Reread my post. I wasn't talking about backing up to the cloud. I was referring to copying a large number of files from one drive to another. Depending on the system and speed of transfer, copying a large number of large files, such as an entire drive to a folder, can sometimes cause the system to time out. Since it can be difficult and time consuming to try to figure out what was copied and what was not, it is often easier to just start over by selecting parts of the drive at a time.

With most cloud accounts the up loading and downloading are dependent on the Internet connection and speed that you have. Often times your download speed will be significantly higher than your upload speed. So, unlike what you say you heard about it, it is usually the upload that takes a lot more time. For those who have a lot of data to be backed up, some cloud services such as iDrive offer to send you a hard drive for you to copy your data to and return to them. They then upload it to your account so that you don't have to go through days of upload. Then you can setup a schedule to keep things updated when you make changes to files and add new ones. You can also keep other important data files as well as your pics. As others have noted, if you want things to "look" like they do now you will need to create folders on the new drive named like your current drives. Then you can copy the contents of the drives into each appropriate folder. I will recommend that you not try to copy the entire drive contents at one time, but take parts of it at a time. Reason being that your system trying to complete that function on that much data may cause it to time out and cause you to have to start over.

ONU Opened Never Used

External hard drives and online cloud backup. Check out iDrive for the cloud backup. Well priced for lots of space. You can backup other important files in addition to your photos. They can also replicate what you have backed up to the cloud to a local drive as well. Schedule it to run when you like once a day or multiple times a day.

Topaz has a sale that ends today.

Nikon 105 which will allow you more distance from the subject since you are interested in insects. If you ever move to a FF body you will still be able to use that lens.

I would say No. Software can do some great things, but it will do better with better data. Better data comes from a quality lens on a quality body. My doctor says I will need cataract surgery in 2 or 3 years. When I get it I will be supposed to see better and without glasses. Same body, but better "glass". My glasses help to correct my vision and allow me to overcome most of the deficiencies of my eyes, but they can only do so much.

What is it that YOU really want to do? Apparently you are quite satisfied with the D7200 for your BIF or else you wouldn't be trying to decide. If you get the D500 are you going to be satisfied or are you going to deep down still want a true macro lens to try your hand at macro? Depending on what type of tripod you have, you may also need an additional tripod to allow you to get a bit closer to the subject. The 105 on your D7200 is going to give you a prime lens on an APS-C body and the effect of a 150 lens. Using extension tubes on your existing lenses with the D500 will lose exposure stops and you will need a quality set of them for your existing glass to work properly and they don't always play nice with zooms. The glass in the 105 is superb.

Just some additional thoughts to ponder!

Suggest you check out their gaming laptops. They are designed for gaming, but fit very well into what is recommended for post processing. I bought one several months ago from their outlet store online. It was a refurbished G5 15 with i7 Intel processor, 16GB of memory, 256GB SSDM.2 drive, 1TB HHD, nVidia graphics with 6GB of memory, Windows 10 Pro and all the current video, USB etc ports. It came with 1 years of next business day on-site warranty. I added 2 more years of warranty, and the cost was a little less than $1,000. I'm working on it right now and have had no issues at all with it. Runs great!

It's $99 for all of your Topaz apps for one year, and you don't have to upgrade to continue using the products. Adobe is $120 a year and when you stop paying you can't use the programs anymore. I believe that makes Topaz a better deal.

I've been using all of their programs since their first release and have only had a couple of minor issues.

You don't have to cancel. Once you buy it you can continue using it without any additional cost. As for how slow it is, that is mainly a function of your computer. They tell you what's needed and recommended on their website.

You do not have to upgrade to continue using as long as you want. The $99 will cover all the Topaz programs you might have. If you still have free upgrade time on a product, they will give you credit towards the upgrade price. Adobe charges more than that for a year of upgrades and when you stop paying you can no longer use the products.

Whatever makes my tired old eyes happy!

Why the anger and snide remarks? I have used it and know how to use it. I find it unnecessary for 99% of my use. At no point did I say or infer that I hate Adobe. As for my tools, I buy most of them at Woodcraft, Klingspor and Rockler and I only buy top quality. I guess you mention Harbor Freight because you are so accustomed to shopping there.