External HDD

[CowZ]

In anticipation for snowleopard... I feel like i should get an external to time machine all my stuff. I've read arguments about either of the connections. What do you guys think? Is it really necessary for firewire unless you're booting straight from the HD? Plus i feel like firewire hdd are much harder to find then USB2.0 Any specific brand/model externals you guys would suggest? It seems like seagate freeagent pro is a good choice according to some online reviews. Thanks for your help guys.

 

[TheStu]

My folks got a 500GB WD MyBook that has firewire 400, USB 2.0 and eSATA, all for about $90 (this was maybe 4 months ago now).

I like the idea of firewire, but i can understand why I person wouldn't use it. It is easier to find USB devices.

 

[Kmax82]

I've had good luck with Seagate, Maxtor, Western Digital and Hitachi Externals. So far no issues with any of them.

I would just grab a USB version. Mainly because you won't notice a huge difference in performance, and you still can boot from it just fine in an emergency. FW is nice, but unlesss it's FW800, then you're only marginally better in performance than what you get with USB 2.0.

 

[CowZ]

true true. Thats how i feel about firewire too kmax82. Thanks for the heads up thestu. I was leaning towards the seagate although the WD had some pretty good value in it, I've heard some comments about the reliability of the external WD also.

 

[mmntech]

If your computer has a Firewire 800 port on it, then Firewire definitely. Otherwise you might as well just use USB.

 

[CowZ]

yah my mbp is firewire 800 i believe but i have yet to find an external hdd that has firewire800 though? I've only seen the 400s.

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

Originally posted by: CowZ
yah my mbp is firewire 800 i believe but i have yet to find an external hdd that has firewire800 though? I've only seen the 400s.

It's very hard to find and you pay a premium for fw800.