03-11-2009, 02:45 PM

Good Afternoon,

I would like to know if this drive "LaCie Little Disk 320 GB FW 400 / USB 2.0 Hard Drive" will work for time machine. I was thinking of leaving it attached all the time. I don't have really big files but would like to make sure I don't lose photos & songs. I like this drive because I don't need to plug in for electricity.

Thank You for Your opinion,

Kevin

03-11-2009, 02:54 PM

Yes, it'll work. Make sure it's formatted to HFS +. Time Machine will not backup to any other file system.

Regards.

03-20-2009, 06:17 AM

Good Morning,

I am planning on using a lacie 320 gb portable hard drive for time machine backup with the firewire 400 port. This way I will not need power other than connection to the computer. I also plan on leaving it attached at all times. When I shut the computer down, does the drive shut down too? or is there still power to the port? If there is no power to the port does it shut down properly so it will not get corrupt?

Thank You,

Kevin

03-20-2009, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by kevinsb

...
When I shut the computer down, does the drive shut down too?

Yes, if the external works properly, it should put the drive to sleep.

Originally Posted by kevinsb

...
or is there still power to the port?

No

Originally Posted by kevinsb

...
If there is no power to the port does it shut down properly so it will not get corrupt?

Yes, part of the shut down is to stop all the currently running processses.

03-26-2009, 07:38 PM

Hello,

I just installed a Lacie 320gb hard drive for my time machine backup. I formatted the drive in os extended (journaled) Is this the correct format? I think this is hfs+. I was also wondering if I need to keep any of the lacie software or can it be deleted? If I outgrow this drive and get a bigger drive for time machine would the software be helpful to use the drive as a portable or is it still not needed?

Also, the firewire cable included does not fit my iMac. It is a firewire 400 to 400. I guess I need a 400 to 800 to fit the computer?

Thank You,

Kevin

03-26-2009, 07:45 PM

Yes, HFS+ is the correct filesystem. No, you don't need the Lacie software as it isn't required for the operation of the drive. You can keep it if you feel that you'll find it useful though but use is voluntary.

If you only have a FW800 port, then the FW400 cable will not work. Why not just use USB?

03-26-2009, 08:04 PM

I was going to use the firewire because I thought it would back up faster? My iMac is the new 24" 4 gb memory and 640hd. I think the fire wire port on the back is for 800 connection type? I am currently using usb.

Thank You,

Kevin

03-26-2009, 08:36 PM

If you do have a FW800 port on your external and your Mac, it would indeed be much faster. FW400 though is technically slower than USB 2.0. The speeds I base this answer on are theoretical speeds though - real world usage would yield different results (FW800 would be faster though).

In case you are unsure of what version of FW ports you have, the picture here of an external HD has both ports labeled.

03-26-2009, 08:42 PM

Real world use FW400 is almost twice as fast as USB and not that far behind FW800. Here are some of my tests.

Can't personally recommend sticking with USB if you have FW available.

03-26-2009, 08:55 PM

Hello,

I bought this drive because it had firewire 400. I had never used this style of connector, so I did not know 400 & 800 were different connectors. I will have to buy the 400 to 800 wire.

Thank You,

Kevin