How best to backup OSX?

[wellsyke]

I have my compaq 702 installation nearly working but the screen res is 1024x576 rather than 1024x600.

Before trying to fix that (suggestions welcome) I'd like to backup the current drive so I can get back to this point easily
I've used superduper to clone the HD to a spare 16GB usb flash drive but I can't boot from it using the mini's F9 key at startup. I can select it but just get a blank screen with a cursor.
I can boot from the same drive if it has an iDeneb image on it so I guess it must be something about the clone or drive setup.
Both drives are in MacOS extended (journaled) format and partitioned using an MBR. What else should I look at or is there a better way to back up?
Thanks for any help.

[Jawbox]

Try opening OS-X tools, select the backup harddrive, and install Chamelon on it. I think this will help it boot?