Can I use it for switching back and forth between a Mac and a PC without reformatting? If so, does this remove the option to use Time Machine?
1370072
"Can I use it for switching back and forth between a Mac and a PC without reformatting?" - Only if you reformat with a filesystem that is compatible with both OSX and Windows."If so, does this remove the option to use Time Machine?" - Yes and no. Time Machine requires HFS+ filesystem, and Windows cannot read/write to HFS+. However, it is possible to partition the disk and have part of the disk using NTFS and the other part using HFS+.
1370073
"Can I use it for switching back and forth between a Mac and a PC without reformatting?" - Only if you reformat with a filesystem that is compatible with both OSX and Windows. "If so, does this remove the option to use Time Machine?" - Yes and no. Time Machine requires HFS+ filesystem, and Windows cannot read/write to HFS+. However, it is possible to partition the disk and have part of the disk using NTFS and the other part using HFS+.
1370074
You can partition the device to have a portion compatible with Mac and a portion with Windows. The part partitioned for windows is accessible on both systems.
108283
If you don't see the time machine icon when you are on windows, you may not be able to do it. I'd call an Apple store for assistance.
1805587
Hi Christie yes you can use it without the pc but has little memory you need download the information if you need your history, unfortunately the software does not work on Mac
668777
It completely depends on how you format the hard drive and from which computer you format it from (from Windows or Mac). You will have several options for formatting the drive in disk utility on a Mac, including MacOS extended (journaled) and MS-DOS file system (which will end up being FAT32). Windows AND Mac can read from FAT32 partitions, but *only* Mac can read from MacOS extended (which, if you are using the drive as a time machine, you need to format it as - note: unless you have a very specific application that needs it, choose the MacOS extended WITHOUT case sensitivity). To use the drive for both time machine and MS-Dos compatibility, just choose to make two partitions and choose one of each! You find this option in the pull down menu called "volume scheme". So, if you format from Mac and are not using the whole drive for Time Machine, make a second MS-DOS file system partition. That one will be readable by both. If you just want one that will transfer files between the two systems and don't use Time Machine, just make one that is MS-DOS file system. If instead you are formatting from Windows, choose ExFAT or FAT32 to make a cross-compatible drive. NTFS will be readable, but not natively write to it (you would need to procure another program that allows Mac to write to NTFS). Note that you won't be able to use Time Machine with either of these choices. Edit: If needed, you could also subsequently reformat the whole drive for windows usage, but you would lose all stored data. So be careful!
889931
Hi John, it will works perfectly and if you want to make a backup using your Time Machine you only need to chance in your Utility Disk the status to -> Mac OS Plus (registrer).
301969
I re-read your question. It sounds like you want to use it on BOTH a MAC and a PC from interchangeably. One to do this which I am familiar with is to format the drive to FAT32. This makes it readable and writable by both mac and windows os...however there are file size limitations with FAT32...but as long as your files are smaller than a couple GB you should be good. There are other solutions....but would be best if you conduct the research yourself.
1755479
Apple Time Machine is an app although Apple sell its own hard drives for the Time Machine software. Yes you can definitely use it for that. I do.
2167744
I am using it to back up my entire HD with my MacBook Pro. I am not using it with Time Machine. Works fast and is excellent for my use.
1853631
Yes, it is "Mac" formatted out of the box and is "plug & play" with Time Machine. You need to plug the USB connection directly into the computer so that it gets the correct power and works correctly. Mine works great and is VERY quiet.
1156478
Well, I have a Mac and I just use the built-in time machine backup which does all of that automatically. So, I haven't used any of the backup software that comes with the hard drive, sorry!
1695716
well.. i have windows, so iam not sure about mac.. the disk works like a lan hard drive.. so it should work with time machine. The software is useful to set the configurations, just that.
457650
I specifically purchased to back up my MacBook. I am unsure if you can reformat it to use it with a PC.
1568389
Yeah I have a mac and used it. If you want to be able to use it and switch between a mac and a pc, format it. Here's some directions. I did this because I gave this usb to someone full of music as a Christmas present. http://www.ehow.com/how_5795930_format-usb-drive-mac-pc.html
1662396
How you perform a backup isn't unique to this drive. It does not come with any software. You'll have to check your operating system's instructions. I'm guessing you are using Windows. If you are using the Apple OS, Time Machine takes care of all the work.
135685
I am an idiot- specifically, how do you format this for a Mac? Also, is it fine to do this, or should I buy a specific hard drive already formated or designed for Macs?
1813998
Works great with OS 10.6.8 and USB 2.0. I don't use time machine with it. I just access it manually when I need it through the finder.
983909
Yes it works great with both, you just have to make sure it is configured properly from the start. If not, you will have to delete all files to reformat it. A simple google search of how to properly format drives can help get you through that. I may be wrong, but I think LaCie was originally designed for Mac but I have always used it for PC. My friend has a Mac with a split OS and it works on both sides for her.