Accessing P2 files from PC into MacPro - hopefully!

[Body Flight]

I asked a similar question in the Workflow forum, but I'm getting more toward hardware here, so I'm jumping over here instead.

I have a Mac Pro, and just purchased a P2 Amtron reader for a PC I have next to my video editing computer (that is not running yet). I am not clear on how to move files from the PC to the Mac. There is only one network connection in this office, but I can go wireless with one of the systems. I know I will need a large storage system (external eSATA RAID), but I'm not sure how to get the P2 data to it. I'm assuming I will be mounting the external drive enclosure to the Mac Pro... do I simply move the files over my network from the PC to the Mac? Will I run into cross platform issues, or will the Mac read the files stored on the PC?

I'm considering the following external RAID system - or one like it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816855008 it has a single eSATA cable that will feed 4 drives. Is this limiting the actual data transfer rate? (Should I be looking for a system that has 4 cables?) I would like to use 1tb hard drives, but these enclosures only seem to be tested with 750gb drives. Is there a limitation on HD size?

Am I going in the right direction here, or do I need to change my way of thinking?

Thank you so much!!

 

[Tom 4]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816855008[/URL]
Am I going in the right direction here, or do I need to change my way of thinking?

Hi Body flight
When you off load your P2 files in the "field" , do it to an external drive and format it Windows, the Mac will read these files no worries, Windows boxes will NOT read mac formatted drives.
I currently use a 750 gig external via USB and cheap windows lappy to store my P2 card files in the field, then back in the office I log n transfer into FCP (Mac G5) the files to "work raided drives" (a Sonnet with 4 x 750gig raided) , is brilliant quality,and should anything go astray, just revert back to the field drive.
My advice to you would be to get an external Drive to hook up to your macpro in the field, either USB or firewire, format the drive "Windows" then your away.
Or no doubt if youre cashed up, get a FS100 . your call. it all comes down to how much cash you have, there are plenty of options out there and plenty of retailers willing to help you get rid of it.
Cheers
Tom K