Can I connect external SSD to MacBook Pro to use BootCamp or Parallels

Question

Level 1

128 points

Can I connect external SSD to MacBook Pro to use BootCamp or Parallels

Hi,

I'm new to Mac family.

I brought new MacBook Pro 2011 model with 128GB of SSD only. I would like setup Windows 7 on it, but only limited space available.

I'm planning to buy an external USB based (Kingston Hyper Max USB SSD - 64GB) to setup Windows 7 on it via BootCamp or Parallels. Can I do it in this way? Is Mac provides any way to boot from USB drivers?

Any further help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

MacBook Pro 15" (early 2011), Mac OS X (10.6.6), 2nd Gen i7 Quad Core 2.30GHz, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD

Posted on Feb 27, 2011 12:23 PM

Reply

Answer 1

jguther

Level 1

145 points

Feb 27, 2011 12:35 PM in response to SRINATHSADDA

No problem with Parallels or VMWare Fusion. Just put the VM on the external SSD and start it from there. I do this all the time.

With Boot Camp (=native Windows installation) it will not work.

Reply

Answer 2

SRINATHSADDA Author

Level 1

128 points

Feb 27, 2011 12:59 PM in response to jguther

So,

When I first start Parallels, I need to create/install Windows installation on External SSD drive. Whenever I want to use Windows, I need to connect External SSD and then start it from Parallels control panel.

Am I right? Among USB and FireWire, Which port is useful in MacBook Pro for this purpose?

I didn''t receive the new MacBook Pro at (currently it's prepared for shipment.) I will give a try when I receive it.

Thank you for your quick reply.

Reply

Answer 3

firman

Level 1

25 points

Feb 27, 2011 1:40 PM in response to SRINATHSADDA

Your startup work flow sounds about right.

Firewire is much faster that USB.

Also as you have the new 2011 Macbook Pro, you could use the new Thunderbolt port and get a new HDD with the same connectors. This gives 10gbps speed, but you will need to wait a few weeks at least for that type of disk to hit the market.

If you have a choice use VM Ware Fusion as Parallels support is very bad and the Fusion product is much better.

You could also investigate replacing your Superdrive (DVD) with a caddy and large 2.5" HDD.

See this thread for more details ( http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=13141473#13141473)

Cheers
eric

Reply

Answer 4

SRINATHSADDA Author

Level 1

128 points

Feb 27, 2011 2:00 PM in response to firman

However I can't wait until Thunderbolt supported devices available in market. Can you suggest me any portable external hard drive (need not to be SSD) which uses FireWire 800?

I've good opinion on WDC ( http://www.amazon.com/Western-Digital-Passport-FireWire-Portable/dp/B00378KLYM).

Any further suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Reply

Answer 5

firman

Level 1

25 points

Feb 27, 2011 2:40 PM in response to SRINATHSADDA

This is an excellent drive. G-Tech is used by many video professionals.

http://store.apple.com/uk/product/H2187ZM/A/G-Technology-500GB-G-DRIVE-FireWire- USB-Portable-Hard-Drive?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY

Its quite small, light as fast. I clone my entire internal HD to it (using carbon copy cloner) which makes it bootable. I have run my mac from this external drive and only a very slight delay is sometimes noticeable. It is also bus powered (requires 2 USB ports), so no external power supply.

I also use Lacie drives, so you could try these.

You might also want to consider a super fast USB stick. I think kingston have released some very quick ones recently up to 64Gb in size.

Cheers
Eric

Reply