Time Capsule vs Regular External Drive vs Some Other Option(s)

[dmw16]

I am looking for a reliable means to back up the data on my hackintosh. I will be using time machine no matter what method I choose.

The system will have a 74GB OS/Software disk and a 320GB Storage disk.

I figure I have a few options for storage:

#1 - Get one internal 500GB or 750GB internal hard drive. This is a simple option

#2 - Get two internal 500GB or 750GB internal hard drives and place them in a RAID 1 array. This is a little more expensive, but provides good data integrity.

#3 - Use my Maxtor 750GB OneTouch that I already own. This is the most cost effective method, but I am worried about long term reliability of the drives as I've had mixed luck w/ external drives.

#4 - Buy a 500GB or 1TB Time Capsule. This is a pricey option and may suffer from the same draw backs as #4, but the Apple site claims it uses a "server" drive, so maybe reliability is higher. It also 802.11n, which would be a nice treat.

#5 - Any other suggestions you storage gurus might have.

 

[dmw16]

Another thought is something like Mozy or Carbonite online backup. Not nearly as nerdy or fun tho...

 

[RebateMonger]

Use the drive you already own. Periodically check the backups and review the backup logs to check the backup integrity and to be sure you can actually restore files from the backup.

There's little need for a RAID'ed backup system. The odds of both your source drives AND your backup drive failing at the same time are pretty low as long as the backup drive isn't kept connected all the time. If it is connected, one big power surge or a burglary can take out all your drives at once.