Backup drive for Macbook Pro (for college student)

WD External Drives External Drives for Mac
1

My daughter is starting college in a couple weeks and I am shopping for her a external hard drive with software that can completely backup her Macbook Pro automatically. My idea is that in the event say her computer is stolen we can re-installed and have her back up and running as quickly a possible. Any recommendations I am looking at

Western Digital 1TB My Book for Mac External Hard Drive with WD SmartWare Time Machine Compatibility

2

I strongly recommend you to get a  My Passport Studio. I know is not 1tb but the performance is better on that drive. It has two connection types (usb/firewire) and better warranty.  

If she does need a 1tb unit then the model you mention should be fine.

3

ANY drive will work fine, wether it says “made for mac” or not. The laptop has its own backup software built in, so the drive doesn’t need any software. She can plug in any external drive and the computer will ask her if she wants to use it as a backup drive. Click yes, and from then on it will backup automatically. 

 And if you are worried about theft, you can look into services like  http://hiddenapp.com/ to help you find it. Soon enough Apple’s “Find my Mac” will be available, and that will be free.