External HDD Solution for new Mac Pro
 

Hi All,

I just received my new Mac Pro and wanted to hear from editors who are working with HDV in FCP and a good external HD solution. I mainly edit weddings and commercial work. I need to be able to work between my studio Mac Pro, my home G5 and MBP on location, and be able to expand on the system - when requred.

I have read a lot about raid drives etc. but would like to hear from people who have a fast, portable, system and are happy with.
My budget is around $1500.

I appreciate your input on this.
Ray

Investigate Sonnet's eSATA solutions - PCIe cards - enclosures - take any SATA drives you want... I believe there are also two unused internal SATA ports on the Mac Pro mobo, but they're a bit tricky to connect to eSATA connectors on the back panel - but do-able.

I've been using the G-Tech mini with good success.
http://www.g-technology.com/Products/G-RAID-mini.cfm
It is small, fast, FW 800, has an internal fan and does not need a power supply. I've been using it for about a year with no problems.

There is also the Lacie Biggest Quadra.

The 2 TerraByte version looks to meet your budget.

It has different RAID modes (0, 0+1, 5 & 5+hot spare).

http://www.lacie.com/us/products/product.htm?pid=10950

GTech and Sonnet solutions will be MUCH more reliable than Lacie, and you'd get much better support.

I'd go for a 2tb D400 for a 2tb GRaid