MBP owners: Recommend an external HD?

So I've been convinced that an external HD, combined with my occasional CD-R burnings, is the best way to go for backups. What brand would you recommend? I'm looking for the best balance I can between cost and dependability/longevity. I have extremely few music files, so I can ALMOST (but not quite) fit all the files I want to backup on a single CD-R. However, I would like to clone the whole thing if I can, and it's not too expensive to "upgrade" to do so.
So what brands would you recommend? Size?
Thanks in advance!

G'day LeaperBP,
have a look at the thread at http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2389419&tstart=0
Probably the greatest number of problems identified with any brand of external drive discussed here relate to Western Digital externals.
The most regularly recommended are from OWC, followed by LaCie , and , to a lesser extent , Seagate.
It sounds as if you won't need a particularly large drive, but it is always better to err on the side of "too big" rather than "too small".
You also need to work out whether you want a "bus powered" portable drive (slower and smaller, but convenient at times) or a larger "Desktop" drive (faster and with more capacity for the same dollars, but can only be used when a mains power source is within reach).
If I were you, despite your comparatively light demands, I'd be looking at a drive in the 320 to 500 GB range if you are wanting a portable one, and in the 500GB to 1 TB range, if you would prefer a desktop.
For speedy use with a Mac ideally look for a drive with FW800 capabilities, though if you only want to use it for a small amount of back-up work you could probably make do with a cheaper, slower, USB2 version, much as I hate to suggest it.
Cheers
Rod

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Unibody MBP owners with *working* external displays, please chime in.

I'm trying to determine if there's any use at this time to try to exchange the MBP (unibody) I have now with another unit in the hopes of getting proper external display support. (To be clear, I'm referring to the external display problems many of us are having, like in this thread, and this one, and others.)
I'm sure there are others suffering from this problem who are simply seeking another datapoint in determining whether or not exchanging one's unibody MBP for another are of any use at this time. So the question here is:
If you have a unibody MBP, and you are successfully driving an external monitor without issue (using the Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter), can you kindly post the following information?
1) External display model (manufacturer and model)
2) External display screen resolution
3) Any information about DVI cable, length, brand if applicable, etc.
4) Have you confirmed proper operation in both 9400 and 9600 GPU modes?
5) If you know, is your MBP equipped with the 9c84 or 9c85 built-in display panel?
6) If your setup wasn't originally working, but now is working due to a unit swap or swapping out of the Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter with a new one, can you kindly note that?
Please do not consider yourself representative of a properly working external display setup if yours looks mostly good, with just minor artifacting--that is, for the purpose of this thread, please consider "working" to mean only perfectly normal operation of an external monitor from your unibody MBP.
Are all of the above points necessarily relevant? I don't know yet, but I figured it's best to try to get as much information from those who have working units, to try to determine what's relevant and what isn't.
Why am I asking this? Because I've already wasted enough time with this unibody MacBook Pro, now on my third unit, and I do not want to waste time making trips to the store to exchange units (and the time necessary for restoring to the new unit, etc.) if it's not going to help things. (The previous two replacements had nothing to do with this particular problem, and I didn't have my external display until the third unit, so have no idea if the previous two suffered from this particular problem or not.) If it seems that an exchange from one unibody MBP to another isn't going to help, then those of us who need to resolve this might learn more information with which to make a decision. Right now, I'm seriously considering exchanging for the current 17" MBP with matte display, even though it's not the new unibody design, and doesn't quite match up in the specifications with the new 15" MBP--I just need to get my setup working, and figure the older style of the 17" might be more tested and worked out.
Thanks in advance to those of you who fit the bill and answer these questions.
NOTE: If you have more relevant information to ask of those with working setups, please do; but please avoid the discussion of your problems if you're among the ones (like me) with external display issues, as there are other threads for the discussion of that (like the ones linked above). Ideally, I envision this thread as more populated by the responses of those with working setups.
Message was edited by: isonoise
Message was edited by: isonoise

Mine works perfect.. This is AFTER a logic board replacement for the 9600's BSOD problem
1) Dell 2007WMP
2) 1680x1050
3) Cable that came with monitor
4) Post repair only really using 9600, though 9400 seemed fine too
5) LG (9C84)
6) Logic board replaced last week for BSOD problem. (That board had external monitor refusing to wake problem as well).
Message was edited by: Robert Derelanko

Can anyone recommend an external storage device to supplement my mac book air? I already have a time capsule but want the new device to replicate the data on that so ideally would like a device that i can connect to the time capsule through a cable.

Can anyone recommend an external storage device to supplement my mac book air? I already have a time capsule but want the new device to replicate the data on that so ideally would like a device that i can connect to the time capsule through a cable.

Hi CJR
I'm not sure how Time Capsule can be replicated onto your external drive but there is a USB port on the back of TC that can be hooked up to any recent external drive.
Another thing to think about , besides a Time Capsule failure, is the theft of your Time Capsule, so it might be a good idea to consider separating any redundant back-up from your Time Capsule or both my be stolen.
TC will back up until full and then begin deleting the oldest back-ups. Mine is a 2TB Time capsule.
My back-up plan is as follows:
1. Macbook Air back-up on Time Capsule though Time Machine backs up everything - I think it's about every 30 min or so.
2. Contacts, reminders, appointments, notes, email are backed up through iCloud.
3. iTunes and non-itunes purchased music is on iMatch (and no need to back-up) and any non-iTunes music is backed up on an HP external drive (in case Time Capsule dies)
4. Photos are on my MacBook Air and are backed up on my HP external drive.
5. Office documents (Excel, Powerpoint, Access etc) are stored in a Skydrive app (like iCloud) and Skydrive syncs these docuemnts with the MS cloud and my old PC and does not alter their native format like storing in iCloud would do.
Cheers

Recommendations for external monitor in combination with USB 3.0 dock and X1 carbon touch

Dear Community,
I'm waiting for my X1 carbon touch and USB 3.0 dock and keyboard/mouse to arrive any time soon. However, I'd be glad to get some help/recommendations on external monitor choice.
For instance, the new HP envy 27" caught my eye, since it includes speakers, but it comes with HDMI and Displayport connections only. As far as I understood, video connection itselft shouldn't be a problem using a DVI to HDMI adaptor, but how about the resolution of the X1 vs. a HD+ monitor, and how do I use the audio on this monitor (don't want to use the microphone jack in front of the dock, as it should look as minimalistic as possible)?
Is there a solution? via usb 3.0? or should I better consider another monitor? Anyways, DVI or HDMI, I don't want to connect a separate audio system to the dock. Any recommendations, or is it one of those gadgets that has not been thought through well enough and you need to wait for the next generation to be developed?
Many thanks for your help,
Cheers, jcd

Since you don't want to use the jack on the dock, you could usethemini-DisplayPortontheX1cTouchasyourvideooutputoption because the version of DP on the X1c Touch includes the ability for audio to streamed over the DP connection in addition to video. This would require a compatible DP monitor.
You'll also want the monitor to support audio over the DP connection. The X1c Touch's graphics supports the output of an audio stream over DP and the machine should be be capable of this. This gives you two cables connecting to the X1c Touch -- the DP cable for audio and video and the USB 3.0 cable connecting to the dock. The dock would be attached to keyboard, mouse, USB accessories, and Ethernet (if necessary).
As far as what to look for in a monitor, my general recommendation is Dell Ultrasharp. They tend to be a good deal for an IPS monitor with at least an sRGB gamut and a solid warranty. I've never bothered to attempt to stream audio over DP because I have separate speakers for audio. In the same way that my last 3 laptops have been ThinkPads, my last three monitors have been Dell Ultrasharps. The graphics in the X1c Touch should be fine running a 1920x1080, so I wouldn't worry about resolution. It can be a little jarring to use monitors side-by-side when they have different pixel densities, so you'll likely end up treating them as separate display surfaces. I often have e-mail and Pandora open on my T420's screen while I'm doing the bulk of my work on my main monitors. If you think you'll be touching the screen a good bit, then you might want to look into buying a touch capable monitor. Otherwise your brain can become easily confused because it'll begin to think that all computer screens are touch-capable and you'll reach out and try to touch your desktop monitor without thinking.
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My TPs: Twist 2HU: i5-3317U Win 8 Pro, 4GB RAM 250GB Samsung 840 | T420 4177CTO: i5-2520M, HD+, Win 7 Pro x64, 8GB RAM, Optimus, 160GB Intel 320 SSD, Intel 6300 WiFi, BT 3.0 | T400 2764CTO: P8700, WXGA, Win 7 Ult x64, AMD 3470, 8GB RAM, 64GB Samsung SSD, BT, Intel 5300 WiFi | A20m 14.1" PIII 500 (retired). Monitors: 2x Dell U2211h IPS 100% sRGB calibrated w/ Spyder3.

MBP doesn't detect external diplays?

My MBP will not detect external displays. I tried to install some updates, like apple support said to do, but errors occured, and the OSX update couldn't be installed. I had computer hooked up to my tv, working fine, up until a couple weeks ago. HELP?!?!

Just to be clear: When I select the propper HDMI input on the TV, the screen on the MBP flickers blue for a few seconds, so there's got to be connectivity, right?

HT202807 I have a MB Air 128gb and a Time Cap.802.11AC. My HD is maxed out because of 30GB of photo storage after migration to 10.3.3 Photos. Please recommend an external drive best for connecting to TC and moving the iPhoto Lib off my HD

I have a 13" mid 2011 MB Air 128gb and a Time Cap.802.11AC. My HD is maxed out because of 30GB of photo storage after migration to 10.10.3 Photos. I have reduced apps and files as much as possible so the only thing left is to move the photos. Please recommend an external drive compatible for connecting to my TC 802.11ac and moving the iPhoto Lib off my HD which will free approx 15 gbs. of space. I don't plan on using it for any other purpose so a small capacity drive will suffice. I know the "optimization" is supposed to adjust for this condition but I don't trust that assertion.I only have 2gb free space remaining.

I don't plan on using it for any other purpose so a small capacity drive will suffice.
If you really only want such a small capacity drive.. what about just buying a 32GB or 64GB USB memory stick.
You should still have a back up to the internal hard disk of the AC TC.
Or just buy a WD Passport.. don't waste your money buying 500GB as it is only a bit more to buy 1TB and a bit more again for 2TB.. For future use if you do buy a USB hard disk buy 2.5" type.. and buy 1TB or if the budget stretches 2TB..

Recommend an external CD/DVD drive for a newbie?

Hi,
Just bought my very first Mac, a new iMac. Then discovered it didn't have a CD/DVD drive. Woops. Probably should have realised that earlier...
Anyway, my student budget won't really stretch to a SuperDrive right now, so I was hoping someone could recommend an external drive or even just what I should be looking for in one? I'm not a tech aficionado, and a quick look around has left me very confused at how many options are out there!
I'd mainly be using it for occasional computer games (eg. Sims 3) and watching DVDs, and maybe DVD writing as I get to grips with iMovie. Will a bog standard drive with CD and DVD in the title suffice, or do I need something more? Or are SuperDrives the only ones that really work with iMacs?
Many thanks in advance for any help you can offer me!

SuperDrive refers to an optical drive that can both read and write CDs and DVDs.
Most external optical drives are combination drives (SuperDrives), now.
Do you watch regular DVDs or BluRay?
You can now buy BluRay reading/writing optical drives, but the Mac doesn't play BluRay movies natively.
You would need to purchase and download a BluRay player app.
You need a Super Drive for what you are doing.
Apple's own drive works and isn't that expensive. There are more expensive drives. There are more cheaper drives.
Do a search for external optical drives. For your new iMac you can either search for USB 3.0, USB 2.0, Thunderbolt or FireWire external optical drives.
USB 3.0, Thunderbolt and FireWire will be faster data throughput drives.
Good Luck

Recommendations for External DVD Burner compatible with 10.5 Leopard?

We still have an older MacBook that we bought in 2007, it works great except for the CD/DVD drive. I need to be able to burn DVD's, could anyone recommend an External DVD Burner that would be compatible with 10.5 Leopard? Or at least give me an idea of what I need to look for to know if it should work before I buy it? Thank you!

Hello,
Biggest thing you want to avoid is Bus powered ones, here's one good suggestion...
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/VLU2SD24XLS/

Recommend An External Drive (FW800 or eSATA)?

Hi everyone
I wanted to see if people had any recommendations for external drives... I'd like to get one with FW800 - eSATA would be a bonus to future-proof myself but not necessary...
So far, I've tried the NewerTech miniStack v3 and am rather disappointed with it... its fan comes on on frequently, even if I'm not accessing the drive...
So far, I've seen the Seagate FreeAgent for Mac and the WD MyBook... what about GTech's products?
Thanks!

If you are going to utilize the ODD sata ports, then yes the newertech esata adapter + mercury elite dual drive esata only.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/MESATATBEK/
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Newer%20Technology/MPQXES2/
Make sure you get the right dual-drive esata only one. OWC updated it, as it used to be all black. There's a usb one that can be confusing.
As for WD drives, right now they are on top of their game. Giving best speed, quietness, cooling, AND cheap. WD Blacks are the best all around everything.
They are fast (gives Velociraptors decent competition imo), 32mb cache, very quiet, run cool, 5 year warrranty, and most of all dirt cheap. $69 for 640GB and $99 for a high performance 1TB.
I used to like Hitachi's enterprise class long time ago for raids, but I think they have just started to fall off.
The reviews from newegg of WD Black pretty much say it all:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136319
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136284

Recommend an external FW HD

Can anyone recommend an external FW HD for use with iMovie?
From reading these discussions it shoulds like it's important that I format the drive for Mac with Disk Utility out of the box.

My first drive was an AcomData 250GB combo (both Firewire and USB2 ports) and I have been using for a little over a year almost exclusively for iMovie and iDVD projects. So far it has performed flawlessly. I was told by AcomData that the 250GB model (at the time) was using a Western Digital drive.
Since then I bought a couple of enclosures from pcmicrostore.com (they have a few million enclosures to choose from) and made my own external drives. Both were Triumph brand enclosures, one a Firewire and one a USB2 model. Both work well with my eMac although I have never used either directly with iMovie. I figure the AcomData is working well for that, so I will continue to use that as my primary video work drive and the others for stuff like backups and such. But I suspect the Triumph Firewire (I have a 160GB drive in that one) would probably work fine with iMovie, just that I have not bothered to try it yet.
Making your own is definitely the cheaper way to go, as the enclosure should run you about $30-$40 and then drives are always cheap with sales and rebates and such. My 160GB drive was $40 after rebate (still waiting on the rebate) so the total was under $100. A year+ ago, I got the AcomData on sale and with rebate (which I got) making it $200, which wasn't a bad deal at the time.
All my external drives are fanless models so small and nearly silent.
Patrick

Happy MBP owners - please post!

Hi all! I've been away from Apple Discussions forum for a while, but am intrigued by the MacBook Pro. It is disconcerting to see all the issues regarding whining and heat - I know there have to be lots of happy owners out there, so would really appreciate hearing from some of you.
Thanks.

Hi Shazza,
I've got a MBP that arrived in early March. And I've got the CPU whine and, since the latest firmware update, heat issues. Yet I'll still post as a happy MBP owner! The machine ROCKS...I've used XP on other laptops, mostly IBM ThinkPads, which are also nice machines, and also Linux. My other laptop is currently an IBM T43 ThinkPad with Fedora Core 5. None of them hold a candle to the Mac's stability, performance (hello, I can listen to iTunes and NOT have it stutter or hiccup when I try to do other things), and overall jam-packed-full-of-features OS and hardware.
I'm currently writing this on my defective MBP in Safari, while checking corp. e-mail in Lotus Notes on Windows XP SP2 using Parallels Workstation beta2, listening to music on iTunes, and I have my password manager (Password Gorilla), a terminal, iCal, MSN, Yahoo! Messenger, iChat AV and Mail all running as well. Bluetooth syncs now with my Nokia 9300 Communicator, and I'm working out the modem scripts to use the EDGE capabilities as well for when I can't find WiFi. Keynote and Pages are AWESOME; forget M$ Office.
Go ahead and make your order. You will be pleased.
PS - Apple is sending me a brand new replacement MacBook for this one.
MacBook Pro 1.83 Mac OS X (10.4.5) 1 GB/100 GB HDD 7200 RPM

MBP not displaying to external monitor at startup, but does after login

After I installed Yosemite my MBP will not automatically display to my external monitor (HDMI) when I start it up. I have to first login to my MBP and then my external monitor is immediately recognized and my mirroring desktops works as intended...as it did before I upgraded to Yosemite. I have no idea why the signal to my external monitor doesn't/will not work upon system start up. Anyone out there know??

Did you find a solution? I have the exact same problem. I just install Yosemite and did not have the problem before.

MBP retina with an external boot drive

What does one have to do to boot the MBP retina from an external drive ?
A bootable partition on a G drive using USB 2 mounts but will not boot the MBP retina. Works fine with the air from last fall. Basically I'm trying to run DiskWarrior.
What about the Buffalo drive with Thunderbolt - will that boot the MBP retina ?
Thanks for any suggestions !

I am having the same problem, more or less. But even after reformatting the old systems disk that had LIon on it with a fresh copy of Mavericks it it still refused to mount.
Hi, I have a rather interesting problem in that I'm trying to get osx 7.5 to boot in diskboot mode from a promise pegasus2 drive.
Theoritically the new format should mount but wont. If there are drivers that the new MBP must reconize to mount lion then it must also apply to files that controll how the disk that Lion is installed on as well.
If someone as an answer to this I would very much appreciate your assistance.
thanks.

MBP Does Not Recognize External USB Devices

MBP does not "see" external USB devices (such as Garmin Nuvi GPS) or any thumb drive. No external USB devices show up in Finder nor does Disk Utility see them. No cable issues. Have tried restarting several times, but to no avail. This MBP used to recognize these USB devices, but no longer do so.
I have seen this question posed several times in forum, but no suitable answer. Don't know if it is H/W or S/W problem.

Hi Terry Temple
Is there at least any power going to the USB ports? ( as in if for example you plug in a USB light, will it switch on? )
If there is power in the USB ports it might be a software problem.
Try resetting the SMC see link: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1411
also try re-set the PRAM see link: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
However if you do not have any power at all it probably is a hardware problem.
Is it still under warranty?
Regards,
Andrew
Message was edited by: iddrew

Recommendations please: external hard drive to use as Aiport Disc

I recently have been having performance problems with my mid-2009 13" Macbook Pro. I traced this to two things. One is running low on RAM (little free, lots of page outs and swaps) and that my 350GB harddrive only has about 10GB of free space. Most of the current HD is taken up by my itunes library (music and video) that I access very infrequently these days. So I want to move that over to an external HD attached to my Time Capsule to free up that space on my MBP.
I was hoping to get some recommendations about what sort of HD works best for this. In my research I have come to understand that AC powered vs BUS powered is a better way to go. What about other specs or brands? Any thing else I need to look for? I am probably looking for a 500GB drive in case that is useful information to know.
Thanks in advance.

I'm a bit confused - is this a drive to actually record to, or a drive you'll give to your client containing the show files, just as a delivery medium?
Why not record to a big, fast, reliable HD (perhaps even an eSATA external) and just copy the completed project over to a cheap, slow USB HD like a Memorex like this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822150007

MBP owners: Recommend an external HD?

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