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Apple IDE Cannot Access Beyond 137GB

Posted by pudge on from the hard-drives-for-dummies dept.

An anonymous reader writes: "iMacLinux reported on a PenguinPPC story about Apple hardware being unable to address more than 137GB of space on IDE drives. The Apple computers only have ATA-66, which can only address 28 bits, while ATA-100/133 can address 48 bits. Solutions include using a PCI controller, FireWire or SCSI."

2 of 112 comments (clear)

  1. Kings to Paupers by dtype · · Score: 5, Insightful
    Sadly, this is an area where Apple really has dropped the ball. It used to be that machines came with SCSI drives and interfaces, in a technology push similar to the USB push of a few years ago, and the current Firewire bonanza.

    Now, while Apple's FireWire support is certainly commendable, lack of USB 2.0 (in a slight war with Intel in competition with Firewire) and the inferior hard drives that ship with even the best machines is lackluster at best.

    It is time to let Apple know that drive performance is just as high on our list as such cool things as 1394. I can't plug my DV camcorder up to it (which certainly does reduce marketing value), but a fast IDE bus is still extremely important.

    If you're in the mac market, or own one now, make sure to let Apple sales know what you think.

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    Drew Streib, dtype.org

  2. Standard hardware has limitations, over. by Kris_J · · Score: 5, Insightful
    "Whoa, well thank God that's over, I was worried there for a second."

    Seriously, the problem and the solution were all neatly bundled up into this story. Hey, I bet a standard Mac can only use 4 IDE devices before you have to add another hard drive controller. *Gasp*. I assume people who need more devices add appropriate upgrades.