Recommendations: USB hub and large external drive for Time Machine?

[cassie]

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?

[Trouble]

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...0630525669

[tortoise]

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..._1?ie=UTF8&qid=1286924860&sr=8-1

[jdc]

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.

[cassie]

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