External HD for Mac and PC (partition)

Attimus · Nov 11, 2009

I found this LaCie External HD that comes with software that lets you partition it for use with Mac and windows at the same time.

Amazon.com: LaCie Starck 1 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive 301888KUA: Electronics

LaCie hard drives stand in Starck contrast to the competition (hands-on)

I was curious if there were any other HD's out there that could do this. Or was there a software that one could buy to add this to any external HD.

mdfuller · Nov 11, 2009

You can use any external HD with Windows and Mac. It all depends on how you format and partition them. You do not need their software to do that.

Attimus · Nov 11, 2009

Oh, so i don't need any additional software to see both partitions from my mac and windows machines?

Which External HD do you recommend?

Attimus · Nov 11, 2009

Would this one work
Amazon.com: LaCie d2 Quadra Hard Disk 1 TB eSATA/FireWire 800/FireWire 400/USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive 301442U (Aluminum): Electronics

It has Esata and Firewire800. (My acer has esata) Would i be able to plug my mac and my PC into this at the same time? I imagine I'd leave my PC desktop plugged in 24/7 and my Mac would get plugged in when i want to back up with Time Machine or transfer photos.

mdfuller · Nov 11, 2009

You can see FAT partitions from Windows and the Mac. You cannot see Mac formatted partitions from Windows. There might be software to do that, but I have never tried. You can see NTFS partitions from both, but you need some kind of software on the Mac. I use Paragon NTFS. I would recommend using NTFS and something like Paragon NTFS if you are doing a lot of going back and forth. There are limitations with FAT. I would not recommend plugging both in at the same time. I have never done that either. I am sure someone will chime in if they have.

Attimus · Nov 11, 2009

I do 50% graphical presentation work using the Adobe software (which is better on Mac), and 50% CAD/3d rendering software that only works on Windows.

So, i'd used the volume 50/50 for work stuff. I produce back grounds and PDF's from the windows side that I make finish presentations with using Illustrator or Photoshop. I wouldn't really need to write to the windows side.

damo72 · Nov 11, 2009

External HD not reconised on PS3

I just bought a new slim PS3 and wanted to watch some videos I have on my external HD but for some reason the PS3 doesnt recognise the HD. I can see it on my mac just fine but it wont show on my PS3 (or PC's for that matter). Any suggestions. Its a 120gd maxtor one touch HD.