Backup options for MBA + external drive

[dhartlen]

I currently have some data on my MBA but the bulk and balance of it resides on a 1TB usb external drive.

I'm long overdue to set up a backup, but don't really know a ton about it. The wireless feature of a 2TB Time Capsule is certainly appealing, but the cost really isn't.

I get the concept of RAID backup, but don't know what software/hardware I would need to get started.

Can anyone please offer some suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[miles01110]

Just get a USB external drive and use TM.

 

[dhartlen]

Just get a USB external drive and use TM.

That's it? I had thought it sounded too easy. (a fear of simple still plagues me from my recent switch from PC)

Thanks!

 

[Hellhammer]

That's it? I had thought it sounded too easy. (a fear of simple still plagues me from my recent switch from PC)

Thanks!

That's all you need. Time Capsule would work but like you said, the price is quite hefty. RAID is no use for you unless you need more than 3TB so don't confuse your mind with that

 

[reddirt14]

I'm in the same boat - I just jumped to MAC (or I'm trying it out, anyway - and loving it). I have not had the best backup practices for many years and just purchased a Buffalo LinkStation (I think that's what it's called). It's Raid 0, 1, 5 & 10 capable, it's Time Machine compatible, NAS (operates on a network), WiFi, remote access capable, and it supports media delivery to my television and other devices. I'm going to start storing all my files there and do backups of my PCs and MBA to the machine. It's time for me to back-up my systems - I've been risking it for quite a while. I also plan to run a monthly backup of the disk stack to a external drive and store it at the office or a safety deposit box.

I'm kind of excited about having a safe, central storage location for all my files. It's a pain to have things store in multiple locations. And the idea of being able to reach those files (remotely) when I'm traveling or at the office, is nice.

 

[kitsunesfire]

I'm in the same boat - I just jumped to MAC (or I'm trying it out, anyway - and loving it). I have not had the best backup practices for many years and just purchased a Buffalo LinkStation (I think that's what it's called). It's Raid 0, 1, 5 & 10 capable, it's Time Machine compatible, NAS (operates on a network), WiFi, remote access capable, and it supports media delivery to my television and other devices. I'm going to start storing all my files there and do backups of my PCs and MBA to the machine. It's time for me to back-up my systems - I've been risking it for quite a while. I also plan to run a monthly backup of the disk stack to a external drive and store it at the office or a safety deposit box.

I'm kind of excited about having a safe, central storage location for all my files. It's a pain to have things store in multiple locations. And the idea of being able to reach those files (remotely) when I'm traveling or at the office, is nice.

this sounds like a great solution! can you let us know how it goes for you? I'm looking for a storage system to house my photos, music and games but still allow them to be easily accessed, not only at home but on the road and at work. I assumed that would mean toting around an external HD with me everywhere I go, but if this works how the site describes...that might not be necessary. Definitely something I'm interested in hearing more about!

 

[reddirt14]

this sounds like a great solution! can you let us know how it goes for you? I'm looking for a storage system to house my photos, music and games but still allow them to be easily accessed, not only at home but on the road and at work. I assumed that would mean toting around an external HD with me everywhere I go, but if this works how the site describes...that might not be necessary. Definitely something I'm interested in hearing more about!

I will - It should arrive this week and some reviews say the setup can be tricky, so it may take a couple weeks for me to dig into it. I know all these solutions are available (nothing revolutionary), but I like the idea of finding it all in one box (an integrated solution). I got the 4 X 500 gb quad version, but I can drop in larger drives (currently selling them with 2 tb drives, in the future, so once I get the setup down, I should be able to expand it when needed. I'm not sure if the deal is still going, but I purchased it at either Buy.com or Newegg.com (can't recall which) for just under $300 with free shipping. So not a big investment.

I too love the functionality of the Time Capsule when working with a Mac (I'm not sure how well it will handle my PCs) , but the price makes it a little more difficult of a purchase.