iTunes config & Backup software for Mac

FYI

If you set the external drive as the default storage and at any time start iTunes before you connect it or turn it on iTunes will change the storage location back to the internal drive and won't tell you it did it.

You should go to preferences each time before you rip to make sure the files go where you want them.

The best way to use an external drive for iTunes is to make an alias of the external drive, rename the alias to "iTunes", and drag it into your Music folder. You don't need to change any setting in iTunes.

I wouldn't use Time Machine to backup iTunes library. Time Machine wants to keep everything. As you reorganize tracks in iTunes, iTunes will rename tracks and move tracks from folder to folder and that will cause multiple copies of the same track being backed up by Time Machine.

Also, if your drive crashed, you need to get a new one and restore all the music tracks from Time Machine. That can take a whole day for 230G.

I use a small program called SilverKeeper. It is a free download from LaCie. It simply copies files from one drive to another and keeps them in sync. That means after I run it, I will have two drives with identical contents. If my iTunes drive crashed, I simply make an alias of the backup drive, call it "iTunes", drag it into my Music folder to replace the old one and instantly, I will have all my music back without any restore.

Thanks all for your comments/suggestions.

Is the Maxtor a quiet drive? I'm seeking ultra quiet and reliable drive. The connection will definitely be firewire, but may only be firewire 400; depends on if the anticipated minor refresh of macbook will include firewire 800 or not.

Any further suggestions on ultra quiet drives?

Is the G-Technology 320 GB any good?
What other manufactures should i consider?

Many thanks.

Macbook doesn't have firewire 800, only firewire 400.

Why do you want to stick to firewire? USB-2 is just as fast (actually faster on paper), more reliable, and cheaper.

If you want a quiet drive, try a Seagate.

The thought on using firewire for backup hard drive is that i've been told that w/ my USB DAC that it is best to have a little on the USB as possible.

True or false?