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eVolcre

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Quick question - what is the best portable HD that can be powered from the MBA's USB hub without a power cable.

Thanks,

eV
 
I assume practically any portable HD can run from the MBA's USB port, considering that it can power the MBA SuperDrive.

In fact, the MBA SuperDrive is incompatible with everything else because it uses more power than a standard USB port supplies, power that the MBA has.

As for the specific brand of portable HD, anything works fine. I happen to like the WD passport series because there aren't a lot of cracks for grime to get into and damage the drive. Another option is to purchase a fairly sturdy Macally enclosure (not because it's macally, but because it's a good enclosure) and pop in a hard drive.
 
I've tested two different models, both worked fine.
Even a 320GB one which needs a lot of power.

I don't think you can go wrong.

I would pick a nice casing 2,5 inch, aluminium. And pick a good harddrive inside.

If you want maximum performance pick a 200GB Hitachi 7K200.
If you want maximum capacity pick a 320GB 5400 RPM like Samsung or WD.
If you want low powerconsumption, high capacity and low price, pick a 5400RPM 250GB, like a Samsung or WD for example.
 
Wow. Thanks guys for the quick responses.

Philflow - how about maximum style? 🙂 I like the leather covered 250 GB 5400 rpm eGo
 
FWIW I have a 320gb WD passport drive, small light and no external power. Works great on my air, even with an un-powered hub.
 
Philflow - how about maximum style? 🙂



🙂 Guess how that looks next to a MBA.

But yeah if you prefer leather the Iomega might be good. Seems expensive though. I paid 89 euros for my 320GB, and europe is normally a lot more expensive than US.
 


🙂 Guess how that looks next to a MBA.

But yeah if you prefer leather the Iomega might be good. Seems expensive though. I paid 89 euros for my 320GB, and europe is normally a lot more expensive than US.

Very sexy! Which one is that?

eV
 
I suppose there are no problems running more than one powered external HD simultaneously using an USB-hub?
 
The Western Dogital drives are good.

But make sure you read the packaging / tech specs on other "portable" drives. Many Non-WD drives require the use of 2 USB Ports for the added power. At BestBuy I recently saw several drives that had this constraint.
 
I'm using a Western Digital 320GB hard drive. It runs nicely and even can be powered using a non-powered USB hub. However, I find just carrying a 2.5" portable HD is a pain for the air when all I really bring is the air and nothing else when I goto class or work. lol
 
G-Drive Mini

I use a G-Drive mini and it's great. I originally bought a Lacie but just didn't get on with it. It seemed slower than the G-Drive mini, but I never sat down and compared them side by side.

At any rate, the G-Drive mini maintains that "apple aesthetic" to a tee, I think.
 
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