home storage instead of icloud

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home storage instead of icloud

Hi Everyone,

Ordered my ipad 4 a few days ago and had some anticipatory questions.

Goals:

1. I want to store my data/media on a home external HD that I can access with my ipad, MBP or iphone from anywhere with an internet connection.

2. I want this HD to have capability to backup to "the cloud" somewhere.

3. I want to stream music/media from my home HD through any device with an internet connection.

Rationale:

Basically I am concerned that if I lose access to the internet (IE there is a big storm and the net in down in my area for a week) I want to preserve access to my files. IE, I can go home and plug into the HD. Also if I am traveling and the net/router/power goes down at home, I also have access to the cloud backup.

Questions:

1. If this is possible, what hardware and software do I need do set this up?
2. Is there a link somewhere that explains how to do so if it's complicated?

System Information: I have an older MBP w/ core duo - cannot upgrade to Mountain Lion but have Lion. Iphone 4. Ipad4 w/ LTE. Some Linksys Router. Happy to upgrade router etc., I don't have the HD yet.

Thank you,

72457245

MacBook Pro

Posted on Nov 15, 2012 5:07 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Texas Mac Man

Level 8

46,839 points

Nov 15, 2012 5:41 AM in response to 72457245

There are some wireless external hard drives that can be used with the iPad.

The Kingston Wi-Drive, which costs $50 for the 16 Gigabyte, and then $30 more for every 16 gigs more. It works by you turning it on and then accessing the files on it from an app that you download on your iDevice. You can access music, movies, and other stuff. No connections or anything, it works like a WiFi connection, you connect to it from the setting on the iPad under wireless networks.

Then there is the Seagate GoFlex, which some would recommend over the Wi-Drive. But this one costs $199 and had 500 Gigabytes of storage. It works the sameway as the Kingston: no wires, runs over its wireless connection. You can actually fit up to 300 HD movies on it.

Another option:

Expand your iPad's storage capacity with HyperDrive

http://www.macworld.com/article/1153935/hyperdrive.html

On the road with a camera, an iPad, and a Hyperdrive

http://www.macworld.com/article/1160231/ipadhyperdrive.html

Mac - How to Move the iPhone & iPad iTunes Backup folder to an External Hard Drive

http://osxdaily.com/2011/03/05/how-to-move-the-iphoneipad-itunes-backup-folder-t o-an-external-hard-drive/

 Cheers, Tom 😉

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Answer 2

72457245 Author

Level 1

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Nov 15, 2012 5:53 AM in response to Texas Mac Man

Thanks Tom,

Those seem like nice options but I think I would need to have the drive with me... to establish the connection.... right?

I guess what I'm looking for is to keep the drive at home. Basically, I want to have a massive itunes library at my home, and then be able to stream off it with any of my devices remotely.

So, ideally it would go something like;

[External HD w/ media] -> [Router] -> [Internet] -> [Device 1000 miles away] -> [Speakers]

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Answer 3

Nov 15, 2012 6:02 AM in response to 72457245

I would consider itunes match, where your entire itunes library is stored in the cloud. You have to pay a small yearly fee, but itunes pretty much does all the work.

http://www.apple.com/itunes/itunes-match/

For other data, consider using icloud to sync and back up your data. You get 5GB of free storage and can pay for more.

http://www.apple.com/support/icloud/

You can also use back to mac, for data/content on your mac.

Back to my mac.

http://support.apple.com/kb/PH2572

Back to my mac w/time capsule or airport base station

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3486

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Answer 4

72457245 Author

Level 1

0 points

Nov 15, 2012 7:13 AM in response to GrumpyGator

Thanks Grumpy,

However, I'm not looking to store in a remote cloud. I believe I should be able to do this at my home. Also, my music library goes well beyond the itunes 25,000 songs limit... but this is less relevant. I'm looking for home storage and remote access to stream from there, not to store with a 3rd party. Back to mac seems good, but can I stream from there easily from Itunes on ipad/iphone? It seems like not.

7245

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Answer 5

Nov 15, 2012 9:30 AM in response to 72457245

Any 'remote desktop' type application should work for, your limitations would be connection speed and if the power goes out at your house. Depending on how important access is to you, then more than one solution may be necessary. You will have to experiment a little to see what works best for you.

I have streamed music via Remote Desktop, but again your connection speed is important. There are many possible solutions, just depends on how tech savvy you are and how much work you are willing to put into it.

I suggested iTunes Match due to the simplicity.

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