Macbook Pro - How do you use an external hard drive?

Zach

Hi all, I just recently purchased a Macbook Pro.

Tech Spechs: 15 Inch, 2.66GHz, and 128 GB SSD.

I upgraded the hard drive from 500GB to 128GB. I know that's less space, but it has a solid state drive which I really wanted.

However, now I'm running out of room! I was going to purchase this: http://store.apple.com/us/product/H2068/G-Technology-500GB-G-DRIVE-FireWire-USB-Portable-Hard-Drive?mco=MTYzMzA4NDE

but I'm not 100% sure of what I can do with it. Could I just upload my iTunes and everything to it? Because my library is fairly big, and I need to install other programs on here, etc.

I was wondering if I can use the hard drive for Time Machine and additionally store files on it? I know that Time Machine basically backs everything up. So I want that on there, but I also want to be able to install programs on the hard drive. Like install Microsoft Office for Mac on the external, put my iTunes library on there, etc so it would only be on the computer if the external hard drive was connected. Can it do two things like that at once? Time Machine, and store non-backup files on it?

Answer
Bassman above is correct. and you do not need a Time Capsule to use time Machine just another hard drive. I currently have my itunes library split onto TWO external harddrives because I ran out of room years ago. It does work. Good Luck!

What is the best external hard drive for Macbook Pro?

aidan

I want one that can act as an external hard drive and at the same time be used for Time Machine. (if it's possible) I would also like it to be aesthetically pleasing and be fast with a good amount of storage. About one TB. I don't want it to be too expensive. I know I am asking for a lot, but if someone could make a list of ones that fit various parts of my requirements that would be great!
I Just didn't want someone showing me one for like $300 dollars @ 3TB and require a seperate $600 housing unit. I'm just looking for something for extra storage and a backup copy for my Mac for use with TM.

Answer
The best is SSD and aluminum enclosure with Firewire 800 and USB 3.0 connectors. That's the last two links at "Sources". OK, I lied. An aluminum case for Thunderbolt goes for 300 bucks, add your own drives: http://www.amazon.com/Akitio-Neutrino-Thunder-Duo-Enclosure/dp/B00D4EBIV4/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1382911631&sr=8-13&keywords=thunderbolt+enclosure

If you want a high-quality drive and case, buy these two items (hard drive and enclosure), and with a small screwdriver you put them together....
http://www.amazon.com/HGST-Travelstar-2-5-Inch-Internal-0J22423/dp/B00B4QESVQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370072848&sr=8-1&keywords=HGST+HTS721010A9E630 (2.5â HDD, 7200rpm, 1TB)
http://tinyurl.com/3okh75r (enclosure with Firewire 800 and USB 2.0 connection)
It does not include A.C. power adapter, but you can buy an adapter at Radio Shack or Wal-Mart, if it ever fails to have enough power from the USB connection.

Another option is to buy this case-HDD combo that does include power adapter...
http://www.amazon.com/MiniPro-External-FireWire-Portable-Silver/dp/B0067N0DME/ref=pd_sim_pc_2 (1TB, 7200RPM HDD in aluminum enclosure that has both Firewire 800 and USB 3.0 connections.

The reason for aluminum case is to dissipate heat. Less heat held in means longer life for the drive inside.

For the possibility of future needs, get a 3.5" drive and case. You can step up later to a larger capacity drive and keep using the same case. Again, aluminum for heat dissipation, Firewire 800 for fastest use with a MacBook Pro, and USB, just in case you want to connect it to a PC or a Mac that has no Firewire port...
http://www.amazon.com/3-5-Inch-Aluminum-SuperSpeed-Enclosure-G-S350SU3B2/dp/B00B7MWQE8/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1377045151&sr=8-15&keywords=drive+case+3.0+USB+firewire+800 (top quality enclosure)
http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Cache-Desktop-Drive/dp/B0088PUEPK/ref=sr_1_46?ie=UTF8&qid=1346127194&sr=8-46&keywords=3.5%22+1tb+hard+drive (1TB, 7200RPM drive)

or... http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Barracuda-3-5-Inch-Internal-ST2000DM001/dp/B005T3GRN2/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1363446712&sr=8-6&keywords=3.5%22+2tb+drive (2TB, 7200RPM drive)

TM doesn't care what brand of drive or what size, but larger is better.

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