External Hard Drive

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Level 1

13 points

External Hard Drive

Hello, all! Not super tech savvy and wanted to see about suggestions for an external hard drive. I have a Lacie 1T that's actually be great...but it's totally full and I need something ASAP. We ordered a Passport (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RX3TWJZ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 ) but I saw some folks have issues with MACs. I only need it as a local, but it also says support is going away (I'm not 100% clear if that's *only* for Cloud services. I don't want to keep something I can't get tech support for.)

The Lacie was a literal plug-in-and-it-works-with-TimeMachine. So I'm wondering if a larger size in the Lacie is a better choice.

I'd love feedback if any of you found something easy (requires little or no formatting - my Lacie did not) and reliable. Layman's terms would be appreciated! :)

Thanks!

iMac 27″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Feb 7, 2023 7:46 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,440 points

Feb 7, 2023 8:52 AM in response to PLMFB

Most experienced users on these forums like the OWC lineup from Macsales.com. Why, reasonable pricing, very high quality enclosures, easy to change or upgrade the internal drive, great service. The model I have settle on is the OWC Mercury Elite Pro , I have 5 connected to 3 Macs.

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

215,196 points

Feb 7, 2023 9:44 AM in response to rkaufmann87

on OWC external SSDs. Since they have such a variety of drives I suggest you contact OWC's customer support and get their recommendation for the SSD model that would best suit your iMac model, work requirements and budget.

I recommend drives from OWC (MacSales.com) as they have proven reliability, excellent customer support and warranties. I have 9 OWC SSDs in a variety of enclosures and am just a very satisfied customer.

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Answer 3

Jack-19

Level 8

46,182 points

Feb 7, 2023 12:58 PM in response to PLMFB

The Lacie has worked great for me it's just totally full!

I like LaCie products, especially since they're sold at the Apple Store.

A large LaCie Mobile Drive Secure USB-C with Rescue - Apple or LaCie Rugged USB-C Portable Hard Drive - Apple would serve you well.

Jack

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Answer 4

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,440 points

Feb 7, 2023 10:40 AM in response to PLMFB

Your welcome. I'd recommend staying away from the "Walmart" quality drives such as the WD, Toshiba drives. Their weak points are poor cooling which leads to high failure rates, throw away design instead of re-usable enclosures.

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Answer 5

PLMFB Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 7, 2023 10:42 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Funny you say that. The one I just got is WD and I was reading that some people had issues with the heat. The Lacie has worked great for me it's just totally full! I also wanted to specifically check with MAC users, as there can be a whole different experience.

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Answer 6

PLMFB Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 7, 2023 2:33 PM in response to Jack-19

Thanks so much. I really appreciate all the help. I ordered a Lacie based on my own expereince, but also some reviews. But...I have taken note of all of the suggestions and will be sure to keep them handy if this one doesn't work.

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