Harddrive Configuration/partitions help - XP/OSX

I'm planning on getting a Macbook Pro really soon, and I need to figure out how I want to set up my system.

I'm largely a Windows user - I need to use programs like AutoCad and I have Photoshop CS for Windows. I also want to play JK2 on Windows. I plan to use the MacOSX partition to surf the web and do word processing.

I need to figure out how to manage my media files - my music collection and some video files. I want to be able to listen to music while I do my homework on the OSX partition, but I also want to be able to listen to music while I play JK2 or work on AutoCad. Also, I own a Zen Vision M, which is only compatible with XP (I've researched some MacOSX solutions for ZVM but they don't offer as many options/functions as the included Windows software). I don't think Parallel is a good idea since I doubt it JK2 or Autocad will run at full speed or make full use of the MBP hardware.

I've brainstormed some possible solutions to my problem and I need advice:

Solution #1 - get an external Fat32 Harddrive
This might work since both operating systems can read Fat32... but I don't know if it's practical. I don't want to have to lug this extra thing around just to listen to music. If I would want to pick this solution, I don't need a big external drive. Something like 20 gb would do. But are there any less expensive drives? Something under $40?

Another possibility is that I have this old laptop that fried like 3 years ago. The powersupply fried, but the mobo and the harddrive still work. I'm thinking of converting the old harddrive into an external drive using this: http://www.amazon.com/Addonics-Pocket-ExDrive-External-interface/dp/B00006B9FA
But again, I don't know if it's practical, and that product is kind of expensive...

Solution #2 - Partition harddrive 3 ways???
1 OSX partition, 1 NTFS Windows Partition, 1 Fat32 Media partition?
This might work, since I'm assuming both operating systems will be able to read the media partition, but I'm worried that 3 partitions might screw up my harddrive.

Solution #3 - Just use Bootcamp to make 2 partitions, store media on one of the two partitions. (40gb OSX and 80 gb Windows XP)

Now, as far as I know, Boot Camp can create a NTFS partition for Windows. Apparently, MacOSX can read the Windows NTFS partition, but not write to it? And Windows cannot read the OSX partition without a program like MacDrive ( http://www.mediafour.com/products/macdrive6/)? If MacOSX can read the NTFS partition, does that mean that I can store my music on the Windows partition and still have OSX iTunes read from it? Can I still watch movies on Windows Partition from VLC Media Player on OSX?

If it works, this solution might be the best, and it's free? I would just store everything on the Windows side and hope my OSX side can play it. The only downfall is that I can't modify those video files or music files or add to the collection.
Or other way around, I could store everything on my OSX side, and use the $50 MacDrive to read from it.

Solution # 4 - Make a 5gb OSX partition and 115 gb Windows partition.
Ditch OSX and use Windows. I have Office XP for windows, but not for Mac. Windows can also surf the web, but less safely. With this solution I wouldn't have to worry about this entire problem, but I would be ditching OSX.


Which solution should I use? Or, if you have a better solution, what should I do?

 

First off, option 4 shouldn't really be an option. At that point, why would you even consider getting a mac?
Why not just skip NTFS and use a FAT partition in bootcamp instead? Thats what I did, and it works fine. I'm seldom in Windows now, so the advantages of NTFS aren't really that big.
I would recommend using FAT32 since you can drag and drop to the windows partition. You are correct in the assumption that windows cannot read os x without the macdrive program.
And I believe you can read music files stored on the NTFS drive and have them play in Itunes. But again, I'm mainly in OS X now, so it would be pointless for me to try to do things that way.

Do you have an old computer that you can set up as a file server? I'll be making a unix server that will have all my media files as well as backup drives for my os x. I'll be playing everything over my gigabit network, and potentionally even access the itunes data from over the internet. Just a thought, if you have a spare computer lying around...

You could get an external HDD. I would recommend getting a firewire connected HDD. Or you can get one of the 2.5" external HDD units. That way you don't have to deal with a power brick for it.

 

Well the thing is, I only want to have to take the MBP with me. I don't want to have to need a 2nd computer or file server. Also, isn't Fat32 not secure? I read something somehwere about NTFS and windows security.

 

I think that the NTFS security idea is a bit overblown. But I dont know much about it. There are bigger security holes than the file system itself in windows. I wouldn't use FAT32 if I used a machine for anything other than windows, but it partly depends on how often you'll really be using your windows partition and how diligent you are in being secure in windows.
And NTFS doesn't really prevent people from reading your disk, it just adds some extra help in preventing them from writing to it. At least, thats been my experience when I sneak into NTFS drives.

 

I'd say go for #2 or #3. There is no danger in having multiple partitions. But, you may want to first try with only 2 partitions and see how well does itunes and VLC/Quicktime do with read-only access to the NTFS partition; if it doesn't suits you, create a third partition and you're rocking.
FAT32 doesn't allow permissions like NTFS. But then, I've yet to see a home Windows users set and use permissions the way they should, so in practice perhaps it doesn't matter much. As you'd be storing only media files anyway, I see no big deal.
Parallels will soon allow you to boot from a Bootcamp partition, and following VMWare they plan to enable 3D accelleration. BTW, there is a JK2 version for OS X methinks.

 

I'm not ditching the 4th option though. At the moment, I can't find any really good reason not to ditch OSX. Yes I know it's a superior operating system, but I can survive on XP as I have been doing for the past 6-7 years now. You're wondering why I'm getting a Mac in the first place then, well my answer is simple: the Macbook Pro hardware and quality is better than any PC notebook out there of the same cost. As for web surfing and word processing, I can do all of that with windows. I don't have office suite for OSX, so I would have to go with something like Open Office.

I guess the main thing pulling me to OSX is that it's aesthetically pleasing, as is the design of the MBP. I just discovered FlyakiteOSX. Completely mimic's OSX Aqua theme for windows.

 

Well, you can get a similarly specced dell (specifically the e1505) for significantly less than the MBP.
I would be cautious of using shell mods in XP. Many people have used them to success, but they aren't for the feignt of heart. I've used them on several occasions and have always had to reformat in order to remove it properly from the system.

I had completely forgot about making the 3rd partition a FAT32 one so both systems can read/write to it. Thats probably the best option.

 

If you don't plan on getting OSX much, then you should just ditch the idea of a macbook all together. I suspect (not sure tho) that hardware will be tougher to upgrade.

You are better off getting a High-End Laptop with better RAM and Graphics Card. Dual boot with XP and Vista. It will probally cost the same as the mac anyway.

I wish there was a way to use OSX on a PC like the way Windows can be used via bootcamp on Mac. NOT FAIR.

 

Well if you guys suggest that I ditch getting a MBP all together, then this goes back to my previous problem: which notebook to get? I first came to this site to ask whether I should get the Lenovo T60, Sony Vaio SZ390, or the MBP:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=88665

Back to square 1?

 

I would highly recommend going to an apple store or finidng a intel based mac to play with before deciding to get a mac. If your anything like some of other converts, you may find that you freaking love OS X and end up using almost nothing but that.
Or you may hate it and you have one less option.
But honestly, without an extended battery, none of those notebooks will really reach 4-5 hours under any type of real load. The MBP can hit over 4 hours, but thats with a light load (taking notes, surfing web).

 

I'm actually really interested in the Lenovo T60p. I'm still trying to figure out how to configure it, but if I bump down to 14 inch, get an extended battery for $30 more, then I might get up to 5 hours of battery life.

 

If possible try to play with both Macbooks and notebooks from other brands. I understand some notebooks like Asus and Sony have pretty good quality and design. So it is a good idea to make up your mind if you need/want a Mac first or not. We can provide some hints and advice, but the real decision must come from you obviously. I am saying this since you looked pretty sure about getting a Macbook Pro at first.
I know a guy which is a "Windows Lover", and he uses mainly Windows with his iMac, and he is quite happy with it. So I'd say that while OS X is probably one of the main reasons to purchase a Mac, Macs today are pretty good Windows machines as well. If price isn't a concern, then more power to you.