Backup MBP 13"

[imac2007]

I would like to use time machine to back up 13" MBP but what external hard drive to use. There are so many choose from which are the best. I do not want junk i only need about 500GB for storage.

 

[Richard1028]

There are so many choose from which are the best.

For every drive recommended here you'll find a post saying it's a piece of crap.

Get the cheapest you can find with the best warranty. As far as quality goes, they all have the same parts.

USB powered, 5400rpm will work fine.

 

[polaris20]

I would like to use time machine to back up 13" MBP but what external hard drive to use. There are so many choose from which are the best. I do not want junk i only need about 500GB for storage.

WD MyBook 500GB quad interface, or the 1TB version, which is what I use.

 

[Z06jerry]

I would like to use time machine to back up 13" MBP but what external hard drive to use. There are so many choose from which are the best. I do not want junk i only need about 500GB for storage.

For convenience and lack of clutter you might want to consider a bus powered 2.5" external. My 1st choice atm would be this one which also has a fast FW800 interface @ $129 (for 500 gb size)...
http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/products/external/freeagent/freeagent_go_mac/

or you can save a bit and get a much slower usb only interface...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148385
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822186181
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136318

 

[just charlie]

I got a new 500gb hard drive today-

Is it worth copying the contents of my current hard drive to the new one (using SuperDuper) instead of doing a fresh install? I got the MBP a week or so ago and haven't installed too much. I also have a full Time Machine backup on a USB hard drive - is that a better option to restore from?

 

[mrsir2009]

They are all very similar. I don't think it will make that much of a difference what one you pick...

 

[prodigee]

I would say just a get a drive that fits your requirements, if it needs to be portable, get one that does not require a secondary power source, if it needs to be a certain size and price, look at drives in those price ranges, most of these drives are exactly the same just with a different pretty enclosure.

 

[Richard1028]

I got a new 500gb hard drive today-

Is it worth copying the contents of my current hard drive to the new one (using SuperDuper) instead of doing a fresh install?

Yeah, just clone what you have now to the new drive and swap 'em out.