this just just for your reference. There's no best way since it's subjective.
1. I will make a full clone + manually backup important files.
2. Just use the built in Disk Utility and do a 7-pass erase.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24002
3. I'm using WD MyBook Studio II, WD Passport Studio, both works fine. And many Mac users I know, also uses WD drives. Maybe it is widely available and they have a range advertised as Mac ready.

RTFM, it's on the box, on the mac, on the web, on the printed brochure, on the price list, some even on the receipt!




Only MyBook Studio series.
http://wdc.com.my/en/products/index.asp?cat=33
http://wdc.com.my/en/products/index.asp?cat=34

This post has been edited by wei: Mar 13 2010, 03:07 PM

USB chip is always cheaper due to "ginormous" amount of products using them, hence cost is so much lower. Compare to FireWire, it's always been high-end Mac exclusive and video production houses privilege during those days. But right now we see more and more FireWire products as PC maker start to adopt it as well as growing Mac users. It's actually very affordable now compare to last time.

And a FireWire external drive usually allow more functions than the USB, like daisy chain, bootup older mac. Constant data transfer. Also they always come together with USB "just in-case".

WD Passport did not have daisy chain function though.

This post has been edited by wei: Mar 13 2010, 07:07 PM

Dude, all desktop size external drive need power. Tell me which doesn't I go buy one or dozen. Let alone the Studio II house 2 desktop drives. This end my posting on this topic.

edit out

This post has been edited by wei: Mar 13 2010, 11:43 PM

Just bought one with 1TB, like you said, can't find any 2TB around.

I'm using ChronoSync too, it does the job well.