External Backup Scheme with Lion

CCC can make a bootable backup of your entire drive, including user data, apps, operating system, etc. TM cannot make bootable backups.

I see no reason to create 2 partitions. The time machine backup files just exist in a hidden folder on your normal-formated external disk that can still be used any way you like.

Just format the drive normally with 1 partition, install a bootable OS X on it, and then when you're asked if you want to use that drive as your time machine backup drive simply click "yes".

bmwpowere36m3 said:

I have a 500GB external HD that I've used with my old MBP and now I'm questioning whats the best scheme for backing up my MBP HD. I was thinking:

• Partition 1: Bootable OS X (with nothing, like factory install), to use in troubleshooting if my MBP dies.
• Partition 2: Use Time Machine or CCC to backup all files

I don't know the pros or cons of using TM vs. CCC. Some help would be appreciated. If I did decide to create a bootable partition, what size would it need to be (blank OS X Lion). Thanks.

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Multiple backup strategies are always good. As well as multiple external drives that get rotated in/out.

I am just using time machine right now but rotating multiple drives in and out. Periodically I erase the current time machine backup partition thus forcing a new complete time machine backup.