In a bit of a dilemma: multiple HD question

[Juanto]

So I'm an audio-junkie photographer, I have a lot of photos and a LOT of music that take up a lot of space. I currently have 4 drives, 1 for OS, 1 for Music, 1 for Photography and 1 for *other* uses (no porn). I plain on buying an iMac 27" quad core and it's only got 1 slot for HDDs. Before you say "Just buy a MacPro" I don't want to because I don't want to have a tower.

So, my question to people who might have been in the same situation and or experts is what should I do? Should I make my desktop a Ubuntu server (I've used ubuntu before so i'm not scared) or should I get a multi-HDD enclosure or 4 single enclosures? I'm probably over-analyzing but i've got a month before I make the purchase.

Also, if anyone knows of good enclosures for single or multi hdds the please post up because it's been a long time since i bought a enclosure.

 

[DanielCoffey]

LaCie do some network storage complete with drives. Have a look HERE but you will need to re-navigate to the store for your own country to see the correct currency.

 

[MakX]

(Real newb here, forgive my ignorance).

Why does Apple have an option for the iMac to have both a SATA and an SSD if there's only one HDD spot?

 

[Hellhammer]

(Real newb here, forgive my ignorance).

Why does Apple have an option for the iMac to have both a SATA and an SSD if there's only one HDD spot?

There is small space for it but it's for 2.5"

OP, I have five external HDs. Ubuntu file server is one option but the transfer speeds will likely be slower and it also consumes a lot power. There are 3TB HDs out now so I would take a look at them, even 2 of them may be sufficient. You can use FW800 as it's faster but I've found that USB is adequate too.

 

[theDUB]

...I don't want to have a tower...

Why? Form should follow function. If the imac wont do what you want, get the mac pro and stuff it full of 2tb drives. Worry about feng shuiing your office around the tower later.

 

[biggd]

Way to not say how much music and pix u have, that doesn't help.
Either buy an external HDD or built that NAS server

 

[Juanto]

Way to not say how much music and pix u have, that doesn't help.
Either buy an external HDD or built that NAS server

I have around 500GB of music (on a 1TB drive), and around 200GB worth of photos but that number will change because I'm getting a better camera so I'll change my photo drive to a 1TB. What I might do is put my photo and music drives in lacie raid drive and then the other 2 in just an enclosure. I"m still open for ideas though.