Using an external HD with MacBook Pro

I just bought an xHD because I use a lot of memory. I have some questions that I hope you can help me answer:
- The HD comes with an ON and OFF switch. Is it an absolute must to switch on and off as I turn the Mac on and off?
- Is it a must to keep the power adaptor connected at all times? Can I just keep the USB connected - is that enough?
- Is it safe to have the HD on at all times? I want to save all my files from now on directly to the HD.
- What are the chances that the HD can be corrupted forever and I will lose all my files? These files are very important to me -- they are my life and career -- so is there anything I can do to make sure the HD doesn't become corrupted?
Thanks very much for your help!

aixen21 wrote:
I just bought an xHD because I use a lot of memory. I have some questions that I hope you can help me answer:
- The HD comes with an ON and OFF switch. Is it an absolute must to switch on and off as I turn the Mac on and off?
- Is it a must to keep the power adaptor connected at all times? Can I just keep the USB connected - is that enough?
- Is it safe to have the HD on at all times? I want to save all my files from now on directly to the HD.
It is not absolutely essential to turn off the drive. Most drives have a low power mode. But if you're turning your computer off, why not put the drive on a surge strip with a power switch. That way after you power off your computer, you then just turn off the switch. This is what I do for my external monitor, speakers, etc. Those power bricks still use some power so by switching off the surge strip, I completely turn off the power bricks as well.
Some surge strips have a "autosense" outlet that you plug your computer into. And when the strip senses that the computer is off, it turns off the other outlets. You may want to try one of those.
But if you leave the adapters and hard drive plugged in, thats fine.
- What are the chances that the HD can be corrupted forever and I will lose all my files? These files are very important to me -- they are my life and career -- so is there anything I can do to make sure the HD doesn't become corrupted?
All hard drives will eventually fail. ALL hard drives. There are things you can do to reduce the chances of data corruption, but you can never guarantee it will never be corrupted. But beyond that, you may accidentally delete or overwrite a file. No software or hardware failure there, that's "human failure."
Having only one copy of the data, you are very likely going to be upset at some point in the future. As the saying goes, there are two kinds of people: those that have lost data, and those that will lose data. So to protect any "important" documents, you need backups. Which means that if you're going to only store your documents on the external drive, you need another drive and make a duplicate.
If your internal hard drive is large enough for all your documents, then the simplest thing for you may be to use the external hard drive for Time Machine backups. So then when your internal drive dies, you can restore with the Time Machine backup. If you still want to have the documents on the external drive, then get a second external drive for Time Machine.

Similar Messages

  • External monitor with MacBook Pro

    I have a new Macbook Pro and have it hooked up to an external monitor and an USB Apple keyboard in my home office. How am I able to power the laptop on without opening the display and have it display only on my external display? When I am at home I'd like to use my external monitor and not my Macbook display.

    Having the computer with the lid closed is dangerous cause even when just browsing the web with flash content it starts heating up and I've heard about casess of melted displays. Besides, the wifi strength is reduced and you can't use the keyboard and the trackpad.
    So, for Lion users, it's possible to just use the external display with the lid open:
    1. In Mission Control Preferences activate one Hot Corner to put the display to sleep.
    2. Connect the external monitor and plug in the power source to your computer.
    3. Move the mouse to the Hot Corner to put the display to sleep.
    4. Close the lid and wait a few seconds.
    5. Open the lid and voila!
    Take care!

  • External display with MacBook Pro in Lion

    Hello,
       Yesterday I bought a Mac OS X Lion, and I found one annoying feature of the system - working on a MacBook Pro (MBP), and very often use an external display, with that do not use display in the MBP. When connecting an external monitor doing video processing,and this activity I was used by Mac OS X Snow Leopard to open the MBP there wasaccess of air to cool the computer. After installing the Lion was the fact that even at very small opening MBP is switched to internal MBP display. This is the functionality of the Lion off somewhere or somehow set? I looked in Preferences, and I have found nothing. Thank you in advance for information on how to solve this problem.

    I own a mac mini that stays connected to the 52" LCD 120hz in my living room. The image is perfect, and fits just fine. I did a mini-display port to dvi and got a monster cable adapter for dvi to hdmi which too it to my tv. I did have to go into the tv and set the tv to overscan I think on the image to make it fit and you will have to adjust the resolution on the computer. I can say the colors are darker on the tv and this is just due to the nature of the screen size. Newer LED tvs may be better, but mine is only 1 1/2 years old.
    For an external display, just go to the educators link, select your college and you get $100 off. My wife is an educator and I am back in college so it's no hassle. Or they just ask for an ID. I own 2 24" ACD and they are nice. I do photography and a screen calibration is a must. Once done you'll be happy. And docking with the laptop is handy.

  • Can I use Front Row on external monitor with MacBook Pro's cover closed?

    I've seen that you can use the remote to control Front Row even when the lapatop's cover is closed (on a MacBook Air). Is it possible with a first generation MB Pro? Are there special settings?
    Thx

    You can use a MacBook Pro in "clamshell" mode if you have the AC adapter plugged in for power, an external display attached and an external keyboard and mouse (USB or Bluetooth) to wake the computer after it's been closed. This is the official word from Apple:
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3131
    However, even if you don't have a keyboard and mouse, you should still be able to wake the MacBook Pro using the Apple remote by pressing the "menu" button. (You do still need to have the power plugged in and the display plugged in.)
    -Doug

  • Trouble using external iSight with MacBook Pro (which has built in camera)

    Hey Jim,
    Have a question for you. I have a new MacBook Pro 17". I also have a 23" Cinema Display, and a left over Firewire external iSight camera (which I used to love).
    Frequently I "dock" my MBP with my 23". I either use the dual-screen between the two, or I close the lid on the MBP, let it go to sleep, then wake it back up with a BT keyboard or mouse, letting it go to a single-screen mode on only the 23" Cinema Display.
    So, I'm trying to use my external Firewire iSight with my MBP, and I'm getting mixed results -- the best of which is where I am getting some video with regular, occasional freezes with the picture being split (like a v-hold problem on an old TV). After a pause it goes back to smooth video.
    I guess primarily, I'm wanting to know what the world of two iSights (FW and built-in) look like, and can they work together? I cannot for the life of me get this FW iSight to work consistently, but I know it works perfectly in another G5 tower (which has no built-in camera).
    Any suggestions or guidance?

    Hello Exivus
    ... two iSights (FW and built-in) ... can they work together?
    You can have two iSights connected at one time, but, as explained in Apple's iSight "Your camera is in use by another application" message, iSight can be used by only one application at a time. (my emphasis)
    Different apps select between multiple connected cameras in different ways. For instance, iChat > Preferences... > Video settings can select which camera to use with the iChat app, but iMovie 6 uses a drop-down menu as shown in this picture:
    The suggestions in How to Troubleshoot iSight should help you determine whether one of your iSights is causing trouble. I suggest you test each one separately and without your external display or other peripherals to rule out possible conflicts.
    After you are certain that your iSights are working individually, test them when both are connected. After your system successfully passes these tests, you can add your external devices back one-by-one to be sure one of them is not causing the problem.
    EZ Jim
    PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.1)  External iSight

  • Using External iSight with MacBook Pro / iMac.

    Posted in both forums.
    Internal iSight is great, but the external iSight offers so much more flexability, and been able to position the camera where you want it is much better than tilting the screen and moving the computer.
    So can you use external camera's with the MacBook Pro's and iMac's?
    *nathan

    Great! Thats awesome.
    Have you tried it? If so, does the Mac automaticlly switch to the external iSight, or do you get an option to choose between internal and external.
    Thanks,
    *nathan

  • Using external iSight with MacBook Pro crashes iChat

    I use my Macbook Pro in clamshell mode with an external display. I bought an external iSight so that I could use iChat AV. I have the appropriate adapter to convert the Firewire 400 cable to Firewire 800 which is compatible with my '09 MBP 17" (2.8GHz).
    Every time I connect the iSight, iChat will launch, and then will crash (SPWoD). I can not recover unless I disconnect the iSight, at which point iChat is able to fully launch.
    I tired changing both iChat and Photobooth to 32-bit mode (hint from another thread), but that did not help.
    As a test, I connected the iSight to an iMac with both FW400 and FW800 and the iSight works perfectly with either connection. iChat AV then allows me to then select which camera I want to use in its preferences.
    Both my Macbook Pro and the iMac are on OS X 10.6.2. iChat crashes regardless of if I am using the MacBook Pro in clamshell mode or not.
    TIA.

    bryanus wrote:
    Sorry, I answered with my iPod tough. I guess it didn't translate the way I wanted it to.
    Here are my answers ...
    Thanks for that info, bryanus
    Between this info and your latest response to Ralph, there are so many possibilities that I cannot yet identify the source of your problem. More troubleshooting is needed to identify the cause so we know what to fix.
    Your used iSight may be causing the problem. Because it is easiest to troubleshoot, I suggest you test the external iSight next. The following will either eliminate your external iSight as the cause of your problem or let you know whether it will require professional service.
    If the testing I suggest below shows that the problem is related to iChat ONLY, stop the testing I suggest and follow Ralph's expert suggestions for troubleshooting and correcting iChat.
    Don't worry about the "clamshell mode" issues at this time. Until you get your external iSight working reliably with your MBP, keep the external display disconnected.
    Additionally, to eliminate possible network problems as a contributor to your problem, when testing (internet) connected apps like iChat, use the same ethernet connection when you test both Macs. Even use the same ethernet cable (no wireless) connection to all Macs.
    Also, to test problems with launching iChat, _disconnect both Macs from the network_ to see if iChat will launch properly with a connected external iSight but no internet or network connection.
    You have already done some excellent testing, but you can use the additional suggestions from the following link (including other subject links on that page) to test the remaining user-correctable possibilities:
      http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/EZJim/EZJimpage4.html
    Pay particular attention to *possible conflicts*, testing with more than one cable and/or adapter, and testing the external iSight on more than one Mac. If possible, it would be also good to use your same cable and FW Adapter to test your MBP's function with a different and known-good external iSight. If you have no other access to a working external iSight, your local Apple-Authorized Service Provider may be have one that he can use to check your MBP connection.
    If your external iSight can connect reliably to other Macs, or if a different, known-working, external iSight also gives trouble on your MBP, the problem must be either in your MBP's physical Firewire connection port or in the software on your MBP.
    Unless you find a fix while trying the above, we can offer suggestions for the particular problem(s) you identify based on your troubleshooting, so give as much detail as you can about your findings when you post back.
    EZ Jim
    Mac Pro Quad Core (Early 2009) 2.93Ghz w/Mac OS X (10.6.2)  MacBook Pro (13 inch, Mid 2009) 2.26GHz (10.6.2)
    LED Cinema Display  G4 PowerBook 1.67GHz (10.4.11)  iBookSE 366MHz (10.3.9)  External iSight

  • Using external mouse with Macbook Pro

    Hi,
    I'm using an external Dell USB keyboard and mouse with my Macbook Pro. They work ok, but there seems to be a bit of 'drag' when I use the mouse. It's difficult to describe, but when I move the mouse slowly the pointer seems to drag, or slip...it's not matching the movement I'm making with the actual mouse. It's not so bad when I make bigger or faster movements, just when I'm using it slowly or precisely.
    It's very distracting, and is even making my wrists ache.
    Any idea how I can stop this happening - do I need to find a driver to fix the issue?
    Thanks for reading.

    Are you using an external monitor? The 24" LED Cinema Display?
    I saw a post in one of the other forums where several people were having this issue -- they all had external monitors attached, and mostly all 24" LED Apple Displays. The type and make of the mouse seemed to have no relevance, and the issues seem to impact the trackpad as well. It is hard to describe the "feel" and "lagging" effect of this problem.
    Nearly all people in the post had the monitor and laptop power adapter plugged into the same outlet/powerstrip. After moving one of the cords to a different outlet, this seemed to solve the problem for nearly everyone. Odd, I know.
    I'm gonna try it and I'll keep you posted.

  • Using External Drives with MacBook Pro - General - Freezing

    I keep my music on an external drive and also have a drive hooked up for Time Machine. My macbook pro frequently crashes... especially when I first open the computer. I then have to reboot. In general, what are the best type of drives and best type of connections to use when there will always be two external drives hooked to this machine. Would increasing RAM help? I have 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 2 gigs of RAM.

    I keep my music on an external drive and also have a drive hooked up for Time Machine. My macbook pro frequently crashes... especially when I first open the computer. I then have to reboot. In general, what are the best type of drives and best type of connections to use when there will always be two external drives hooked to this machine. Would increasing RAM help? I have 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo and 2 gigs of RAM.

  • HT2494 Using a webcam on an external monitor with macbook pro?

    I have a macbook pro connected to a dell external monitor.  I was wondering if it were possible to use my monitors webcam instead of having to use the one built in on my macbook pro?

    bigred1622 wrote: ... possible to use my monitors webcam ...?
    Yes it's possible if the monitors webcam is Mac OS X compatible.  If you do not have access to the system compatibility documentation for your monitor, Dell or the people who sold you the monitor should be able to tell you.
    Message was edited by: EZ Jim
    Mac OSX 10.8.3

  • Trouble using external iSight with MacBook Pro

    So I bought a macbook pro and 23inch external display, decided to go on ebay and get an isight camera, found one brand new in the box....the problem Im having now is it will not work for audio, video works just fine but no audio, I have set up the proper resources but no dice, is this an issue or is it the isight?

    Hello Russell Wittmann
    So external iSight can give both audio and video if the application you are using to operate the iSight supports both functions. Many applications have preferences or menu items that can effect iSight operation, so check your settings.
    Connect your iSight directly to your Mac and use the suggestions in How to test your (external) iSight to ensure it is functional. If you continue to have problems, the suggestions on that page will help you troubleshoot to find the source of your problem and fix anything that is user-correctable. 
    There are no user-serviceable parts in iSight, so if everything you can do fails, your iSight will need professional service unless you can exchange it for one that works. If the external iSight you bought on eBay is not covered by warranty from either Apple or the seller, see your local Apple Service Provider for service.
    If your iSight needs parts that you or your Service Technician cannot locate, http://www.synaptech.com may be able to help you obtain those that are still available.
    If your iSight needs service but you do not have access to an Apple Service Provider, see Apple's iSight Service: Frequently Asked Questions to request service directly from Apple.
    EZ Jim
    PowerBook 1.67 GHz w/Mac OS X (10.4.11) G5 DP 1.8 w/Mac OS X (10.5.2)  External iSight

  • Cannot use external Display with MacBook Pro 13

    i bought new mac pro 13 , i bought new macbook pro 13 & tried to connect to external Samsung screen (Sync Master SA300) but failed ihave VGA adapter & VGA cable
    please can any body help me with detailed steps how i can solve this problem

  • Using external mouse with MacBook Pro - how to right-click in Mac OS X?

    using windows at work led me to become dependent on right-clicking
    can i do this on my Mac? I use a mighty mouse with my laptop.
    thanks.

    Hi Pubikars,
    To have right-click functionality enabled in Mac OS X, open “System Preferences”.
    Select “Keyboard and Mouse”, then select “Mouse”.
    Set the right side button to “Secondary Button”.
    I hope that this helps.

  • External Speakerphone with MacBook Pro?

    Hi All,
    I'm really liking iChat with my Macbook Pro with internal iSight. But, the audio is good, but not good enough for serious applications and I don't really want to use a headset. I'd like to get more audio volume and have a more sensitive microphone, handsfree.
    Is there such a beast as an external "speakerphone" mic/speaker combo that could be used to sit on the desk either wired or bluetooth that can interface with iChat?
    Thanks,
    Paul

    I own a mac mini that stays connected to the 52" LCD 120hz in my living room. The image is perfect, and fits just fine. I did a mini-display port to dvi and got a monster cable adapter for dvi to hdmi which too it to my tv. I did have to go into the tv and set the tv to overscan I think on the image to make it fit and you will have to adjust the resolution on the computer. I can say the colors are darker on the tv and this is just due to the nature of the screen size. Newer LED tvs may be better, but mine is only 1 1/2 years old.
    For an external display, just go to the educators link, select your college and you get $100 off. My wife is an educator and I am back in college so it's no hassle. Or they just ask for an ID. I own 2 24" ACD and they are nice. I do photography and a screen calibration is a must. Once done you'll be happy. And docking with the laptop is handy.

  • Can't detect some external displays with Macbook Pro 17"

    My macbook pro 17" connects just fine to my Apple Cinema display. But twice now I've tried to use it for presentations where I am connecting to either a video projector or a plasma screen through some sort of switchbox installed in the room. There's a VGA cable I'm supposed to connect to, and I use my DVI-VGA adaptor for that. But the macbook never recognizes the external monitor. In one case, everytime I hit "detect displays" i would see a brief bit of noise on the external screen like it was about to connect, but then nothing -- and Display Preferences showed no evidence of any connected external monitor. In both cases, I know the host systems generally handle Macs just fine. Is there something different about a Macbook Pro with dual-DVI? A design flaw or a mysterious switch that needs to be set right? Or maybe there's a glitch in my specific macbook??

    Have you tried resetting PRAM…
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=2238
    … ?

Maybe you are looking for