Hello.
I am planning to get an external HDD for backup purposes in order to avoid any undesired data loss. I have an iMac 24", btw.
I was looking and reading about the various HDD's available and I am trying to find what would be best for the intended use. My main purpose is to use with time machine but I would like also something that I could carry to a friends house if I need, which means something quite portable.
I am looking for FireWire connectivity since I dont have many usb ports free, and also I would like a bus powered HDD in order to avoid an extra cable. However I wonder if this is a good idea since the drive will be powered and used all the time, unlike most portable drives that are used for short periods.
Do you think that I could go with a bus powered drive or I should aim for externally powered ones?

I am between those four

Bus powered:
Formac Disk Mini http://mactrade.de/info/43633/
LaCie Little Disk http://mactrade.de/info/44458/

ext.power
Iomega MiniMax http://mactrade.de/info/43543/
LaCie Hard Disk http://mactrade.de/info/44565/

Any suggestions/advice much appreciated

Lacie firewire is top of the line good stuff. I have had some for 5 years with out fail. the rugged ones are pretty cool too and bus powered.

It would probably be better to get one drive that is cable powered for time machine. then a portable bus powered drive for bringing it around.