Can I unplug my LaCie External while MacBook Pro is asleep?

[twostep721]

Hi all,

I have a MacBook Pro running with Lion. I just bought a LaCie Rugged 500GB that I use to store my iTunes Library (TV shows and Movies). It's constantly plugged in and being used, so whenever I put my MacBook to sleep/wake it up, I have to eject/remount the drive. Is it okay if I just unplug the drive while the MacBook is asleep (screen closed)? If it would help, would it better if I re-plugged in the drive before I wake the MacBook up?

I ask this because I bring my laptop/LaCie drive around with me every day, so I'd like to make the pack up process quicker.

Thank you for any help!

- Matt

 

[osxx]

I always use the eject to me its just safer that way.

 

[Dysfunction]

You never want to unplug an external drive without unmounting it first.

 

[twostep721]

Okay, thank you guys.

Would I be able to leave it plugged in while I transport my MacBook (screen closed)? Like without unmounting/remounting?

 

[osxx]

Okay, thank you guys.

Would I be able to leave it plugged in while I transport my MacBook (screen closed)? Like without unmounting/remounting?

I don't think that would be a good idea do to the fact it would be hard on the cable and cable ends not to mention the ports.

 

[twostep721]

Gotcha. Thank you

 

[twostep721]

This brings me to another question. Is it a bad thing to be constantly mounting/unmounting and unplugging and replugging in the FireWire, 2 or 3 times a day?

 

[chscag]

I guess it could be a cause of wear and tear on the ports. I notice that the FW 800 port on my iMac and on my iOmega triple interface drive are a bit harder to plug in than an ordinary USB port. Might just be me, but it sure seems so. I would hate to have to plug and unplug that several times a day.