Creating space on my 2020 MacBook Pro

[deckard666]

I am finally migrating from my cMP to my MacBook Pro and I notice I have pretty much zero space left on the main drive (512GB) after Photos went on it (175GB) - I presume I can have that externally but what is the best way do you think ? A USB stick or a drive as I would like access to it when I am out and about but dont really need all of it then, like maybe the last year or so or is that getting complicated ?

 

[MBAir2010]

A good rule of thumb on storage is to keep atleast 20% free while 10% can slow down the fastest processors.
what is great about our time this present day in computing is the storage is affordable, fast and compact.

why I have the 256 GB MacBook M1 model is I can store data I dont need weekly on several external ssd drives and some older HD that conation many photos and movies. The SSD ones can also run an OS like Monterey on a older MacBook without a hitch!

which brand and size depends on your presence, I have several and a
Western Digital 500 external drive I use turned 10 years ole just yesterday!

hope this helped!

 

[maflynn]

I am finally migrating from my cMP to my MacBook Pro and I notice I have pretty much zero space left on the main drive (512GB) after Photos went on it (175GB)

Consider using a combination of solutions. Use iCloud storage for things that you always need, and maybe an external SSD for the other items.

 

[deckard666]

I have access to a family shared iCloud of 2TB - If I use iCloud for my photos will every in the family be able to see them ?

 

[Fishrrman]

I would reckon that a large "portion" of the stuff that people keep on their hard drives is un-necessary and could be "off-loaded" to somewhere else without any problem at all.

It DOES require self-discipline to identify and move these unneeded files.
Do you REALLY need ALL of a 175gb photo library on there?
Or could some of it be "spun off" into an "archived library" ??

For a small/portable external drive, you might consider something like the Samsung t7 "Shield". Easy enough to carry along.

Or, perhaps something even smaller.
Such as an "nvme" blade SSD, in a USB3.1 gen2 enclosure.
Something like this:

ORICO Aluminum M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure, Tool-Free 10Gbps USB C Adapter, USB 3.2 M.2 NVMe Reader, External SSD Case Thunderbolt 3 Compatible, Supports 4TB 2230/2242/2260/2280 PCIe M-Key SSDs-PWM2-BK

12 MONTHS FREE REPLACEMENT AND LIFETIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT: If there was any problem with the products from ORICO Direct Store, please contact us, you will get a free-replacement within 12 months.

www.amazon.com

 

[deckard666]

Thanks for that - I was wondering the same and a pretty good deal on at the mo too...

Crucial P3 2TB M.2 PCIe Gen3 NVMe Internal SSD - Up to 3500MB/s - £109.48 @ Amazon

Decent price for a decent drive. Has got it's limitations due to lack of DRAM and QLC memory, but for 99% of home users it is an excelent drive. Great for

www.hotukdeals.com

 

[Fishrrman]

That's a good price on the Crucial drive.
Match it with a USB3.1 gen2 enclosure, you should do fine.

 

[JamesMay82]

I would reckon that a large "portion" of the stuff that people keep on their hard drives is un-necessary and could be "off-loaded" to somewhere else without any problem at all.

It DOES require self-discipline to identify and move these unneeded files.
Do you REALLY need ALL of a 175gb photo library on there?
Or could some of it be "spun off" into an "archived library" ??

For a small/portable external drive, you might consider something like the Samsung t7 "Shield". Easy enough to carry along.

Or, perhaps something even smaller.
Such as an "nvme" blade SSD, in a USB3.1 gen2 enclosure.
Something like this:

ORICO Aluminum M.2 NVMe SSD Enclosure, Tool-Free 10Gbps USB C Adapter, USB 3.2 M.2 NVMe Reader, External SSD Case Thunderbolt 3 Compatible, Supports 4TB 2230/2242/2260/2280 PCIe M-Key SSDs-PWM2-BK

12 MONTHS FREE REPLACEMENT AND LIFETIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT: If there was any problem with the products from ORICO Direct Store, please contact us, you will get a free-replacement within 12 months.

www.amazon.com

This is true and a topic im obsessed with at the minute. I like to have all my data on my laptops main drive because it’s nice to know I can reference things without the need for an external. I.e browse family vids and photos if I’m away with work etc.

But I’m also running out of space and can’t make my mind up on which to cull! I’m thinking of keeping all photos but then just keeping my fav vids or just editing clips to make a yearly review or birthday vids etc

 

[wilberforce]

I have access to a family shared iCloud of 2TB - If I use iCloud for my photos will every in the family be able to see them ?

No, not unless you deliberately share them.

 

[deckard666]

Ah thanks for all your input...