Western Digital My Book Essential edition-USB 2.0

[iphil]

Greetings to this discussion group from a new user. Just downloaded SD and am very happy with the documentation and support. Unfortunately, I seem to have learned that I should have bought SD before my drive. A quick look at the Guide, FAQ, and some recent posts would seem to indicate that I should have bought one of the other versions that has Firewire if I want a bootable drive. I've never had a bootable backup but a recent crash experience has convinced me the hard way that it would be a good thing. Has anyone used a FW MyBook successfully? I may try to exchange it at Best Buy even though I bought it 2 months ago. I got a great deal ($99 for 500GB), but it's pointless if it doesn't have that capability. If anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear them. Thanks, Phil Jelatis

[dnanian]

Is this USB or FireWire? You say USB in the title, but FW in the body...

USB will work with Intel Macs (but not Power PC). The WD FW drives seem to not be able boot Power PC Macs, but will work with Intel as well.

[iphil]

I'll clarify. USB is the one I own. I'm going to try and exchange it for the Premium edition My Book which has FW (and USB). SD users HDTVLVR and Matt seem to have success with the WD. My family's 3 macs are all Power PC. Thanks, Phil Jelatis

[dnanian]

Right; if they're all Power PC, while the drive works, you can't start up from it. (According to their knowledge base article, and other reports on the forum.)