The more I read, the more confused I get

[Dave Barak]

Hi everyone,

I've been reading a lot of the posts here, trying to learn about using a Macbook Pro, FCS and Red (Scarlet fixed lens, when it's available), but the options for storage are starting to confuse me. The basics I understand - fast processor(s), lots of memory, lots of disk space. Obviously though, a Macbook has limited internal storage, and I'm trying to figure out the best option for external storage.

Can anyone help boil down the options, or best solution, for it? I'm still stuck in the world of editing MiniDV on a computer with 1gb of RAM and a 1.4gHz processor.

Dave

 

[Ben Brainerd]

Best option is obviously some form of RAID, running on eSATA if you're on a MBP.

However, you *can* work with REDCode over FW800. It may not be pretty, but it does work.

 

[Dave Barak]

Thanks Ben! Now I have (so far) one more question for you or anyone else...

According to the Apple website, it doesn't appear that MacBook Pros have built-in eSATA capability. Is that where the ExpressCard comes in, for using an eSATA card?

 

[Kaku Ito]

You can use Caldigit, LaCie or Sonnet eSATA card for Expresscard34.

 

[Ben Brainerd]

Assuming you don't have one of the new 15" MBPs, which have been "fixed" with a SD slot instead of ExpressCard.

 

[Dave Barak]

Kaku and Ben, thanks for your replies! I'm planning to get a 17" model, so it'll have the ExpressCard slot. And I'm making notes of the recommended brands.