External Drive Vs Firewire Drive, Options

[Philosorhymes]

Hi all, I would like to purchase one of the new macs (I am not yet sure if it will be a pro or normal macbook) but I would eventually be putting some big sample libraries from Native Instrument on the drives.

I have a question though, Which would be faster, between these two configurations below


1) Upgrading my macbook or (macbook pro), to a 7200rpm drive and installing my libraries on this OR

2) Leaving the standard drive in my macbook (or macbook pro) and getting an external Bus powered Firewire Drive and installing my libraries on this. (The external will be 5400rpm).


The idea is that I carry minimal bulk so I do not really want to get an external 7200rpm drive as all these require power supplies which are normally fairly bulky.


Many Thanks in advance.

[imhookt1]

Hi all, I would like to purchase one of the new macs (I am not yet sure if it will be a pro or normal macbook) but I would eventually be putting some big sample libraries from Native Instrument on the drives.

I have a question though, Which would be faster, between these two configurations below


1) Upgrading my macbook or (macbook pro), to a 7200rpm drive and installing my libraries on this OR

2) Leaving the standard drive in my macbook (or macbook pro) and getting an external Bus powered Firewire Drive and installing my libraries on this. (The external will be 5400rpm).


The idea is that I carry minimal bulk so I do not really want to get an external 7200rpm drive as all these require power supplies which are normally fairly bulky.


Many Thanks in advance.

I found that by using the external firewire is definitely better to run the application from and you really don't need those wallwarts they get there power right from the computer itself, but do make sure your computer has access to a power source, keep that plugged in all the time your running your external 'cause the externals use up the computers battery in a hurry. Get an external that has system boot compatibility if your going this route. I have my protools app. on both drives I switch between the two the 7200rpm's is what my externals all have so I really couldn't help you on that, my logical guess would be the higher rpm. should run faster, but I do suggest go the higher buffer as that too will help your performance and get as much ram for your macbook hope this helps, happy musicmaking www.michaelthehookdeutsch.com check my documentary you'll dig it. the"Hook"