Going to finally start using TM.
Been looking at Western Digital, but I'm open to any suggestions.

First question is do I really need to get their "Mac" version?
I think the answer is no.

Second question is can I use the smaller footprint "Passport" vs the "My Book"? The Passport doesn't need external power, but my concern is will it over heat being "on" all the time being hooked up to TM.

TIA

Joe

Cheers and Peace to all old friends.

Seagate has some interesting drives. I've had quality issues in the past with WD, so I don't consider them. I prefer buying the bare drive and then buying an enclosure for it.

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the reply, hope all is well.

I'm doing fine. Just need more hours at work, a full-time job, or another PT job.

I agree with MacBozo - I've always avoided WD drives. Seagate have a much longer proven track record.

You do NOT need the "Mac version" - you're just paying extra to have the drive pre-formatted. Buy the cheaper one and format it yourself with Disk Utility. You'll probably miss out on any pre-installed software, but that's usually Windows-only stuff anyway.

As far as the USB-powered vs. external power depends on your use. If you're leaving it plugged-in to a laptop all the time, you're going to drain the battery fast. If it's plugged-in to a desktop, it's not that big a deal, but then why not just get the powered one to begin with.

The external power drives are going to be more reliable in the long run. Especially when you consider what you're using it for - backing-up your valuable data.

If you're just using it for ocassional backups or transporting files, then the USB-powered drives are probably fine.

LOL

Reminds me of when I went into a CompUSA store way back when Macs had a floppy drive. I bought a pack of 10 floppies and was promptly told that the floppies will not work on a Mac at all <- to funny

Thanks for the replies!

Here is what I ordered, couldn't pass up the deal.....but if anyone has any bad info or experience, still is welcome.....Thanks

Joe

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/produ...48C0A00180148A0

Wow! Sweet deal.

Yea, to good to pass up.

So when I get the drive I guess I need to use Disk Utility to format (what format? Journaled?) then I was thinking of partitioning.........My iMac is 320GB but I'm only using 99GB and really don't see it growing significantly any time soon.
Was thinking of 320GB 180GB split, using 320 for TM and just having the 180 available for ????? not sure what, will TM handle everything?

Crap... I went back to the link to buy one and between this morning and now it expired.


I would just dedicate the drive for TM.