The best back up hard drive for an iMac?

Hi

I have seen a couple of posts about back ups, however i'm just wondering if any of you guys have any recommendations on specific models/makes. Also which ones are the best for the use with Apple Products, I'm getting my iMac next week so I really need a back up to store some of my work on.

Any recommendations would be very appreciated.

Any drive will do, I use a western digital and its just fine

WD Elements 2TB External Desktop Hard Drive - Black: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Most externals will come formatted for Windows. If you plan to use it with Time Machine, you can just reformat it using Disk Utility on your iMac. Simple instructions here: Format external drives to Mac OS Extended before using with Aperture

louishen said:

Any drive will do, I use a western digital and its just fine

WD Elements 2TB External Desktop Hard Drive - Black: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Click to expand...

Thanks ill take a look, does it matter that it is USB 2.0 if i'm getting the new iMac with a 3.0 connection?

LukeMedia said:

Thanks ill take a look, does it matter that it is USB 2.0 if i'm getting the new iMac with a 3.0 connection?

Click to expand...

No, it doesn't matter, however, an external hard drive designed for USB 3.0 will be faster. It should be easy to find one since nowadays all newer external hard drives have a USB 3.0 connection.

A USB 2.0 EHD will work just fine on a USB 3.0 connection.

I just bought a 1TB USB 3.0 Seagate from Amazon last week for $89.99 USD. Working great so far and doesn't need a power source i.e. no outlet plug. USB 3.0 is really fast!

Amazon.com: Seagate Backup Plus 1 TB USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive STBU1000101 (Silver): Computers & Accessories

I'm gonna recommend Western Digital but stay away from their 5400 rpm models and look for 7200 rpm instead. 5400 rpm models are most likely going to be based on WD's Caviar Blue drives and those are the only drives I have ever had a problem with. Caviar Greens and Blacks have never let me down and they are all I now use for mass storage. Of the two I'd always go with Caviar Black if I had a choice.

Thanks for all of the replies guys! I am looking at a few now, the feedback has really helped!

Personally I use a Seagate Go-Flex 2TB as a Time Machine, connected via firewire. Have used it for a couple of years now and had no problems. Just as a tip, try and get an external drive that is twice the capacity of your internal HDD.