external storage options?

[thinkpad1]

I am looking for info and ideas for external storage for my T41.

Also, I have a question regarding XP installs on your T4x series notebooks. Do you install XP all on one partition or add extra partitions?

I thought it might be better to install XP on one partition and use external storage for data. So, use an external drive formatted NTFS and then save data on there.

For me, this applies to my current laptop IDE HDD, 120GB. I also want to install a Linux OS following the XP install. so, my idea consisted of XP: 40GB and Linux: 60 GB (I only have 111GB of total usable space).

I am interested in storage options and ideas as well as cloning/backup but that is another topic and issue.

For now, I would like to settle on an XP install plan so I was wondering what T4x owners thought of my ideas! I also had the impression that things went easier when only having one partition for XP since programs and utilities like to 'connect' to 'C:' and even though many people add a 2nd partition for data, I thought an external solution allows for more space. The problem though, is that USB would be slower. However, maybe the penalty is not that bad or there is some way around it? Can anyone clear that up and suggest a solution???

I hope some part of my idea is good because I thought I was getting closer to having a decent setup!

I'm not too concerned with the Linux portion. I would probably use an equivalent solution of having another drive formatted ext3 and save Linux data on it. Same question of how to connect it applies, though.

Thanks for any replies!!

[RealBlackStuff]

For external storage, your best option would be a NAS drive (Network-Attached Storage).
This connects to your router and is accessible wired/wireless from any PC/laptop on your home network.

On a laptop, one partition is usually the easier solution, but it depends on how many data-files you plan to have.
If 100s-1000s of documents, spreadsheets, music etc., then create a second data partition. Otherwise don't bother.

For backup/cloning etc. Acronis TrueImage to the rescue.

[sjthinkpader]

I use NAS a lot. With a large collection of drivers, utilities and SW updates and many Thinkpads; this is the easiest. Storing family photo is very convenient too. I now have a full gigabit ethernet at home and transfer is pretty quick.

With a no-activity timer set, the NAS had been very reliable. There is a lag on the first access after the drives gone to sleep.

For storing pictures, there is a version of USB HDD housing called OTG. They have an USB input port and allow a single button flash card copy to HDD. They are very convenient to save pictures on a trip without bring the computer.

[poshgeordie]

I d have said NAS until I read this article about vulnerabilities in the likes of NAS devices with embedded web interfaces.

[madkat]

about external storage - an external USB HDD is more than ok - i use a 250gb Seagate (usb powered) for almost a year
partitions - regardless of the HDD (more than 40gb i assume) - it's better to have an at least 10gb "system" partition
firstly - the computer works a little better - and secondly (and most important) if something goes wrong with your OS you can format it anytime without losing data

[sjthinkpader]

I d have said NAS until I read this article about vulnerabilities in the likes of NAS devices with embedded web interfaces.

Sure, you only turn this feature on when you use it for managing the device remotely. I thought about sharing my cache of drivers by placing the server outside of the router firwall but never did it.

Most routers have web interfaces too. Unless there is a good reason to turn it on; it should be and usually by default, they are turned off.