Other pages in this section: Backup Strategy & Tools and Benchmarks.
Jump down to the computers and hardware section on this page.
Software
I use Wakoopa to track what software I use. Here’s the software I use most, as reported by Wakoopa. Also visit the Mac Software or Windows Software sections for more information.
Computers and other Hardware
Here’s the hardware that powers the Quest Data Center (otherwise known as my apartment):
iMac 24″ Widescreen w/2.33GHz Intel Core 2 Duo & 3GB RAM & 500GB HDD (465MB after formatting)
This is my primary computer and I’m loving it. I got the computer just after Christmas 2006 and you can read about my initial impressions here. I’ve since upgraded the RAM and max’d it out at 3GB.
- 4MB Shared L2 Cache, 667 MHz Bus
- Superdrive (CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD+R DL)
- NVidia GeForce 7600 GT (256MB VRAM)
- 24″ Display (1920 X 1200)
- Running OS X 10.4.10 (Intel)
The Western Digital MyBook mentioned below is connected to this and use for a SuperDuper disk clone updated nightly. The Canon IP3500 is also hooked to this.
MacBook 13″ 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, 80GB HDD
I was reluctant to spend the money for a laptop but decided to spring for it just before a trip and I’m glad I did. I wanted a Mac but wanted to keep costs down so I went with the lowest version, without any extras. I did spring for additional memory but bought that through Crucial. I use it when traveling and around the apartment when away from my desk. Other than having much less screen real estate it runs the apps I need. I considered a drive upgrade at the time of purchase and in retrospect (after installing Boot Camp) I maybe should have although I’ve yet to run out of space and no longer use Bootcamp. I got the MacBook in August 2007. You can read about my initial impressions here.
- 4MB Shared L2 Cache
- 667 MHz Bus
- 2GB (2 X 1GB) DDR2 SDRAM
- 80GB SATA Drive
- 24X Combo Drive (DVD Reader/CD-RW)
- 13.3″ Glossy TFT Display, native resolution 1280 X 800
- Intel GMA 950 graphics processor with 64MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory.
- Support a resolution of 1920 X 1200 on an external display
- One Firewire 400 port, two USB 2.0 ports
- Height: 1.08 inches (2.75 cm)/Width: 12.78 inches (32.5 cm)/Depth: 8.92 inches (22.7 cm)/Weight: 5.1 pounds (2.31 kg)
Mac Mini w/1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo & 2GB RAM & 160GB HDD
This one sits in the bedroom and is used as a media center for DVDs and iTunes Media. I added this to the collection in January 2007.
- 2MB Shared L2 cache, 667 Mhz bus
- Superdrive (CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD+R DL)
- Airport Card (used as the network connection)
- Intel GMA 950 graphics
- Running OS X 10.4.10 (Intel)
- Connected to an Apple 20″ Cinema Display
- Klipsch Promedia Ultra 2.0 PC Speaker System for audio out
Mac Mini w/1.42Ghz G4 CPU & 1GB RAM & 80GB HDD
This Mini isn’t currently set up. It had been hooked up to the TV which worked fine except this model is pre-Front Row and remote control so having to always remote into it was a pain. It was replaced by Apple TV and is currently looking for a purpose.
- 512KB L2 cache, 167MHz Bus
- Superdrive (CD-R, CD-RW, DVD +/-R, DVD +/-RW)
- Airport Card (used as the network connection)
- ATI Radeon 9200 Graphics
- Running OS X 10.4.9 (PPC)
HP MediaSmart EX475 Windows Home Server
I installed my Windows Home Server back in December 2007. Since then I’ve upgrade memory, added disk and then decided to replace that added disk a couple of months later.
I also did a factory reset and renamed the server after having some initial connectivity problems. The Windows Home Server is used to backup the data on my Windows virtual machines in addition to being used to backup my image library. It’s also used for the typical file sharing to share files between my pacs and Windows machines. It’s also home to my video library.
Check the Windows Home Server category for all the related articles.
Drobo
This is a recent addition and the jury is still out on the role it will play. My first impressions, along with the problems I’ve faced, are here.
HP zd7020us Laptop (HP Pavilion) w/512MB RAM & 80GB HDD
My last existing piece of Windows hardware. Purchased long ago at a closeout sale. It’s a big heavy laptop which served it’s purpose of running Windows software while I moved to something else. Now it’s rarely used.
- OS: Microsoft Windows XP Home SP2
- 80GB HDD
- NVIDIA GeForce FXGo5600 Video Adapter w/64MB (1440 X 900 – “Highest (32 bit) color quality)
- DVD+RW Drive
Here’s what happened when I installed Windows XP on this box.
The following peripherals are also part of the Quest
Western Digital My Book Pro Edition 500 GB External Hard Drive with Triple Interface
This drive is home for the Parallels virtual machines I run on my iMac. It’s connected using a Firewire 800 connection.
Key Articles Related to this Hardware
My first review of this drive – concentrates on it’s use under Windows.
Installation on OS X – installation and formatting under OS X
An updated model is available that adds a eSATA connection to the original three.
Seagate FreeAgent Go 80GB External Drive
I picked this up on sale and it became the primary external drive for my MacBook due to it’s small size. I use it to store the less frequently used virtual machines so they don’t take up space on the hard drive. I also use it for the occasional backup when traveling. It’s not a fast drive but it doesn’t need an external power supply so it’s easy to carry. One USB port on my MacBook is enough to power it.
I cover setting up the drive here.
Canon Pixma iP3500 Printer
I bought the iP3500 in February 2008 after my Epson printer died. The main selling point was the low cost (about the same price as the included ink) and quality (for the price). I wrote about the printer in the February 17th trail log.
Retired Hardware
The following hardware was once an active part of the quest but is now sitting on the shelf waiting for that special occasion when it can come out of retirement.
Maxtor One Touch III 300GB Drive (Firewire 400 or USB 2)
Key Articles Related to this Hardware
My initial review of the drive – doesn’t include the Mac software in the review
Maxtor Update – latest impressions of the Maxtor software (it’s bad) and hardware (it’s OK)
Crossfire 160GB HDD
Currently only used for the occasional backup but it was originally used as the boot drive for my G4 Mac Mini instead of the internal drive.
LaCie Mini 250GB HDD
This is the type that stacks neatly with the Mini. It had been used as a backup drive for my G4 Mac Mini but is now rarely used. It worked well when used and saved space by stacking with the Mac Mini. Lacie is generally more expensive than similar drives and in this case I was willing to pay to save space.
