Optical drive in target disk mode

[sbk1799]

I'm considering upgrading my early 2009 Mac mini with a new model. I'm concerned about the absence of an optical drive in the new minis. An external drive just isn't my preference.

By connecting two minis by FireWire and putting the old one in target disk mode, I believe I can use the old mini's optical drive and HDD as essentially external devices. I would use the old mini to play DVDs and CDs (and burn the same).

I was wondering if others have had any problems with that configuration.

Also, I assume the USB and other ports on the old mini would not be useable when in target disk mode, but please let me know if I'm wrong.

Finally, I'm concerned about tying up the FW port all the time to link the two minis. Can I attach more FW devices to the new mini with a hub?

Thanks.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

It will work, but you can't use the other ports on the older Mac mini.
But why not get the SupperDrive from Apple, as it consumes much, much less energy, does not need to be connected to a keyboard for starting it up in Target Disk Mode and is a bot smaller?
That way you could use the old Mac mini as server or HTPC.