Dumb Questions from a Windows User

[iBighouse]

Due to the software I typically have to run I have forever been immersed in the Windows environment. However, Apple has invaded my world. It started simply enough with an iPhone 3...and then successive iPhone releases...and then iPads...and Apple TV ...and AirPort Extreme...and I think in order to really enjoy and leverage all this appleness I would like to get into OSX. I'm not interested in hauling around a notebook. Due to graphic requirements of the software I will need to run (likely in bootcamp: Revit/AutoCAD/MAX) a mini is really out of the question. So, a nMP would fit my needs. But, I certainly want to balance the need with the cost. Having some questions answered would help me make the decision on configuration for one when I order it later in the year.

1. I am aiming for the six core with the D700s, 16GB, 256GB SSD. That way I can upgrade or supplement via external drives the SSD storage, and use less expensive aftermarket memory as well should I feel my uses could benefits from it. Does this sound like a reasonable configurations at will allow me to experience a full OSX system and utilize bootcamp without hindering OSX or windows?

2. If I purchase external SSDs for data storage can the same data files on the drives be accessed for files whether using OSX or Windows?

3. Can programs be installed on external drives and is the thunderbolt port fast enough so it will seem as if the program was installed internally?

4. Is there any huge reason to move to the 500gb internal drive if #3 is a yes?

 

[Vanilla Face]

You're thinking of Thunderbolt, not lightning. Lightning is the cable/port used on the iPhone and iPad.

Thunderbolt enclosures are very costly, as are SSDs. Unless you are talking about a very large amount of data (greater than the 1tb offered by Apple) that you need to store and access quickly, I think you'd be better off getting the larger internal drive and pairing it with a regular external drive (If you still need more storage for files). Windows and windows applications takes up a lot of room

 

[FluJunkie]

1. I am aiming for the six core with the D700s, 16GB, 256GB SSD. That way I can upgrade or supplement via external drives the SSD storage, and use less expensive aftermarket memory as well should I feel my uses could benefits from it. Does this sound like a reasonable configurations at will allow me to experience a full OSX system and utilize bootcamp without hindering OSX or windows?

That seems decent. If I had to upgrade something, it would be the RAM, but unlike the Apple laptops, that can be done after the face.

2. If I purchase external SSDs for data storage can the same data files on the drives be accessed for files whether using OSX or Windows?

If formatted appropriately.

3. Can programs be installed on external drives and is the lightening port fast enough so it will seem as if the program was installed internally?

Thunderbolt, not lightning. And yes, the port is fast enough that you likely won't really notice it's an external drive.

4. Is there any huge reason to move to the 500gb internal drive if #3 is a yes?

Convenience. Not having to deal with as many external expansions.

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Thunderbolt enclosures are very costly, as are SSDs. Unless you are talking about a very large amount of data (greater than the 1tb offered by Apple) that you need to store and access quickly, I think you'd be better off getting the larger internal drive and pairing it with a regular external drive (If you still need more storage for files). Windows and windows applications takes up a lot of room.

SSDs really aren't that expensive anymore, especially not SATA-based drives and USB3 enclosures (which will work just as well as Tbolt for most use cases).

As for whether a fast SSD external or a slower, larger HDD external is better depends on the OP's use case.

 

[Small White Car]

2. If I purchase external SSDs for data storage can the same data files on the drives be accessed for files whether using OSX or Windows?

If you're talking about a home network (either with ethernet or Wifi) then this is easy. Just access it over the network and, in effect, the Mac reads the drive and reports the info on it to Windows. Format it as a Mac drive and never think about it again.

But if you're talking about a drive you want to physically move from one computer to another, you should use ExFAT. (Or just FAT32 if you're not going to have files over 4 GB in size.) This is what flash drives use.

If, for some obscure reason, you really need it to be a NTFS drive, there are ways to get a Mac to read NTFS drives. Google it and you'll find them.

 

[shaunp]

I've got the 6 core with D700's and a 512GB SSD - I actually bought the 4 core, and upgraded it so I could buy less RAM.

I've got a load of external storage, but if you are just wanting a Windows partition for a few apps then I'd just increase the size of the internal SSD. Alternatively if you need a load of space I would run Windows inside a VM you can put the OS volume for the VM on your SSD and create another volume on the external disk. You can then run the VM as a full-screen app and have it on a virtual desktop. I run loads of VM's this way and they work very well.

 

[jlsm511]

I have the 1TB SSD. It's definitely a good investment to avoid having to use a load of external drives. But if you do, I would use a Mac only and Windows only partition based on my past experiences.