Boot from External SSD?

Hi there,

Now I've seen plenty of videos and images/walkthroughs outlining how to install an internal SSD into an iMac, (my model is the one in my sig). But I'd really like to keep my warranty in check (3 years apple care!). I've seen a few posts that have said you can use an external SSD for your boot drive and run OSX on it, programmes ect, then have your original SATA drive for media just like an internal SSD would operate.

Now surly there must be some sort of catch, as if this was the case why would people risk breaking their beloved iMacs by stripping them (apart from the enjoyment side) when they could just have an external SSD? After all, the machine doesn't move anywhere?

p.s If i was to do this, and it is possible - which external SSD would you recommend?

Great reply and great links, thank you!

In terms of manoeuvrability, if I needed to move my Mac say to another room.. would removing the SSD from the back of the Mac then putting it back in cause any bother (I guessed no, but better to be safe).