Sata or IDE/ATA?

I have been looking to build my external hard drive for my macbook and i am having trouble finding Sata Firewire enclosures. Is it really worth it to get a Sata HDD? or would i be fine with IDE/Ata drive? Ill be using the HDD to make a back up and media files. Thanks

No, it really doesn't. Your external hard drive would be hindered by the firewire or USB interface which doesn't come near the speeds of ATA or SATA. So, it doesn't matter which internal bus you go with.

so i really wont see a big advantage if I use Sata drive as a backup and to store media files? do you have any good recommendations of a drive and enclosure, i was thinking a drive from 320gb-500gb

Pjmikk04 said:

so i really wont see a big advantage if I use Sata drive as a backup and to store media files? do you have any good recommendations of a drive and enclosure, i was thinking a drive from 320gb-500gb

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There's absolutely no advantage at all. The external bus can only move data so fast. In this case, either type of hard drive can move data faster than the bus can.

I would recommend a Seagate because they offer a 5 year warranty. No one else comes close. As an external drive, you are again limited by the external bus speeds. So, performance is not really a factor - I'd go with the one that has the best warranty and lowest price.

Alright thanks man, do you have any recommendations for a good enclosure for about $30-35? Also will I have to use any drivers? can I make a partioned bootable backup with mac os x disc utility?

how about http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817146602 and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148139 ? Are these compatible? Sorry for all the questions guys!

Those will work. Has both Firewire and USB2. Good deal. Both will work together also.

am i missing a better value?

Pjmikk04 said:

am i missing a better value?

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For $39 for a case that does both USB 2.0 and Firewire is a good deal. I paid $10 more the other day for the same basic case. Same for that 320GB HDD. NewEgg has very good prices.

dtravis7 said:

For $39 for a case that does both USB 2.0 and Firewire is a good deal. I paid $10 more the other day for the same basic case. Same for that 320GB HDD. NewEgg has very good prices.

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Agreed - and Firewire is key. Much higher sustained transfer rates, which is particularly important for speedy backups.

I have another question...I have a macbook, sometimes i like to move it form my desk so how will i disconnect the drive? just eject it like an ipod? also will i beable to partion it? one partion for back up and one for media/downloads?

yes and yes. you can simply eject it like your ipod. also you can partition it however you would like
-chris