Can you swap an SSD drive between your desktop and your laptop seemlessly when certain data for travel is required?

[RussianSensation]

Hi,

A friend wants to purchase a

(1) Desktop and
(2) Apple Laptop
(3) 1 OCZ Vertex 60GB SSD drive.

He then wants to create 2 partitions on the 60GB SSD drive:

Partition 1: Windows 7 RC1
Partition 2: OSX

He then intends to use Windows 7 RC1 for his desktop and install Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver for work. When he travels he wants to be able to swap the SSD drive into the Apple notebook and use OSX, while still being able to open his Programs which he installed in Windows.

I do not believe one can do so?

I suggested to him to simply install Windows 7 RC1 and run Windows on both the desktop and the laptop (but then there is little reason to purchase the Apple notebook).

My question is what is the best way to resolve his dilemma?

 

[Elixer]

I would think it would depend on the bootloader, and how Apple's bootloader works...it should be possible to do this though.

Why not just use the SSD drive for data storage, then he can swap back & forth all they want.

In either case, the SSD has to be formatted with a file system that both machines can read, and I am not sure OS X can read NTFS and win 7 most likely can't read Apple's default file system.

 

[RussianSensation]

Thanks for the reply Elixer. He wants to use the SSD as the Primary HDD only for both systems, depending on travel needs.

Ok then why don't I just recommend that he buy a Desktop and a non-Apple laptop and run Windows?

In other words, he wants to be able to take the SSD drive and plug it into his laptop (the laptop will NOT have any other hard drive in it) and use Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver on the laptop (depending if he is travelling or not). He will not play games, or anything - just work.

 

[Elixer]

Like I said, the SSD would have to be formatted to something that both machines can read.
Then you would need a bootloader that can handle OS X & windows (grub comes to mind, but I am sure there are others.).
Google 'dual boot OSx windows', you should see a few hits.

Is there a compelling reason to get a apple laptop?

 

[pjkenned]

I think the better question is whether or not there is a compelling reason to not just buy two smaller capacity SSD's. You are most likely installing applications and OS's twice anyway so a huge portion of the drive is going to be allocated to those duplicative efforts. If you just want to move data around, a 2.5" external USB HD is probably a great option.

 

[faxon]

60gb isnt going to be enough for OSX, win7, and apps. you are going to want 120gb at least and that's pushing it a bit. i hope your friend has deep pockets