CarbonCopyClone strategy help

Question

To start, I do have two backups for my 500GB drive on my MBP
A TimeMachine on a 500GB partition on a GPT WD bulky 1 TB disk
2 gray CDs
I just bought a 750 GB GoFlex pro pocket drive (it will work or not ... brand is not the question).
I downloaded CCC, but have little exerience with it.
I propose this idea, and invite comments:
Create 2 partitions, 500 GB and 250 GB, both Apple-formatted.  Set up the 500 GB drive as a CCC target, and let CCC *only* manage that as a *third* backup.  Use the 250 GB as general external-disk storage.
Please advise.

Answer 1

steve359 wrote:
I did not like the one-backup approach, but the initial purchase price of the MBP required some careful consideration of additional purchases and the 1 TB WD drive already was in the house.
You can use this and I understand you want to maximize your massive storage, so leave the CCC settings alone on the 1TB (default) and it will archive your deleted files between clone updates.
See how that works for you. I prefer having only a straight clone image, this way if I delete something it's really gone, off the clone/backup as well.
Return this new unit for a self-powered drive.  That makes sense, especially given the "USB device has been disabled due to power draw" issue.
Exaclty, if your USB port doesn't supply power and you suddenly need the clone....
Keep doing TM on a regular basis for "mostly-files" level recovery.  It can stay on its own existing place.
Right, use another drive for this than the clone.
On the new self-powered unit, set up a CCC and leave it at default behavior (full first, then incremental) which I assume is still bootable in case of disaster.  Let it backup perhaps less ofthen than TM as a bootable "mostly current" backup.
Yes you can do the clone less often than the TM updates, but be forewarned, TM traps your stuff, it requires a operating internal drive and/or boot disks.
A clone is self independent, has less things to rely upon in order to gain access to your files.
With a clone, push comes to shove, you can always install MacDrive on any PC (reads HFS+) and access your files.
How you set up your backups is up to you, everyone needs are different, just maintain two copies at all times.
My admin password does not change much (perhaps another error).
You don't need to change your admin password.
When you clone the first time it requires your admin password as it's cloning root level files, however when the schedualed clone update occurs it doesn't need it as often as it's mostly updating only user file changes.
So I think it's "smart" in that sense it tries not to bother you too much entering the admin password every day for clone updates.
Do not lose my gray install CDs.
1: First get them out of the cheap plastic film sleeves Apple provides, they destroy cd's. Put your disks in a new jeweled case and keep in a very safe place away from heat.
2: Keep the bottoms absolutely clean, especially since you got the Snow Leopard grey disks, those are in very hot demand at the moment.
3: Make copies of your Snow Leopard disks here.
http://www.walterjessen.com/make-a-bootable-backup-snow-leopard-install-disc/
A "correct" or "helpful" answer will come, but I would like confirmation of my interpretation to assign only once.
thank you