What's the best way to offload some large files from my MBP?

[davidg4781]

I have a 1TB MBP that's currently at 750GB of usage. 267GB are in Documents and at the top of the list are a several movies I've taken using a GoPro or I've ripped from some VHS tapes (old home movies mostly).

I don't access these on a day to day basis. My original plan is to convert these into smaller files but I'd like to keep the originals. I just bought a My Passport 2TB for Time Machine backups for $80. Would it be best to buy another one for files like this? After they're removed, those files will basically sit in my drawer. Maybe just a USB stick?

 

[gilby101]

I don't access these on a day to day basis. My original plan is to convert these into smaller files but I'd like to keep the originals. I just bought a My Passport 2TB for Time Machine backups for $80. Would it be best to buy another one for files like this? After they're removed, those files will basically sit in my drawer. Maybe just a USB stick?

Yes, but another one for the video files. And yes, they will sit in your drawer. USB sticks are less reliable than a full size SSD - it is a matter risk against cost. You do need to consider backup of the videos as you now only have one copy of the videos (in your drawer).

My suggestion is: SSD big enough for current and future videos (or other large files) that you need to offload. A somewhat larger SSD or HDD to hold a) Time Machine backup of system disk, and b) a copy of what is on the data/video SSD. Usual sizing is twice the system disk for TM, plus space to at least duplicate the offloaded videos.

 

[davidg4781]

OK yeah I was thinking how that might work. I really wouldn't want them to ONLY be in the drawer.

Would I be able to use that TM drive to store other items in a folder? Or would I need to have a separate partition? I bought a 2TB My Passport Ultra but I really wanted a larger one. They were out of stock and I do not currently have a backup solution so didn't want to wait. Maybe I buy a 4 or 5TB one later to store everything and the 2TB to store the video files for the drawer?

 

[gilby101]

Would I be able to use that TM drive to store other items in a folder? Or would I need to have a separate partition? I bought a 2TB My Passport Ultra but I really wanted a larger one.

When you first use the drive for TM, it will create a partition formatted as an APFS container and then create a volume within the container for TM. You can, in Disk Utility, add additional volumes. There is a three level hierarchy.
Disk (My Passport ULtra)
Partition formatted as APFS Container
TM volume
Other volume - for a backup copy of videos.
By default, the TM volume and "Other volume" will share the TB.
This hierarchy is visible in Disk Utility if you enable View > Show All Devices. Note that you will need to reformat the disk for use with your Mac - don't use any WD software.

How fast the TM volume fills depends on the quantity of file changes on your system disk. So you will need to keep an eye on this to make sure it doesn't over fill - I like minimum 20% free.

Obviously bigger is better for the backup, but not for your wallet.

Don't be alarmed if the first TM backup seems slow, subsequent ones will be quicker.

 

[davidg4781]

Alright sounds good! Now I just need to wait a few more days for my new HDD to get here via Amazon Prime.