iPod Classic as a laptop backup solution?
Thanks.
[333 byte] By [mp3m0nk3y] at [2007-11-11 20:50:28] 
I'm thinking of getting a 160 GB Classic to use as a backup solution for my laptop, by enabling "disk use". I'd also use it as, you know, an iPod. My music library is about 60 gigs, so I'd have almost another 100 gigs for critical files and data. Does anyone know why this might not be a good idea?
Thanks.
# 1 Re: iPod Classic as a laptop backup solution?
Good idea: it's convenient, easy to use and you are going to be regularly updating your backups.Bad idea: if someone steals your ipod or you lose it (both possible), they have all your personal docs from your laptop
If you do do it, I would suggest that you use truecrypt (it's free!) to make an encrypted file on the ipod. Before you backup, you mount this file as a separate drive and then store all your backup files in there.
So, if someone gets hold of your ipod, all the will see is a single, large file that they are completely unable to access
latest_convert at 2007-11-15 12:11:23 >
# 2 Re: iPod Classic as a laptop backup solution?
Bad idea. The iPod is subject to being dropped, being stolen, or having to be re-formatted (if the iPod software goes bad). IOW, the iPod is a "working" drive, not really suitable for use as a "backup." You can get a desktop-sized 250GB drive for about $100; for about $90 you can get a pocket-sized 80GB drive (http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=596397).S2_Mac at 2007-11-15 12:12:21 >
# 3 Re: iPod Classic as a laptop backup solution?
Good idea, if done right:Some way or another, encrypt the data before putting it on an iPod. If on a mac, make an encrypted disk image (do a google search, it's easy.)
If on windows, you're on your own, I don't know how. :)
Then put that on your iPod. You might as well, right?
That said, do not use your iPod as your exclusive backup copy. However, if you have an iPod with extra space, there's little good reason not to use it as a redunadnt copy.
Justin Horne at 2007-11-15 12:13:31 >
# 4 Re: iPod Classic as a laptop backup solution?
Well at work, the IT ppl put the "backups" in a vault. It's important 'coz when u need it, YOU REALLY NEED IT.bobb-mini at 2007-11-15 12:14:25 >
# 5 Re: iPod Classic as a laptop backup solution?
Thanks for all of the excellent feedback. Encrypting the backup files with truecrypt or a similar Mac solution is a wise suggestion. However, I think I'm going to play it cautious and follow S2_Mac's advice.mp3m0nk3y at 2007-11-15 12:15:28 >
[an error occurred while processing this directive]