Which accessories for new MBP?

[Standard]

My 15" MBP has left Shanghai this morning. Expected delivery by Monday, Beats arrived early. Can't wait!

I'm in need of an external drive only for backups - not a working drive. Files will be large, > 20 gb around average. What I need to know is, should I go with an HDD or SSD? Something like the Lacie Rugged or Porsche Design vs the Samsung T5?

For a backup drive I don't care if the HDD takes a bit longer to transfer files, what I am mostly concerned about is longevity and how delicate they are. For that reason, is it better to get an SDD because they are more durable? I haven't used an external in years so that's why I ask. Never used Time Machine before, either.

The Apple Leather Sleeve looks really nice, but it is expensive. What do you guys think of the Mujjo or Amazon Basic sleeves?

Was looking at the BookArc but am wondering if keeping the machine in clam mode causes issues? Read somewhere that people were reporting damaged screens from heat. Perhaps it's better to get the HiRise?

 

[leman]

For a backup drive I don't care if the HDD takes a bit longer to transfer files, what I am mostly concerned about is longevity and how delicate they are.

Get more than one. Better, yet, also get a NAS that supports TM so that you can backup over WiFi.

 

[Standard]

Get more than one. Better, yet, also get a NAS that supports TM so that you can backup over WiFi.

Thanks. It just occurred to me I can make my 1TB Samsung 850 Evo into a portable with an enclosure. USB C is the best connector to go with for speed right?

 

[leman]

Thanks. It just occurred to me I can make my 1TB Samsung 850 Evo into a portable with an enclosure. USB C is the best connector to go with for speed right?

USB C is just a connector... its not "better or worse" for speed, you need to look at the protocol that is supported by the hardware. For speed, you'd want USB3.1 at least. If your HDD comes with USB-C cable out of the box, its of course more convenient, since you can plug it into the MBP without needing an extra adapter or cable.

 

[Clix Pix]

My recommendation is Samsung's T5, which is small, very fast and great for use not only at home but on the road as well.

 

[Standard]

USB C is just a connector... its not "better or worse" for speed, you need to look at the protocol that is supported by the hardware. For speed, you'd want USB3.1 at least. If your HDD comes with USB-C cable out of the box, its of course more convenient, since you can plug it into the MBP without needing an extra adapter or cable.

Ok thanks! I didn't know that there was no difference in speed between the two. It's an internal SSD, so that's why I would need a case for it with a connector.

My recommendation is Samsung's T5, which is small, very fast and great for use not only at home but on the road as well.

Yes, everyone has given great feedback on these drives. If I can salvage my internal SSD for this use right now, that would be great.

 

[DeanPSN]

I'm using the G-DRIVE Mobile SSD that Apple sells on their website. (Depending on country)

• Interface: (1) USB 3.1 Gen 2
• Transfer Rate: Up to 560MB/s

Same speeds as Samsung T5, has IP67 water and dust resistance, 3-meter drop protection, and a 1000lb crushproof rating.

I'm extremely happy with it.

 

[Clix Pix]

I also have a G-Drive Mobile SSD, which I like a lot except for one thing -- the ridiculously short cable! As with Samsung's T5, the box includes two cables, one with USB-C to USB-C and the other with USB-C to USB-A,which is very convenient. The cables for the Samsung are a reasonable length, but the ones provided with the G-Drive are very, very short, probably about three inches, which can be problematic unless one doesn't mind the thing dangling off the computer, which would be the case if used with an iMac or with an MBP or other laptop that is elevated on a stand. When using my G-Drive SSD I swap cables and use a longer one from one of my T5s.

Aside from all that.... As someone earlier recommended in this thread, it would be advisable to actually have two backups, so, OP, even if you do salvage and repurpose your current internal SSD by putting it into an enclosure, you still might want to seriously consider also purchasing an external SSD as well in order to have two backups.