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+--- Thread: Recommendations: USB hub and large external drive for Time Machine? (/showthread.php?tid=104735)
Recommendations: USB hub and large external drive for Time Machine? - cassie - 10-12-2010
I have an Intel MacMini that only 4 USB 2.0 slots. I need at least 8 or more. Need a good powered USB hub that is also inexpensive.
And should I be concerned about USB 3.0?
Also, I want a reliable and fast 1-2 TB drive to be partitioned. One for Time Machine the other for storage of mp3's, videos, images and or DVR.
I like little cooling fans as I'm worried about heat shortening the life of the drive.
Thanks,
Cassie
PS: Should I just use a separate drive for storage?
Re: Recommendations: USB hub and large external drive for Time Machine? - Trouble - 10-12-2010
Need a spare port? http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/usb-gadgets/e5be/
As for the drive, I just purchased a Seagate GoFlex drive that allows for easy switching of interfaces from USB2, USB3, eSATA, and Firewire 800. I got the 2 TB for $100 at BestBuy but I've seen it as low as $120 at BestBuy and Costco. I bought the fw800 connection for $20 at BestBuy. So I purchased a FW800 2 TB drive for $121 total.
If you go with usb and you need extra power, grab a cheap cable from eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/New-USB-Female-2-USB-Male-Power-Y-Cable-Extension-/120630525669
Re: Recommendations: USB hub and large external drive for Time Machine? - tortoise - 10-12-2010
I have had great success with the D-link 7 port powered hubs, have two of them connected to my MacPro with all 14 ports in use and my bus is stable as a rock. Others have also reported great satisfaction with this particular model. I also love the front facing ports for easy access.
http://www.amazon.com/D-Link-DUB-H7-High-Speed-7-Port/dp/B00008VFAF/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1286924860&sr=8-1
Re: Recommendations: USB hub and large external drive for Time Machine? - jdc - 10-12-2010
http://forums.dealmac.com/read.php?4,2888405
the last post is about what I would suggest -- but Id just go with dual drives.
ministacks are pricey.
Re: Trouble - cassie - 10-14-2010
Trouble wrote: "I bought the fw800 connection for $20 at BestBuy"
That's not a card is it? Or is it a fw400/fw800 adaptor. Would you please explain?
Is it something I could use with my MacMini so I can get fw800 speeds? Or, can I now buy fw800 drives rather than fw400 drives and use them with my MacMini/ibook and when I get a new Mac, use them at the 800 speeds?
Thanks,
cassie