Best HD size for family time machine?

O

oify

macrumors newbie
After the new airport update, I can use my airport extreme as time machine network :D

I have three computers I'd like to hook up to a hard drive on my airport extreme to use with time machine, but what's the best size to get?

The three computers use around 250GB altogether, but I know more files will be added over time.

Would 500GB be enough, or would 750GB or even 1TB be better?
 
I would go for a drive the size of all the HDs together or larger, just to be safe. Also, you can have several HDs connected using a USB hub, giving each system its own Time Machine Drive, which should be about the same size as the systems drive.

TEG
 
sounds like a good idea, the size of all of them is about 390GB.

so 500gb would probably be the best, would I be able to find a "bus-powered" version that only uses one usb cord?
 
No, if you have 3 400GB HDs you want at least 1TB. At that size, you will need a poweradapter to keep it running, as most require more power than USB can supply.

TEG
 
also, remember that you do not need to backup 'everything' just what you will need - so that will reduce the size requirements too. That being said, still plan on growth.
 
oify said:
After the new airport update, I can use my airport extreme as time machine network :D

I have three computers I'd like to hook up to a hard drive on my airport extreme to use with time machine, but what's the best size to get?

The three computers use around 250GB altogether, but I know more files will be added over time.

Would 500GB be enough, or would 750GB or even 1TB be better?
Click to expand...

I was unable to get my HD to show up as a TM target in TM prefs, called apple tech support and they told me the update DID NOT support AEBS with external HD and TM! I was so mad I hung up instead of cussing.
Is there somewhere that says the update 7.3.1 allows AEBS w/External HDD to be used as a TM target?
 
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