Good Bus-powered External HD for Time Machine?

amol

Lifer
Jul 8, 2001
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My Western Digital MyBook from 5 years ago crapped out on me. I want something that can be powered without an A/C adapter since I don't want to tote that along with my MBP. Either Firewire 800/400 or USB 2.0 works, and I don't need anything bigger than 250-320GB.

I know about the WD Passport drives, but I've heard shady things about them with Time Machine (I had some trouble working my WD MyBook with Time Machine on a consistent basis).
 

alevasseur14

Golden Member
Feb 12, 2005
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I have the WD Passport 320 GB and it's been flawless with Time Machine on my Macbook. I even had to restore to a new HD in my laptop from a Time Machine backup last spring and it went off without a hitch.

I haven't heard anything bad about them, I'd recommend one.
 

Wonderful Pork

Golden Member
Jul 24, 2005
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I second the Passport. I have 2, one 120GB and one 320GB (I think, could be 500...more than I need anyway). Both work great.
 

KeithP

Diamond Member
Jun 15, 2000
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When I upgraded my MacBook's HD I put the original drive in one of these. and it seems to work fine.

You will notice that it has an a/c power plug on the case but that is optional. I use it strictly bus powered without problems.

You can either buy an empty case and supply your own drive or they also sell complete units. A variety of interfaces are available.

-KeithP
 

amol

Lifer
Jul 8, 2001
11,679
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Do either of the Passports you guys have work via Firewire? I'm actually considering that because I have so many USB peripherals and would like to actually use the FW400/FW800 ports on my MBP for once. USB-wise, I have my iPod touch, digital camera, printer, and other external hard drive (for videos & photos) plugged in, but nothing FW.
 

Wonderful Pork

Golden Member
Jul 24, 2005
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Originally posted by: Amol
Do either of the Passports you guys have work via Firewire? I'm actually considering that because I have so many USB peripherals and would like to actually use the FW400/FW800 ports on my MBP for once. USB-wise, I have my iPod touch, digital camera, printer, and other external hard drive (for videos & photos) plugged in, but nothing FW.

Nope, mine are only USB. Western Digital does make the My Passport Elite which is FW. Not sure about pricing.