memory allocation and boot camp

Hi ct,

the optional 500GB harddisk is a built-to-order option and can only be used while buying an iMac not afterwards, since it replaces the standard 250GB harddisk.

An iMac simply has not enough room inside for two harddisks.

As for external HDs, be aware that Windows (neither XP nor Vista) is capable to be booted of an external HD, whereas OSX can be booted of an external HD.

Personally I have used BootCamp since its early Beta stage (version 1.1) and had no issue up to now.

With Windows XP I would use at least 15GB for the Windows System plus the space you need for the Windows programs, so something about 30 to 40GB should suffice.
With Vista you can double up these figures.

You can also use an external HD for storage and access to your files and only have the Windows system and the Windows programs on your internal HD.

Regards

Stefan

Be aware, if you allow x GB for Windows & later decide you need more, you cannot increase it. You must repartition & reinstall Windows. The Windows updates are very large. Also, any Windows programs you install will probably have updates as will the Firewall & anti-Virus etc. I only allowed 9 GB & I am getting ready to redo it with 30 GB (WIndows XP Pro). BTW, if you use 32 GB or less you can use FAT32 which means you are able to see the Windows HDD from the Mac side & even move files to windows from Mac which is very nice. I understand you cannot do that with NTFS. If you start to run out of space (on the Mac side or Windows side) you can store large files such as photos, videos on external media. Also be aware you will probably need to purchase a retail version of Windows (even if you already have a Windows CD from an old computer that you are planning to retire.) It must be XP2 it cannot be plain Windows XP or Windows XP1 for example. Even though after installation you will go to Windows Update & get the latest updates including SP3 now for XP. After you successfully create your Boot Camp partition & install Windows. Immediately update (from the Windows side!) your Apple update & your Boot Camp to 2.1. If you don't you will have trouble. Good luck.

Wholemilk:

Just to clarify what Stefan has posted, you can boot from an external HD if you are using OSx but you *cannot boot* from an external HD if you are using Windows. You can however have data files stored on an external HD which can be accessed in windows.

Axel F.

Hi Steven,

as Axel already pointed out:

Mac OSX can be booted from external HDs.
Windows can not. (It's Microsofts wish to not allow this...).

Have fun

Stefan