Using external drive for Time Machine backup

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Using external drive for Time Machine backup

My wife and I each have a M1 2020 MacBook Air running Sonoma 14.2.1. We had been using Airport Time Capsule to back up both MBAs but after 10+ years, it has reached its shelf life.

Is it feasible to use an external drive, like a SanDisk 2TB Extreme portable SSD, to handle back-up chores for both MBAs? I realize back-up would have to be done manually but if run through Time Machine, would it back up everything I need (files, photos, apps, settings etc)? We don't have a home office or tons of files and photos so I'm trying to avoid the expense and complexity of a NAS. Could I partition the SSD so that each of our MBAs is backed up to a separate partition?

I don't claim to be tech savvy but I'm looking for a reasonable cost solution to make sure that everything is backed up, say, weekly.

I mourn the loss of the Airport Time Capsule. It was such a sweet machine that performed its function seamlessly in the background. (I have a Xfinity router so I am covered there; I just need back-up capability.)

Thanks in advance for any advice

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Posted on Feb 28, 2024 3:06 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 28, 2024 3:27 PM in response to dmwilson

Using an external SSD like the SanDisk 2TB for Time Machine backups for both MacBooks is possible, but it may not be practical:

Depending on your data accumulation rate, 2TB might or might not be sufficient in the long run. Also, for backups, speed is typically not a major concern. SSDs are faster but more expensive per GB compared to conventional hard drives. You might get more storage for your money with a larger conventional hard drive.

As you pointed out, without a network-accessible drive or NAS, you'll have to manually rotate the drive between the two MacBooks, which could be cumbersome.

You can partition the SSD for separate backups for each MacBook, but I don't see the advantage in doing so. You and your wife's backups can live on the same single partition disk to simplify the process.

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Answer 2

Feb 28, 2024 3:57 PM in response to dmwilson

No problem. Since your data needs are not exceptionally high, a simpler and more cost-effective approach would be ideal for you. While a 4TB SSD would certainly work for your backup needs, you might find even more value in opting for a conventional hard disk drive (HDD).

HDDs generally offer more storage space for the same cost when compared to SSDs. This means you can get a higher capacity drive for less money, which is great for backups that don't require the high-speed performance of SSDs. With a larger capacity HDD, such as 4TB or more, you'll have plenty of space to accommodate both your and your wife's backups for a considerable time, even if your data grows.

Both HDDs and SSDs are compatible with Time Machine for backups. You can certainly use an external HDD to back up both MacBooks. Time Machine will back up all your files, photos, apps, and settings.

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Answer 3

dmwilson Author

Level 1

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Feb 28, 2024 3:51 PM in response to BrotherEye

Thank you, BrotherEye, for the quick response. I understand what you're saying and it may be that a 4TB SSD is a better choice in the long run than a 2TB model. And I will look into non-portable external HDs; maybe more bang for the buck.

A NAS is appealing (except for the cost) but we just aren't power users. I still have 315 GB of 500 GB available on my MBA and my wife uses even less capacity.

Thanks for your advice on the partitioning. As long as I can distinguish one back-up from another, I'm ok.

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Answer 4

dmwilson Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 28, 2024 4:06 PM in response to BrotherEye

Thanks again, BrotherEye. You laid out the choices clearly. Since I don't really need the portability, I'll look for a 4TB external HDD. I'm happy to have a solution, thanks to the Community.

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Using external drive for Time Machine backup

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