Problem..only got 320Gb internal HDD, now got 100Gb iPhoto & 100Gb iTunes..

[MrMister111]

Hi

I have a bit of an oncoming problem I have an Intel 2007 Alu iMac with a 320Gb internal HDD. I now have after importing all my music and photos a 100Gb iPhoto & 100Gb iTunes library. I also have a used a 30Gb Boot Camp partition for Win XP (too big now really wish it was only about 20Gb). so this leaves me only with about 90Gb left, but I download a lot of iTunes U, and podcasts , and tutorials video so varies.

I also have a 500Gb Time Machine desktop USB HDD attached permanently to my iMac, and use it exclusively for TM. I also have a 1Tb NAS that I keep my iTunes movies on as they would be way too big.

Now I have heard that you should keep iPhoto library on the internal HDD, but maybe iTunes can be moved. Is this my only solution? buy another USB (maybe USB powered this time?) to put my iTunes library on?

My iMac only has 3 USB ports, currently they used for Printer, Keyboard and TM. So if I get another one I will have to swap when I need iTunes, not too bad but a bit of a pain.

Or any other solutions please? I know I could get a Firewire one I suppose, but I don't want clutter. One of the reasons I bought a iMac was I wanted an all-in-one, with no wires etc all over the place.

What solutions do people use? the iMacs now have decent size HDD (1Tb etc), but when buyig mine they were ridiculously small, mine was upgraded from a 250Gb at tteh time!

Surely its becoming a problem for a lot of people now with there expanding digital media? and it out growing their internal iMac HDD.

Any help please cheers
I have found a 500Gb USB powered for £53 (UK) for a scale

 

[MathijsDelva]

Get a 1.5TB internal HD?

 

[SASouth]

My iMac only has 3 USB ports, currently they used for Printer, Keyboard and TM. So if I get another one I will have to swap when I need iTunes, not too bad but a bit of a pain.

Buy yourself a powered 7 port USB hub and a 2 TB USB hard drive. Plug your new HD, your TM HD and your printer into the hub. Plug the hub into one of your now three free USB ports on your Mac and copy your iTunes Library from your internal HD to your new 2 TB HD. Problem soved.

 

[MrMister111]

I prefer a uncluttered desktop to be honest and if I wad to get a USB hub would prefer a "hidden" self powered one, maybe only need 1 extra USB port as have 2 on my wired keyboard but they don't seem to power anything.

Is there any 2 USB hub that would plug in the back of the iMac so hidden round the back of the iMac? I could then plug my printer and USB HDD in, prob not use both at same time.

I would love to upgrade the internal HDD, that would sort everything really, a nice 1Tb in would be great, but still under warranty (3yr Applecare) till Nov 2010, and it looks a little bit hairy opening it all up.

Where would you get a 2Tb USB HDD! and how much would that be! I was thinking a 500Gb for (I'm in UK), £53

cheers

 

[zedsdead]

I would go Firewire (800 if you have) and store itunes on that. I recommend a Drobo. If you cant afford it, get an OWC drive, they are great.

 

[cube]

Normally, 3.5" drives cannot be bus-powered.

 

[SASouth]

I prefer a uncluttered desktop to be honest and if I wad to get a USB hub would prefer a "hidden" self powered one, maybe only need 1 extra USB port as have 2 on my wired keyboard but they don't seem to power anything.

I understand your preference for an uncluttered desktop but there are times when you need to be practical. I think this is one of them.

It's nice for things to be neat and tidy but then again there is taking it so far that it becomes obsessive...

Don't let your desire for neatness limit your future ability to add to and enhance your system. Think about it.

 

[Joe-Diver]

I would go Firewire (800 if you have) and store itunes on that. I recommend a Drobo. If you cant afford it, get an OWC drive, they are great.

I've got an OWC Mercury Elite connected FW800.....awesome drive.

 

[nixaccount]

iphoto library..100 gig +

Have you had any issues with iphoto running slow with that size of a library? I'm have 121 gig right now in one library and for some reason iphoto runs and my computer does not...it's the first issue i've ever had. I'm thinking I should create multiple libraries, but all it get is "beach ball" world... you?

 

[Razeus]

Install a bigger hard drive. Reload this hard drive from your Time Machine.

 

[gocats]

I have run into this problem on every computer I have owned...

The solution I came up with that worked the best for me and my wallet was to delete all the songs/photos I could live without. This is because:

1) It leaves your desk clutter free!
2) It is cheap!
3) It creates more space!
4) You probably won't even miss the things you delete.
5) You wont have to crack your computer open
6) Having a clean computer is soothing.
7) When was I ever going to listen to the Mamma Mia soundtrack anyways...

I suggest watching one of those TV shows about hoarders before you do it. It will make you feel so dirty that you will HAVE to get rid of things you don't need...