Seagate ST305004FPA1E2-RK FreeAgent Pro 500 GB USB/eSATA External Hard Drive

Manufacturer: Seagate Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours List Price:$279.99 Our Price:$140.99 Features: 500 GB portable hard drive connects to your computer via USB cable or eSATA 7200 RPM spindle speed for high-speed performance USB 2.0 connection provides a brisk transfer rate of up to 480 Mbps, and 3 Gbps for eSATA Includes portable drive, Free Agent software (preloaded) and electronic documentation, USB2.0 and eSATA interfaces, USB 2.0 cable, AC power adapter, and a quick start guide Measures 1.6 (3.2 with base) x 7.5 x 6.4 inches (WxHxD); 5-year limited warranty Description: For the person who has need of the access to theirs to satisfy them via from the center digital, on the job, or online, while but allowing that that one the same one to satisfy is shared in a sure regulation, it observes not ulterior hard drive portable 500GB of the free agent of Seagate of for. This powerful portable hard drive transports the transfers to high speed, while but giving the ability to you to saldamente share sure and satisfying with others from one position at a distance or even online. Powerful device of memorization with a new design I polish. This hard drive hip-observing takes little room on your scrittorio that an ordinary seam-folding machine. Sure Ripartisca and saldamente yours to satisfy with others. The free agent for is moreover ideal for those who wishes the transfers not painful expresses and of their data from their calculating in their drive and from their drive to customers online (which Shutterfly or the email). He simply inserts it to all the energy source and connects the cable of the USB to any calculating and you are waited for in order to go. This hard drive hip-observing takes little room on your scrittorio that an ordinary seam-folding machine -- 1 x 3 x 5,2 inches (H x D x W) - - giving to you to more space for yours other articles desktop. In the meantime, the hard drive measure only 7,5 x 1,4 x 6.3-inches (H x the D x W) and it binds together the relative small base. It moves lime or the other to satisfy with 2,0 USB or the eSATA allowing a rate the maximum transfer of 480Mb/sec for the USB and 3GB/sec for the eSATA, while speeds of the starter shaft of high rendering of 7.200 giri/min. transport one. The unit moreover comes with a inserita/disinserita switch of touch of specialistic feeding of the point. The synchronization to high speed and to leave again for motor of data of the free agent automatically duplicates and moves selected satisfying from your hard drive towards the multiple positions, like copiatura your lists and email of the contact towards yours iPod, or the photos towards a customer of Shutterfly. This characteristic moreover allows that you move the device of bending of your entire ' my documents to the free agent, or that he moves them towards yours just space online in which you (or others choose) you can accedergli from all browser the 24/7. The free software of the agent moreover offers the characteristic to roll behind your system to better time if something happens to your PC while automatic reviews of your goof-increased sure conservation that satisfied of aid from. For systems of the software of the free agent and formattazione of the drive only with Windows, but the drive can easy be riformatta you for a mac with program of usefullness of disc of OS X. This portable hard drive is moreover compatible with Windows Seen (therefore like Windows.xp and Windows 2000), granting you to the support yours to satisfy without R-with regard to the modernizations of the operating system. A quinquennial guarantee is enclosed, giving the complete peace to you of the mind. Hour with the ability to take your data to you with that wherever gone, yours to satisfy digital finally has them room to breathe. That what is adapter drive of the motor of data of FreeAgent of the box it in for, in the free software of the agent (precaricato) and in the documentation electronic, the interfaces of eSATA and USB2.0, in the cable of USB, in 2,0 alternating current and a fast guide of beginning.

Reviews:

FreeAgent Pro 500
This is a great buy verry quiet the only thing i don't like is the lights on it


just out of the box
i debated and researched for a long time before purchasing this drive, looking at western digital, lacie, and cavalry drives (as well as the option of purchasing an external case and drive, which ultimately seems more expensive, and more hassle, for the same thing) in addition to seagate products. i had been told by a friend that wd drives were a better value, but i actually found this to be untrue, as this drive was ever so slightly cheaper, and offers a 5 year warranty (wd only offers a 1 year warranty) standard with your purchase.

just went out and got this (it was slightly cheaper than the wd version of the same size and usb2/esata interface at the time of this review at a local retailer) and am very happy with it "in the flesh". as a designer, i am far from immune to the appeal of good looks--and this drive works well for me. it has a very modern deep, dark chocolate brown finish (yeah, even though it looks dark grey in the online pics) to the aluminum drive case, and the soft orange glow makes for a very modern, sharp look (especially as compared to the wd drive, which just looks like a big heavy black brick to me). the drive comes with the base permanently attached, a small power cord (no larger or bulkier than my cell phone recharge cord), and a usb cord. yep, that's right---no esata cord. i'm not a fan of this, but it seems to be standard with everyone, as if they've all agreed to gyp us on this point.

i've had it on for a few hours now, and the base gets warm to the touch, but not overly so. and the actual case enclosure stays nice and cool, so the base temperature doesn't bother me much. install is practically a plug and play, though there does not seem to be an easy way to partition the drive, at least through the software--guess i will just have to learn more of how to do this through disk management. i also made the decision to go with the usb2/esata--my computer actually doesn't have an esata port--however--this seems to be the wave of the future, and until i buy my next computer with one of these ports, the usb will do well. (also--it seems that in order to use the version of this drive with a firewire port, you have to physically remove a piece at the base of the drive and replace it with another, removing the usb/esata unit installed for the firewire--though i am not 100 percent certain on this, the book with the drive i purchased seems to suggest this).

a quick word on some things in other reviews that gave me pause, but were ultimately a ok.

--the unit really does stay cool. my guess is that this is why they made it have to stand up--the overheating elements of the drive are in the base, and away from your data, and the slightly larger footprint of base vs. drive case ensure it can be stacked with your books while keeping free air "breathing" space around the drive.

--if you don't like the orange glow, don't worry--the included software has a section in which you can turn it off--you don't have to go to the extreme of disconnecting the LED connection wires as another reviewer suggests.

--yes, the online backup offered with the pro is going to be pretty puny for anyone purchasing an external of this size--not exactly a practical second backup location. but the reason to get the pro is not the online backup, but the inclusion of the esata port.

--other reviews have suggested that the drive purchase offers only a 30 day trial of the memeo software--not true, actually. yes, when you first install the drive, it installs a trial version of the software. but the minute you actually open the backup, it will ask you for a product key (which is on a sticker on the inside of the product pamphlet included with the drive) which when entered (as with most software), allows you to use the full software.

all in all, i like it and would recommend it.


Buy the NON-PRO version, the online backup is WORTHLESS
I bought the PRO version to have online backup ability. They offer 500 MB free for the trial version and you can purchase up to 5 GB for $12 a month. This seems USELESS to me, as most people purchasing a hardrive of 320, 500, or 750 GB are going to need much more backup space. I can store 5 GB for free on my hotmail account. What was their marketing department thinking when they only offer 5 GB of online backup, and even the price for that is high?

The hardrive itself is a good price, and besides the fact that the first one I bought was DOA (I think it was the cheap power supply that didn't work) the hardware is fine. Buy the non-PRO version!


Has been unreliable
I have a Dell Inspiron 530 running Windows Vista Home Premium. I bought this drive to use as a backup. I have a separate backup program, so I don't use the software or utilities provided with the FreeAgent Pro.

At first, it was connected using the USB port. But, it kept losing communications with the computer. I then purchased 2-PORT Esata Pci Bracket and 36IN Esata Signal Cable 7PIN/7PIN M/m, which seemed to have resolved the problem.

But, then the FreeAgent Pro failed. It wouldn't spin up and I contacted Seagate for a replacement. Their warranty representative was responsive and handled the warranty replacement quickly. I had to ship my unit back (cost about $10 in shipping), and Seagate very quickly sent a refurbished unit. I am extremely pleased with Seagate's fast turnaround.

However, now the replacement unit keeps losing communications to the computer when connected to the eSATA port, even when I'm in the middle of copying a lot of files. I moved it to the USB port, and I don't have that problem this time around. But during startup, my computer locks up during the BIOS testing when this drive is connected to the USB port. I have to unplug the USB connection in order to reboot the computer, and then plug the drive back in (it works fine after that).

Although I love the design and capacity of this unit and it has both the USB and eSATA connections, it has been an unreliable product.


Mac Users - Disable the Orange Glow manually!
I appreciate the drive mólto, but I have not appreciate the orange incandescence too much. I have a mac so as to the practical software of the windows will not only work for me. I have taken to part as well as as I could and I have uncovered an pleasant compromise. It removes the rubber feet outside of the inferior part in order revealing 4 lives. It removes the module of the connection of USB2.0/eSATA and the lives. Then the inferior part to the base would have to be able to be removed. You would have to see that two small connections to tie twisted that the module of the connection works from the inside of the hard drive in the side of the edge of the circuit insert. The two connections of tying go to the LED that make the incandescence orange. What it works towards the posterior part of the hard drive would have to be what it has place on nearly all the time. I have detached that and on the left other that one has connected. Hour my lights of the drive only until to activity of exposure during the great transfer of rows. It is a good drive. I am using it in way USB2.0. Systems very well. I have given 4 on 5 stars because they have not offered the software of the mac and they have not included a cable of eSATA.


Own Two. No problems seen.
I have bought two of these drives: one that have come with a Esata and an interface of the USB and one that firewire has added. Up to now, the drives have worked flawlessly and they always seem to be visible to the computers that possess (are mac that PC). Attractive and pleasantly constructed designation. It would be pleasant if all and the three interfaces made part of the unit, but changing stoppers within the modules on the base it is not a hassle enormous.


Good deal, small power problem
I do like this drive, nice case design - it's aesthetically pleasing.

After two days, the drive would not power on. However, I bought a 320GB version from a local retailer and swapped out the power cable. Presto. The drive worked again.

I returned the 320GB version to the local retailer stating the drive quit working. No questions asked and I didn't have to wait a week and risk the data being compromised. ;-)

The software tools are good, I have not used the online feature, or the backup scheduler - though I did load the software and play with it.

I've always been pleased with Seagate products, and this external HDD only cements that more.


I love it
The drive is faster than my internal drive, measure by HD Tune. I installed the external drive with Norco eSata card.


What happens to your data?
I really appreciate this HDD (for 500 GB USB of Seagate hard FreeAgent/azionamento external ST305004FPA1E2-RK of eSATA). Agonized the surplus this or the equivalent WD and that pre-fact buys an external HDD (as apposed hardly to a case and an inner HDD arranges to you). To the end, they have been won over from the guarantee of five years. I appreciate to be able to repair the things same but why to have qualcun' other do not make it. I have put all my data from the 300 GB and have cleaned up the old drive. The new drive has even installed the special software of support of the system. Some days more subsequently I have it turned behind over and I have obtained "one demanded of the driver" from Victoria XP. After to have last with all the controls and options account is rendered me that the inner feeding colleague was defective. Hour for the great question. If the turn within for a new drive, I obtain a drive brandnew, no made questions. Of other part, I lose all my images, music, film, etc... The recovery of the data from a defective HDD is a minimum of $1400 on the place of the Seagate. To the end, I have broken the case and I have extracted the drive. The HDD was very well but hour the guarantee is empty. They are towards outside $160 but I can use this 500Gb in an other case. Inferior line: Buy just an inside and attacks it in your choice of the separate case.


Good Drive, Minor Software Problems
I like the drive and the AutoBackup software. The only problem I had was when I upgraded Memeo's AutoBackup, Seagate's FreeAgent Tools did not recognize it, and the old version of AutoBackup would not uninstall.

The Memeo support people were great, though, and got me back up and running right away.


solid drive, jury's still out on the autobackup software
After that reading a bunch of reviews of the customer and the professional it decides to buy this drive and they are definitively happy with it. It is quiet and it does not obtain very warm and I appreciate it the look also. The transfers of rows are reasonably fast excessive USB 2,0 and are satisfied with that one. I have not tried it eSATA of the surplus. The inserita/disinserita key of touch pointed out in some other reviews could here be little more sensible to react and to times the drive returns over when I have not meant it to, but is not an edition for me. Still I am formulating a complete opinion on the software of AutoBackup that is supplied from Memeo. On one hand is easy to use and supports automati us of simple Marches much - of other part it seems a buggy small and it has changes of understanding of difficulties that happen. Really two times are concluded me completely on the cancellation of my support and on beginning over. Once that because I have cancelled a device of bending manually supported from the external drive, that it has confused the software and it has caused an edition. An other time because after using order "the pause of all the supports" the software more would not recognize the drive even if over and was connected. The tribunes of support of Memeo are full of the people that are having an emission of a shape or an other with the software. One what that I suggest is transferring the last version from the system centers them towards satellites (2,5) from the Web site of Memeo, that they demand the addresses a sure more common edition number. The Seagate-stamped version of the software that comes on the drive is not version 2,5, however if "prechosen control for the modernizations" it you will say that no are available. But you can transfer the newest right from the system centers them towards the satellites of version from the place of Memeo, that it is free until 8/31/07. I have made that last week and up to now I am not avendogli some editions with. In spite of the uncertainty approximately the software, they are definitively happy with this drive and I would still buy it without hesitation.


small footprint and clean tasteful design
The drive has minimal vibration and like not having a bunch of blinking lights.

The minimal footprint is nice and the power brick is relatively small as the electronics is at the plug end taking up a few power strip outlets.

The design requires a vertical usage as it cannot be laid flat due to the base.

Best looking external drive I've come across.


Great drive for a great price (avoid using any bundled software)
This is actually the first external I've ever owned. However, I have known many people who've used Seagate externals in the past and they seemed pretty satisfied with them. So after much deliberating, I finally went out and purchased this exact model and type.

Now, I've only had the drive since about late april, but from what I can see, it seems to do the backing up just fine. Although moving files off of an USB 1.1 connection will really test your patience. But if you're pulling files off of a 2.0, things move quite fast.

The thing to keep in mind is, that this drive will support eSata cards. But this DOES NOT include any cables or cards. For those that have said that they were disappointed that those features were not included. I say that it shouldn't come as a surprise.

As for the software, I don't see what the problem is with just dragging and dropping your folders. It's not rocket science. I mean, it's cool that the bundled software is there. But when buying an external drive, I'm not going to be harsh on a product if the software isn't up to par. I'll base things simply on the drive itself. The software is negligible in my book.

I tested this drive for hours on end and moving data or watching stuff directly off of the drive was really nice and no problems that I could tell. The only thing was, when powering the drive off, you should lightly touch and hold the power symbol for a few seconds and it will power itself down. Those who are waiting for something quicker, should be careful. Because imagine if this just powered off at the slightest touch? There would be a whole new world of frustration. :)

The drive stays relatively warm when using it for quite a while. But I never felt that it was too hot. And when not in use, I just power it down and unplug it. Because if you leave it plugged in, I found that the base of the unit tends to get warm, whether it's powered on or off. So as a precaution, I just unplug it, just to be safe. But I figure, so long as the drive works when I need it to, then I'm satsified.

One final note, I think that this drive not only looks cool, but seems like it may be a trendsetter in the world of external drives. Because it not only has a nice and sleek look, but performs like a dream.

Highly recommended!!!

Heathtown


Overpriced External Drive
Despite the hype, this is just a 500 GB hard drive with backup software. But if you have a small business and store data on network drives that are mapped on your PC forget about using the bundled backup software to back up those files, it just doesn't. And, as far as I can tell, you can't tell the software to back up only at night, so it will be backing up while you are working. And, the "internet drive" backup requires a monthly or annual fee. The fee is HIGHER than other online backup services, presumably because of the tie-in with Seagate.


An eSATA drive with no eSATA cable
I have bought this drive, mainly based on reputation of the Seagate, in order to extend the amount of space of disc for my 3 series Tivo. The Tivo, like every other HD DVR, demands a fast connection of eSATA. Just they have been I surprise when I have opened the box it and have been found, not the cable previewed of eSATA, but a little expensive cable and the much slowest one of the USB. Once that obtained cable of eSATA (the others $20), the drive has worked very well, even if ' the strip of orange incandescence ' those operations to half road around to the case of the drive is a po' gaudy for the living room. One what to the famous one. In order to obtain the rate complete transfer of 3 Gb/sec from this drive, you must use a cable of eSATA. USB 2,0 is 5 times slower. If been planning to use the USB, it only obtains a drive of the USB. The drives of the USB are only considerable more little expensive.


Great external HD!
Fast and silent, I love this external HD. The only reason I didnt give it 5 stars is because the software expires after 30 days. I love the col orange glow (reminds me of the same color of my dashboard in my 2003 Infiniti g35 Coupe). Only thing I didnt like is that there is no flashing light for HD access. Maybe Im just old school but I like flashing lights! Access is quick and this serves as a network drive for a desktop, laptop and my Xbox 360. I'm impressed ! Also, the drive I purchased had a switchable plate for usb 2.0 and firewire connections. This was much appricated as all my usb 2.0 ports are taken up. I installed a 3 port firewire card foe my sony DCR-pc105 camcorder and plugged it into one of the free ports. Great speed and ease of connection!


bad experience
I have maintained for a week, therefore they have gone to exchange it for an other marks. A week in order to support mine laptop 40GB seems, heh, more than enough. There are good lotteries approximately this product (the look, the box it, the process of the installation, the capienza), but if it cannot support reliable and quickly roba in on then it is useless. Task that this is an edition of the software. If they repair the software, this could be a good product, but hour my recommendation is: IT AVOIDS. Things that must repair with the software of reservoir: - fastly make it usably (the UI in if and the speed of reservoir - for tantissime small lime) - they render sure! I have given that three go to support mine laptop and has come to lack every time (remain embedded and they would not continue, or track lost just and they would not recognize a partial support) - the easier UI to grok renders


Fast, sleek, cool-running, externally powered -- best of breed
PCWorld's Editors Choice rating persuaded me to plunge into this all-too-often disappointing market. Foremost, the FreeAgent runs cool (just hand warm), it has an external powersupply (critical, as any mechanical device draws lots of juice from USB port - shortening battery life, etc). There is an on-off switch (surprisingly many units lack it); the modular design not only looks good, but provides connectivity options to select USB, USB/eSATA or firewire connection. Nice touch, the drive comes pre-formatted for the NTFS file system. Even after 3+ hours of continuous use (surface scan), the unit became warmer but not hot - a credit to sound engineering design. If you like freebies, there's a trial version of backup software, an offer to store your data via internet, and some other utilities -- personally, I just wipe them out.

The one hitch (not Seagate's problem) is the external eSATA controller; I purchased a Highpoint RR1522A which has 2 external ports and allows for RAID control of two drives. The controller works fine when the machine is awake, but seems to have problems reinitializing after a wakeup call, causing endless pulsating access to the HDD (??boot attempt) and sufficiently heavy power drain to activate the UPS alarm. Maybe have to return to the (slower) USB data link.



More Products:

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ7S 7.2MP Digital Camera with 6x Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)
• Westinghouse 14.1-Inch LCD Digital Photo Frame
• Adobe Illustrator CS3 Upgrade [Mac]
• T-Mobile Dash myFaves Smartphone (T-Mobile)
• Sandisk 2GB Micro Sd Card
• Sony LBT-ZX80D Mini Hi-Fi Component System with Karaoke Feature
• Sony ICD-MX20DR9 32MB Flash-Based Digital Voice Recorder
• Verizon Wireless V640 EVDO ExpressCard (Verizon Wireless)
• Westinghouse 14.1-Inch LCD Digital Photo Frame
• Samsung U620 Phone (Verizon Wireless)
• Webkinz Sherbet Bunny
• Jetboil Group Cooking System
• Black & Decker Cordless 18-Volt Power Scrubber #NPS1018
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX30T 7.2MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Taupe)
• Worx 13-Amp 16-Inch Electric Lawn Mower #WG712
• Kata W-94 GDC Waist-Pack for complete DSLR camera system
• Seagate ST305004FPA1E2-RK FreeAgent Pro 500 GB USB/eSATA External Hard Drive
• T-Mobile Dash myFaves Smartphone (T-Mobile)
• Samsung 226BW 22-Inch Digital/Analog Widescreen LCD Monitor (Black)
• Sony CMT-DH7BT DVD Micro System with Bluetooth and Satellite Radio Capability

--end of Seagate ST305004FPA1E2-RK FreeAgent Pro 500 GB USB/eSATA External Hard Drive