The SeaGate FreeAgent GoFlex 1TB is the USB 2.0 version of the very popular STAA1000100 hard drive, recommended for all users whose computers do not have USB 3.0 functionality. Although USB 2.0 is admittedly a lot slower than USB 3.0, it is possible to upgrade to FireWire 800 via the use of upgrade cables which enable the user to access speeds double those of USB 2.0. Beside the Expansion range, the FreeAgent GoFlex is SeaGate’s most popular external hard drive with thousands upon thousands of satisfied users and an average 4/5 star rating on Amazon.
The SeaGate GoFlex 1 TB Ultra-Portable External Hard-Drive has the following features:
- Able to store all file formats, whether video, audio, documents or compressed folders
- Enables you to take all your data with you whenever you’re on the go
- Compatible with both PC and Mac computers
- USB 2.0 plug-and-play
- Upgradable to firewire 800 or eSATA using separate upgrade cables
- 1 TB of storage
- 5 1/4 inches wide x 2 1/4 inches high
- Weighs less than 1 lb
If you consider the tiny size of the SeaGate FreeAgent GoFlex 1TB and then consider that it can store 1 terabyte of data, you begin to get an idea of how powerful this hard drive is, and how many resources the manufacturer SeaGate dedicates to improving the storage efficiency of all their hard drives. The FreeAgent GoFlex 1TB is only slightly larger than the competing Western Digital Passport, and can fit in your pocket. While I have read a few ‘horror stories’ on the net about failing drives and lost data (pretty much the worst scenario you could imagine), thankfully my experience with the STAA1000100 has been as you should expect for a $150 hard drive. And let’s face it, no matter what external drive you pick, for every 1000 happy customers there will always be one horror story; it’s just the nature of the product, it seems.
As soon as my SeaGate 1 TB STAA1000100 arrived and the postman gave me the package to sign in for it, I was amazed at the small size. I am accustomed to a large package when I order an external hard-drive, I was expecting to see what I usually see, a box that was twice the size of the hard-drive and a huge cumbersome power pack to power the drive. I was pleasantly surprised when I got the package. I had read about its light weight, less than half a kilogram, but whenever I think of an external hard drive I still think of bulky, heavy metal objects that draw massive power and make terribly loud sounds when in operation.
While my experience with the SeaGate FreeAgent GoFlex 1TB has been overall positive, there are a few drawbacks to having such a small, lightweight portable hard drive. Due to the fact that the STAA1000100 requires only USB BUS power, it is slower than your conventional desktop hard drive, operating at 5400 RPM. Nonetheless, if I had to choose to lose a little speed in favor of portability, I would do so in a flash. Finally, I am somewhat skeptical of the claims on the sales page which state that simply upgrading cables to USB 3.0 will make file transfers 10 times faster. As the old saying goes, seeing is believing…
Pros:
High capacity to size ratio
USB 2.0 permits compatibility across the board (i.e. Windows, Mac, etc.)
USB BUS derived power eliminates need for external power source
Cons:
Only comes with USB 2.0 connection, have to upgrade to higher connection
Spins at a slow RPM relative to desktop PCs (i.e. 5400 versus 7200)
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon for the SeaGate FreeAgent GoFlex 1TB.
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