Advise on a good backup plan with SSD

Hi,

I'm considering to get a X220 and I'd like some advice on how to build a good backup plan in order to choose my storage options. First thing: I want SSD Now the choice is between a regular SSD or an mSata one.

I usually divide my HDD into several partitions, essentially one for system and programs and others for documents, temp files etc. I found it to be convenient because I could simply image the system partition to backup the system and restore it in a few minutes. I usually keep the system images (backup) on the laptop HDD. It might sound odd of course but it allows me to restore the system quickly if I do something wrong...as I know that usually when something goes wrong it is my fault, not the HDD crashing or something! Now this does not sound good with an SSD since creating such large files is not a good thing beside being a waste of space. This is why I'm also considering the mSata option because I could image the system drive (mSata) on the HDD and restore it from there quickly. The nice thing is that I always have the backup with me without having to carry an external HDD all the time in case I mess something up. The obvious drawback is of course the lower perfs of mSata compared to an Intel 510 on a Sata 6Gb connection for example...

How do you proceed for your backup plans? Do you always use external USB HDD to store the backups? How can you backup the system installed on a regular SSD if it is not partitionned? Well overall what makes more sense for a proper backup plan: mSata + internal HDD or regular SSD + external USB HDD?

Thanks for your input

EDIT: an Intel 320 160Gb would "only" be something like 70$ more than getting the 80Gb 310 mSata + 320Gb HDD and would have more than enough storage space for me. Does the mSata still make sense?

 

Lower performance is relative. Unless you're cranking a tremendous amount of data through the drive I'd be a bit skeptical about noticing the performance difference between an mSATA and a 510. At least not as an OS drive.

mSATA makes sense if you want to have a much larger drive installed. If you don't need the storage. For some folks a 160gb drive isn't enough. I'm going with a 310 and the 500gb HD. Only because I know I need that much based on the storage requirements in my current laptop. The SSD just gives me faster boot and loading times for the OS and frequently used programs. The HD will carry everything else.

I don't think I'll use the HD for backup. I tend to prefer using an off-machine backup (local network and online services). This way I'm not screwed (or at least 'less screwed') if the machine gets stolen. Remember, an external hard drive is likely to be stolen in the same bag as the laptop. So much for convenience.

 

Storing SSD image to internal HDD is not a backup. File versioning, laptop being stolen? External HDD is a better option, combined with online backup service (Crashplan, Acronis online backup, Mozy, etc.).

 

Thanks for your reply wkearny99! I won't be able to store my backup on a local network and I guess it is not possible to store an OS image on internet (it wouldn't be accessible when you need to restore the system as you'd need an internet connection). My ultimate goal would be to make manual images of the OS and application (as if they were installed on a separate partition). On top of that I'd like to automate the backup of selected folders on a regular basis (like 1 or 2 times a day). Do you know if both things are possible? I guess they are with mSata + HDD (at least for the OS backup) but how would you proceed with a regular SSD? I have acronis true image 2010 for the images but as far as I remember it works with partitions....and I'm unsure if it's possible to backup a folder automatically twice a day for example.

Yes for me 160Gb is more than enough and I'd probably go for a 120Gb drive if I go with a regular SSD. The mSata makes sense in your application but in mine I'm a bit skeptical.

 

Makes sense but I'd possibly use online backup services only for sensible or personal data. For the OS backup, it's not "critical" if I loose it. It's just much more likely that I screw the system myself than it gets stolen hence why I'd rather have a backup with me all the time.

 

Most backup solutions require booting from some other media in order to effect a restore. Often by using a CD, USB drive or a parallel install of the OS on another drive. I believe some of the online services have ways to use boot media to perform a bare metal restoration, but I haven't looked into it. The idea being the boot media has enough on it to make a network connection and get to the servers.

So if the backup service has a bare metal restoration option that'd certainly be worth considering.