External hard drive for multiple macs

[uptowngirl]

Hi,

I have an iMac and a Macbook Pro 13' and need an external hard drive for back ups.

I was looking at getting a refurbished time capsule but these are still relatively pricey (although i probably wouldn't rule it out). Can anyone suggest alternatives? I don't really know what i need for two macs and whether i should be looking out for any particular features.

Thanks

 

[GimmeSlack12]

I think the best way to do this is to get an external drive and hook it up to a computer and then share the drive. On all your other computers connect to the drive on startup and aim TimeMachine at it. Boom, all done!

EDIT: Maybe not the best way, but definitely a way to do it without a Time Capsule.

 

[stridemat]

I think the best way to do this is to get an external drive and hook it up to a computer and then share the drive. On all your other computers connect to the drive on startup and aim TimeMachine at it. Boom, all done!

+1

Cheapest and easiest option! Time Capsule would work very well for what you need, but compared to the above option, very pricey!

 

[velocityg4]

Though if you have a lot of files on the MBP. You may want to upgrade to an 802.11n router assuming your have not yet done so to speed up the backup process.

You may also want to separate the external into two partitions. So that the iMac and the MBP are not competing for time machine space.

 

[MacFanUK]

The only issue with that suggestion is that the computer that has the hard drive attached will need to be on when in order for the other computer to access the drive.

You could either buy a NAS drive (which are getting cheaper) or if your router supports it, plug a USB drive into it.

 

[velocityg4]

The only issue with that suggestion is that the computer that has the hard drive attached will need to be on when in order for the other computer to access the drive.

You could either buy a NAS drive (which are getting cheaper) or if your router supports it, plug a USB drive into it.

As far as the NAS goes one might as well just leave the iMac on and allow the screen to turn off when not in use, most people I have seen disable the energy saving features anyways and leave the computer on 24/7. Though with most NAS' I have seen it would be cheaper to build one yourself.

 

[uptowngirl]

Thanks. Will firewire make a noticable difference over USB? I will have a few videos and photos and design files to backup.

 

[stridemat]

Thanks. Will firewire make a noticable difference over USB? I will have a few videos and photos and design files to backup.

If you have the choice, go with Firewire. Its much faster at sustained read/writes

 

[eXan]

Thanks. Will firewire make a noticable difference over USB? I will have a few videos and photos and design files to backup.

Yes! Especially if you get FW800.