[NaTuReB0Y]

a mac is like the Mercedes of computers........

[NFS]

I don't know much about Macs Viv, but when it comes to USB2 external drives, they are so slow compared to SATA that they are almost not worth the bother.

If you want a back up solution why not just run an an additional internal drive in each computer to mirror the data you want to back up?

Having said that a relative of mine has a network drive which outputs to his DVD player.

So he can store his downloaded films on the drive and play them straight back on his TV

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by needforspeed

I don't know much about Macs Viv, but when it comes to USB2 external drives, they are so slow compared to SATA that they are almost not worth the bother.

If you want a back up solution why not just run an an additional internal drive in each computer to mirror the data you want to back up?

Having said that a relative of mine has a network drive which outputs to his DVD player.

So he can store his downloaded films on the drive and play them straight back on his TV

Hi NFS.

I don't think it would be easy, if at all possible, fitting a 2nd HD into an iMac, as the base unit is the screen itself. It's the same problem for the Macbook also. Only a Mac Pro could be treated like a DIY PC, with the ability to fit multiple HDs with/without RAID.

Time Machine on the iMac (similar to carrying out a Windows 'System Restore', but 'better' ) was designed to allow backups to external drives for data security, not particularly for 'on the fly' speed.
That's not really a problem for me, as the main reason for this, is for background data backups.
Any 'normal' work on the iMac will make use of its internal 1TB SATA drive.

The iMac uses USB2 & FireWire 400/800 ports, but no external eSATA interface, unfortunately.

So, I'm left with the option of using those, or using gigabit ethernet, both with external drives.

All the best.

Viv

[vivekk]

Sometimes, I think Apple just like 'teasing' me, on purpose.



Also, it looks like Apple have sought to fix my external HD backup problem themselves.




All the best.

Viv

[NathanJT]

Viv,

There's some nice kit out of the keynote for sure, that Air looks the dogs danglies.

Shame there's no 3G iPhone announcement, but at least I can go out and get one tomorrow now Just in time for the SDK and some coding fun

[Z4 Beemer]

And the iPhone software has been updated to 1.1.3 - you can customise the home screen (it can now have several screens), and you can add favourite webpage bookmarks to the home screen. Also when sending an SMS txt you can have multiple recipients, and on the maps program you can get it to tell you where you are (just like GPS).

Today a colleague at work said the 3G version was just around the corner. I seriously can't see it coming along for at least a year!

Nathan - buy one and don't look back!

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by NathanJT

Viv,

There's some nice kit out of the keynote for sure, that Air looks the dogs danglies.

Shame there's no 3G iPhone announcement, but at least I can go out and get one tomorrow now Just in time for the SDK and some coding fun

The SDK should have been available from the start, without any question.

At least there should be some 'proper' software available now, Nathan.

All the best.

Viv

[Z4 Beemer]

Viv I think the 500Gb time capsule is £199.

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by Z4 Beemer

Viv I think the 500Gb time capsule is £199.

You're right Gordon.

Looking at the 1TB version, it'll be somewhere below £303.15, with Higher Educational discount.

Looks like I'll be making my next Apple purchase soon.

As for the Macbook Air, I really, really, really hate Apple.
I don't need one, but I want one, as always.

Viv

[Z4 Beemer]

Viv, about £177 and £292 for HE prices.

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by Z4 Beemer

Viv, about £177 and £292 for HE prices.

Thanks Gordon.

I was thinking about buying something like the a D-Link 655 Gigabit router & a LaCie 1TB firewire/USB2/ethernet drive, so it works out around the same price, minus the firewire & USB2 connectors.

I really, really, really hate Apple.

Viv

[Z4 Beemer]

You don't really hate them...

The Time Capsule comes with 1 USB port!

http://www.apple.com/uk/timecapsule/specs.html

I'll definitley be interested to hear how you get on with it if you decide to purchase.

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by Z4 Beemer

You don't really hate them...

The Time Capsule comes with 1 USB port!

http://www.apple.com/uk/timecapsule/specs.html

I'll definitley be interested to hear how you get on with it if you decide to purchase.

Gordon, you're right- I'd hate myself for hating them.

It looks as though the USB port is used for connecting to a network printer or external drive- no mention of direct connection to the Mac ?

Viv

[Z4 Beemer]

The only thing that makes me nervous about wireless storage (I guess even wireless networking) is the security aspect. I would definitely recommend generating from a website, a random 63 character WEP2 password and never use anything guessable!

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by Z4 Beemer

The only thing that makes me nervous about wireless storage (I guess even wireless networking) is the security aspect. I would definitely recommend generating from a website, a random 63 character WEP2 password and never use anything guessable!

I agree, Gordon.

I intend using wired gigabit ethernet to connect the Time Capsule to the iMac & the wife's PC (urgh !).

The Macbook / Macbook Air (if I can't stop 'that feeling' ) will be my only wireless client on the network.

To some extent, MAC address filtering does help, but I certainly intend using a long WPA2 password as well. It's a shame there's no such thing as WRCE (wireless rolling code encryption), based on client Mac serials numbers & .Mac integration.

Speaking of .Mac, my iMac & Macbook have been synchronising very well indeed. How easy it is to just change an address book entry, add an iCal event & change a few Safari bookmarks on the laptop & not having to worry about having to do the same on the iMac.

As for my initial thought about installing Parallels on the iMac to run Windows XP as a virtual OS- er....what's the point...I ask myself.

Ok..ok..I do really love Apple.


Viv

[Evil Diesel]

The Time Capsule is a nifty solution although I make do via a firewire port - Time Machine backs up in the background and even in sleep so who really cares?

While I think that I probably have enough machines hanging off my network it is really tempting to add one more by way of justifying the purchase of an Air.

PS - my previous experiance with D-Link on an Apple network has been poor to say the least - stick with Netgear.

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by Evil Diesel

..While I think that I probably have enough machines hanging off my network it is really tempting to add one more by way of justifying the purchase of an Air...

Couldn't have put it any better myself, Tony.

Viv

[Z4 Beemer]

Someone at work came into my office today and asked if he could have a new Macbook Air... he then asked if he could also have an envelope to put it in!

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...7&postcount=48

[NathanJT]

Well, did get the iPhone as I mentioned. What a difference compared to the SE K800i (ok so they're not even in the same league).

The phone integration with my car, although having no more functionality is SO MUCH better. It used to take maybe 4-5 minutes before I could make a call while the phone connected. It's now almost instant.

Our CEO just bought a 17" Macbook Pro. First thing he did was remove OS X and install Windows XP LOL! Seems apple now make the best PC's as well

[Z4 Beemer]

Congrats NathanJT. I am actually using mine on the train now!

[NathanJT]

Yup, they're very handy for catching up whilst mobile!

[Z4 Beemer]

The new feature that shows your current location on the Map app is puzzling me. Sometimes it gets my position very accurate... like it pinpoints my house! Other times it shows the circle covering about a 5 mile radius...