Seagate FreeAgent Pro 500 GB USB 2.0/FireWire 400/eSATA Desktop External Hard Drive ST305004FPA1E3-RK Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I've wanted an external hard drive for months now, and I thought for sure I'd get one of the Western Digital My Book drives -- very cool book-like design.But after reading all the middling reviews on the My Book drive, I finally elected to look elsewhere.The Seagate drives had good reviews (esp. the 360Gb drive, not so much the 500Gb drive, tho I don't understand why the disparity exists because they're essentially the same thing, only one is bigger).

The Seagate drive arrived last week so I fitted the FireWire adapter to the drive and set to work backing up each of my 4 computers.Worked just fine in every case using Norton Ghost (I didn't use the software that came with the Seagate drive).I was getting about 35Gb of data movement per hour using Norton Ghost to create the backup files and FireWire to transport them from my wife's laptop to the Seagate drive, but be aware that includes using disk verification after the backup is finished.I had similar results backing up three other computers in my home.

The drive is quiet!I can't really hear it, especially over the fan noise coming from my computer.

The drive is cool-looking!The amber glow -- which so distressed another reviewer that he had to put duct tape over it -- is hardly that bright at all, certainly nothing that ought to trouble anybody.Far better than those bright blue LED lights in use on so many computers and peripherals.

The drive has a great warranty!It has a five-year warranty.Note that he Western Digital My Book has only a ONE YEAR warranty.If you have confidence in the quality of your product, you'll have a longer warranty.

The only complaint I have, and if I could have, I'd have given this product only 4.5 stars instead of 5, is that you have the awkward design that requires the user to fit into the base of the drive an adapter that will either make the drive work with USB 2.0 or with FireWire 400.It's not a big deal, but I could see that somewhere down the line, I'll want to back-up using USB, but I won't remember where I put that dumb USB adapter.It would have been much nicer to have both USB and FireWire plugs in the base together.

Seagate did a nice job with packaging:The instruction manual essentially just said, "Plug it in, and it'll start working" (which was correct).It comes with both FireWire and USB cables, but be aware that the FireWire cable has big plugs at both ends, so it'll connect fine to most desktops, but for connecting with laptops, you'll most likely need a separate FireWire cable with the small plug to fit into the laptop FireWire port.

In all, it's worth 4.5 stars, but I can't do that with Amazon's rating system, but I like the drive a lot so I'm giving it the full 5 stars just so you'll consider this Seagate drive when you're in the market for an external drive.It's worth your notice!

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Product Description:
For the person who needs access to their digital content away from home, at work, or online, while also allowing that same content to be shared in a secure setting, look no further than the Seagate Free Agent Pro Portable Hard Drive. This powerful portable hard drive delivers high-speed transfers, while also giving you the ability to share content with others safely and securely from a remote location or even online.


Powerful storage device with a sleek new design.

This hip-looking hard drive takes up less room on your desk than an ordinary stapler.

Share your content with others safely and securely. With up to 1 Terabyte and an ultra-slim design for a clutter-free desktop, your FreeAgent Pro external hard drive helps keep you safe from goof-ups by automatically saving new versions of your content that you can easily access if need be. And should something happen to your PC, you can roll back your Windows operating system, settings, and applications to a point in time when they ran smoother, like before a virus attack. Even though the system settings are taken back in time, updates to photos, music and critical data files are kept current.
The Free Agent Pro is also ideal for those who want quick and painless transfers of their data from their computer to their drive, and from their drive to online accounts (such as Shutterfly or email). Simply plug it in to any power source and connect the USB cable to any computer, and you're ready to go. This hip-looking hard drive takes up less room on your desk than an ordinary stapler--1 x 3 x 5.2 inches (H x D x W)-- giving you more space for your other desktop items. Meanwhile, the hard drive only measures 7.5 x 1.4 x 6.3-inches (H x D x W) and it matches its small base.
High Speed Synchronization and Sharing
The Free Agent Pro data mover automatically duplicates and moves selected content from your hard drive to multiple locations, such as copying your contact lists and emails to your iPod, or photos to a Shutterfly account. This feature also allows you to move your entire 'My Documents' folder to the Free Agent, or move it to your own online space where you (or others you choose) can access it from any browser 24/7. The Free Agent software also offers the feature of rolling back your system to better time if something should happen to your PC while automatic revisions of your content help keep you safe from goof-ups.
Move files or other content with either USB 2.0, eSATA, or FireWire 400 allowing a maximum transfer rate of 480Mb/sec for USB, and 3Gb/sec for eSATA, while delivering a high performance spindle speed of 7,200 RPM. The unit also comes with a sophisticated touch point power on/off switch.
The Free Agent Pro software and drive formatting works only with Windows, but the drive can easily be reformatted for a Mac with OS X's Disk Utility. This portable hard drive is also compatible with Windows Vista (as well as Windows XP and Windows 2000), allowing you to backup your content regardless of operating system upgrades. A five-year warranty is also included, giving you complete peace of mind. Now with the ability to take your data with you anywhere you go, your digital content finally has room to breathe.

What's in the Box
FreeAgent Pro data mover drive, Free Agent software (preloaded) and electronic documentation, USB2.0/eSATA/FireWire 400 interfaces, USB 2.0 cable, FireWire cable, AC power adapter, and a quick start guide.

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