External drive for a iMac 21,1 needed, suggestions.

[Kyle1886]

I recently acquired this iMac and trying to learn it. (Started with Apple IIc ((83/84)) and Ile then had to shift to Windows 3.x). I need to transfer data files (Office, etc) from Win 7 to the Mac.

I've looked on line and read the various reviews of "trusted" brands and no names for external drives, be it thumb or other. I don't need more than a Tb. I called the local Apple store and no help there.

After reading the reviews it appears that regardless of brand it's hit and miss on read/write speeds, longevity, over heating, fire, killing the host(s) computer and a myriad of other malfunctions that result lost data.

I will not be using Office on the Mac but Numbers and Pages (I have not downloaded Pages yet and so far Numbers and I are banging heads). Prefer something that is already formatted if possible. (Not familiar with some of the new formats like NAND, etc.).

Any recommendation on particular unit, brand, to look at or avoid is greatly appreciated. PM's welcome if easier for some.

Thank you (and long live Calguns).

Kyle

[Reno-Kid]

Sandisk for Thumb drives and Western Digital for External Hard Drives.

[Kyle1886]

Thanks Reno, I have not had issues with Sandisk in the past or Western Digital drives for the PC. I've been leaning toward the Sandisk units.

Thank you,

Kyle

[microwaveguy]

I would also consider Libra office instead of numbers and pages. To me the look and feel is closer to office.

[sonofeugene]

I use MS Office on my Macs. I’ve never used Numbers or Pages.

And any external drive should work for transferring data from a PC to a Mac. But the drive must be formatted/reformatted correctly so that both computers can read/write to the drive. Some drives come formatted so either computer will work. Others require you to do the formatting of the drive so it will work with both computers.

[Kyle1886]

I would also consider Libra office instead of numbers and pages. To me the look and feel is closer to office.

Thanks, I'll look into that,
Kyle

[Kyle1886]

I use MS Office on my Macs. I’ve never used Numbers or Pages.

And any external drive should work for transferring data from a PC to a Mac. But the drive must be formatted/reformatted correctly so that both computers can read/write to the drive. Some drives come formatted so either computer will work. Others require you to do the formatting of the drive so it will work with both computers.

I'd rather not pay a yearly subscription fee to MS since I have bought every version since Office first came out. I know I can also buy it outright, but I thought I'd try to work with Apple's stuff. Ain't going so well right now, but to damn stubborn to give in yet.

As far as the drives, it really looks to be a crap shoot regardless SSD or platter, and reliability, etc. Thanks for the input.

Kyle

[DaveInOroValley]

Didn't see it mentioned but SSD drives are so much faster and not very expensive anymore. I have a couple of Samsung ones for my various Macs. Use them as whole system back up drives. Very reliable and fast.

[Sputnik]

Didn't see it mentioned but SSD drives are so much faster and not very expensive anymore. I have a couple of Samsung ones for my various Macs. Use them as whole system back up drives. Very reliable and fast.

Samsung SSE in the enclosure of your choice (I use one from OWC) and you’re golden. I have about six, some many years old, and they just keep going.