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Need External HD... I think

oldfella

oldfella

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 4, 2010
7
0
Tennessee
Don't know much about these computer contraptions, on top of that I just switched from PC to Mac (iMac) couple of weeks ago. I read some of the threads talking about external hard drives, in connection with the "Time "Machine" for back-ups, but some of these discussions just fly by me... over my head. I only have one computer, this iMac, and at my age my brain functions slowly. In plain dummy language, what do I need... I looked at one of these hard drives: "1TB Drive Station Combo External Hard Drive - USB Drive, FireWire 400 - Buffalo Technology, Mfr #HD-CE1OTIU2.." I want to stay at $100 or less, if possible. Is this a good choice? Suggestions and advice are welcome and appreciated. Thanks.

Pete (The Oldfella)
 
oldfella said:
Don't know much about these computer contraptions, on top of that I just switched from PC to Mac (iMac) couple of weeks ago. I read some of the threads talking about external hard drives, in connection with the "Time "Machine" for back-ups, but some of these discussions just fly by me... over my head. I only have one computer, this iMac, and at my age my brain functions slowly. In plain dummy language, what do I need... I looked at one of these hard drives: "1TB Drive Station Combo External Hard Drive - USB Drive, FireWire 400 - Buffalo Technology, Mfr #HD-CE1OTIU2.." I want to stay at $100 or less, if possible. Is this a good choice? Suggestions and advice are welcome and appreciated. Thanks.

Pete (The Oldfella)
Click to expand...

Frys is selling the WD Elements 1.5TB USB drive for $109 right now. It is literally a black box that you simply plug in. It comes with no software or other gimmicks that Time Machine users don't need anyways. So far, it is a nice quiet drive.
 
USB 2.0 is ok, however I would recommend Firewire over it for speed. I have both USB 2.0 and Firewire 400 drives for my Macbook Pro, G4 Tower, and Dell Optiplex. On all systems, my Buffalo Firewire 400 drive copies large files more quickly than the USB 2.0 drive.
 
840quadra said:
USB 2.0 is ok, however I would recommend Firewire over it for speed. I have both USB 2.0 and Firewire 400 drives for my Macbook Pro, G4 Tower, and Dell Optiplex. On all systems, my Buffalo Firewire 400 drive copies large files more quickly than the USB 2.0 drive.
Click to expand...

FW isnt necessary or even needed for backup.

Just buy whatever you see on sale locally (that seagate is good if you are near a frys) and plug it in. Dont worry if it doesnt say "Mac" on the box, 99.9999% of all drives work just fine.

some other helpful links:

http://www.apple.com/support/switch101/

http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/

http://www.lynda.com/home/ViewCourses.aspx?lpk0=67
 
Thanks for your responses, sorry I am late in acknowledging... I didn't set the required fields to receive email notifications. Especial thanks to BADGER for the helpful hints links. much appreciated.

What do you all think about this external drive, by Western Digital:
1.5 TB - USB 2.0, FireWire and eSATA - #WDH1CS15000DN on sale at Best Buy - Reg $169 now $129 - Thanks.

Pete (The Oldfella)
 
oldfella said:
Thanks for your responses, sorry I am late in acknowledging... I didn't set the required fields to receive email notifications. Especial thanks to BADGER for the helpful hints links. much appreciated.

What do you all think about this external drive, by Western Digital:
1.5 TB - USB 2.0, FireWire and eSATA - #WDH1CS15000DN on sale at Best Buy - Reg $169 now $129 - Thanks.

Pete (The Oldfella)
Click to expand...

It should be an excellent drive
I encountered problems with the 2TB version, but I think the 1.5 is OK
 
oldfella said:
After reading about the problems encountered with the 2 TB, especially not know what to do if I have problems with the .1.5 TB I mentioned, I am inclined not to go with Western Digital. What is your opinion on the LaCie d2 Quadra 1 TB? Thanks.

Pete
Click to expand...

Opinions on drives are like opinions on anything, ask 100 people if they like Pepsi or Coke and odds are you are going to get 50 people that like Pepsi and 50 people that like Coke.

Again, just buy whatever you find locally.

1.5TB is pretty big, more than necessary for backup.

1TB is really your sweet spot.

I saw the drive you found had FW, again, not really necessary, and usually inflates the price by a good $50.

heres 1TB for $109: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Seagate...8983772&ref=10&loc=Sunday Ad&id=1218004429317

same drive at staples for $99 http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;21257...nal-Hard-Drive/product_757888&cmArea=CIRCULAR

I dont think the drive you picked is bad, and it might be nice to use the FW port rather than taking up one of your USB ports, but its really not necessary -- and $70 is a pretty big chunk of $$$
 
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