Best external back-up drive for MacBook Pro

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Level 1

64 points

Best external back-up drive for MacBook Pro

I ordered a WD 2 TB My Passport external drive from Staples. In the meantime one of you answered this question with the problems they are having with their software if using Maverick OX.

I am thinking of purchasing the LA Cie 2TB USB 3 Porsche Design P'9233. What are your thoughts? I believe this should be a plug and play and not need formatting-am I correct?

I don't want problems with a new drive and will return the WD as it is unopened.

Thanks

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Dec 17, 2013 4:43 AM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Dec 17, 2013 4:51 AM in response to mksr

Unless the manufacturer says that drive is formatted (not compatible) for a MBP, you will have to use Disk Utility>Erase and format the HDD to Mac OS Extended (Journaled) before you can use it.

Ciao.

I have never had a HDD that has been formatted for a Mac out of the box.

Message was edited by: OGELTHORPE

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Answer 2

mksr Author

Level 1

64 points

Dec 17, 2013 5:04 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

It states designed for MACS. Time machine compatible for seamless back-ups using built in MAC software.USB 3.0 and compatible with 2.0.

User friendly data back-up with Back-Up Assistant. It ststes to go to System Preferences, Time Machine and choose drive. It will automatically back-up to the drive of your choice.

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Answer 3

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Dec 17, 2013 5:14 AM in response to mksr

mksr wrote:

It ststes to go to System Preferences, Time Machine and choose drive. It will automatically back-up to the drive of your choice.

If it actually does that, then it is formatted out of the box. If the MBP does not recognize the drive, then it will have to be formatted. Formatting a HDD is strait forward and not a lengthy process. Here is a document regarding various format options:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3044

Ciao.

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Answer 4

mksr Author

Level 1

64 points

Dec 17, 2013 5:20 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

This was a reply from a customer that just bought the LaCie and backed his Macbook Pro up yesterday with this external drive. His exact words.

Thank you so much as I feel better about the LaCie one than the WD My Passport because I have an early 2013 Macbook Pro retina and baby it.

Happy Holidays to all.

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