted their answer, I never bothered experimenting either. What kind of DVR are you using? Thanks!

Click to expand...

I'm with DirecTV, too. The DVR is definitely recording to the external HDD. After I accidentally disconnected the drive recently, my wife was in a panic that all her "Glee" episodes were gone. I then plugged the eSATA cable back in and, viola, all our recorded programs were there.

theSeb said:

If you don't partition the drive, then TM will continue to use up as much space as is available due to incremental back ups.

Click to expand...

That is correct. My point was you don't have to partition the drive for TM to operate - so you're not forced to predetermine a partition size.

KScottMyers said:

That is correct. My point was you don't have to partition the drive for TM to operate - so you're not forced to predetermine a partition size.

Click to expand...

Sure, but then you mentioned "Other uses" so I thought I would add that if you're planning on using a drive for both TM and other uses, it's best to partition it to keep TM in check.

theSeb said:

Sure, but then you mentioned "Other uses" so I thought I would add that if you're planning on using a drive for both TM and other uses, it's best to partition it to keep TM in check.

Click to expand...

Agreed. Wasn't nesessarly suggesting doing all of these other things at the same time. Just suggesting other uses. Thanks.

"I have already created a partition 40% for Time machine and 60% 'free'"

As another poster mentioned, use the "free" area to create a bootable clone backup using CarbonCopyCloner.

CCC is free and you can find it here:
http://www.bombich.com

BTW, CCC now has "Time Machine like" capabilities --- that is, it can not only maintain a bootable backup clone, but can also "archive" older-version (but changed) files, or files that you no longer keep on the main drive (and would otherwise be removed from your clone).

With these new capabilities, there is little need for TM at all. I consider it a HUGE waste of drive space.

Also, if you spend some time browsing the forums here at MacRumors, you are going to see post after post from users who are trying to access their TM backups in a moment of need, and.... can't.

There is nothing you can have backup-wise that is more useful in a moment of extreme need than a second, bootable drive. CCC can create this for you.

Looking to finally jump the gun and pick myself up a mini. After reading the threads on here I also decided it'd be a good idea to get an external HDD with at least 1TB for Time Machine. Do you guys have any recommendations? I was looking at these two:

http://www.amazon.com/LaCie-Minimus-Desktop-External-301967/dp/B0042KFLJE/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digit...4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1326297556&sr=1-4

Thanks in advance for your opinions!