{"id":21421,"date":"2010-10-18T12:00:03","date_gmt":"2010-10-18T11:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=21421"},"modified":"2011-06-14T04:14:07","modified_gmt":"2011-06-14T03:14:07","slug":"seagate-freeagent-go-500gb-external-hard-drive-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/seagate-freeagent-go-500gb-external-hard-drive-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Seagate FreeAgent Go 500GB External Hard Drive Review"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n  google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p>Portability is becoming a major factor for consumers nowadays and it is good to see smaller units doing the jobs of previously larger ones (netbook versus notebook comes to mind). This freedom of movement reminds me of a free agent in a professional sporting league, that is able go anywhere he\/she wants. Technology in general is so amazing that whenever you think you\u2019ve seen it all, something comes along that changes your perspective. After getting used to the idea of a big difference between a USB flash drive and a hard drive, the <strong>Seagate FreeAgent Go<\/strong> fills the gap perfectly, balancing the scale as an elegantly crafted \u201chybrid\u201d if you will.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgent1.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgent1_thumb.png?resize=300%2C225\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>They say that nice things come in small packages and a good example of this is to have 500GB of storage in a device that is barely larger than my smartphone. The FreeAgent Go is just such a package and today we put it in the spotlight and take a closer look to see if it lives up to its billing.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"2\" cellpadding=\"2\" width=\"549\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"224\" valign=\"top\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99ccff;\">Device<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"83\" valign=\"top\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99ccff;\">Small?<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"110\" valign=\"top\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99ccff;\">Lightweight?<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"119\" valign=\"top\"><strong><span style=\"color: #99ccff;\">Lots of storage?<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"224\" valign=\"top\">USB Flash Drive<\/td>\n<td width=\"83\" valign=\"top\">Yes<\/td>\n<td width=\"110\" valign=\"top\">Yes<\/td>\n<td width=\"119\" valign=\"top\">No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"224\" valign=\"top\">External Hard Drive Enclosure<\/td>\n<td width=\"83\" valign=\"top\">No<\/td>\n<td width=\"110\" valign=\"top\">No<\/td>\n<td width=\"119\" valign=\"top\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"224\" valign=\"top\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ffff00;\">Seagate FreeAgent Go<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"83\" valign=\"top\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ffff00;\">Yes<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"110\" valign=\"top\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ffff00;\">Yes<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"119\" valign=\"top\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ffff00;\">Yes<\/span><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>The drive comes preloaded with Seagate Manager, which I will get to in a bit, and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.muvee.com\/en\/products\/reveal\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.muvee.com\/en\/products\/reveal', 'muvee Reveal 8.0']);\" target=\"_blank\">muvee Reveal 8.0<\/a> which was <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?p=19907\" target=\"_blank\">reviewed here<\/a>. This is a winning combination if you ask me. Let us get into some more detail.<\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n  google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><!--pagetitle:Introduction--><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Features & Specifications--><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n  google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Features and Specifications<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Here are the features of the unit as advertised by Seagate.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Big capacity, small package<\/span><br \/>\nGet a lot without carrying a lot. And look good while you do it.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Available in a range of capacities, from 250GB to 1TB<\/li>\n<li>The thinnest portable drive available. Even the cables are compact<\/li>\n<li>Multiple colors to suit your style and let you tell one FreeAgent Go from the next<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgents.png?resize=460%2C175\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Simple backup and sync<\/span><br \/>\nIf it\u2019s not easy, it won\u2019t happen.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Automatic backup for peace of mind<\/li>\n<li>Encryption technology keeps your files safe<\/li>\n<li>Easy synchronization means you always have the most current version with you<\/li>\n<li>Fast data transfer with USB<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Go cable-free<\/span><br \/>\nAn optional desktop dock makes syncing a snap.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Access your files without fumbling for cables<\/li>\n<li>Preloaded software means easy setup<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgentDock.png?resize=285%2C350\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><br \/>\n<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">All the little extras<\/span><br \/>\nYou don\u2019t choose a drive based on these things. But you love them once you have them.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Power management features save energy<\/li>\n<li>Five-year limited warranty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The specifications are detailed as follows.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/Specifications.png?resize=450%2C450\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Seagate FreeAgent Go line of external hard drives come in a variety of capacities and colours. They range from 250GB to 1TB and can be had in your choice of 10 different colours. The colours are even given catchy names that I must say are quite fitting.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Titanium Silver<\/li>\n<li>Tuxedo Black<\/li>\n<li>Ruby Red<\/li>\n<li>Royal Blue*<\/li>\n<li>Sky Blue<\/li>\n<li>Solar Orange<\/li>\n<li>Think Pink<\/li>\n<li>Champagne Gold<\/li>\n<li>Spring Green<\/li>\n<li>Forest Green<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>* &#8211; The colour of the drive being reviewed here today.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgent4.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgent4_thumb.png?resize=400%2C300\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"2\" cellpadding=\"2\" width=\"550\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"275\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgent2.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgent2_thumb.png?resize=240%2C118\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"275\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgent3.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgent3_thumb.png?resize=240%2C126\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong><em>Please note that this unit is the PC version. Seagate has not forgotten about Mac users though and a Mac-compatible version is also available.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n  google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Performance--><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n  google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Performance<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The performance is nothing short of what you would expect from a mass storage device. While it is understandable that they are not as fast as conventional system drives, we do tend to want all the speed we can get. The performance numbers below, show that the FreeAgent Go is a very capable device.<\/p>\n<p>The benchmarks we ran on the unit are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>HD Tach<\/li>\n<li>HD Tune Pro<\/li>\n<li>CrystalDiskMark<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/br><br \/><\/br><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">HD Tach 3.0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>HD Tach is a low level hardware benchmark for random access read\/write storage devices such as hard drives, removable drives (ZIP\/JAZZ), flash devices, and RAID arrays. HD Tach uses custom device drivers and other low level Windows interfaces to bypass as many layers of software and get as close to the physical performance of the device as possible.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the results, first the Quick Bench (8MB zones) and then the Long Bench (32MB zones):<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/HDTachQuickBench.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/HDTachQuickBench_thumb.png?resize=400%2C293\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/HDTachLongBench.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/HDTachLongBench_thumb.png?resize=400%2C295\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/br><br \/><\/br><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">HD Tune Pro 4.60<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>HD Tune<\/strong> is a hard disk utility with many functions. It can be used to measure the drive&#8217;s performance, scan for errors, check the health status (S.M.A.R.T.), securely erase all data and much more.<\/p>\n<p>Today, we are mainly interested in the performance-related tests. Here are the results:<\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"2\" cellpadding=\"2\" width=\"550\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"275\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgentGo500GBBenchmark.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px\" title=\"title\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgentGo500GBBenchmark_thumb1.png?resize=240%2C196\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"275\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgentGo500GBRandomAccess.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgentGo500GBRandomAccess_thumb.png?resize=240%2C196\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"275\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgentGo500GBFileBenchmark512K.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgentGo500GBFileBenchmark512K_thumb.png?resize=240%2C196\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<td width=\"275\" valign=\"top\"><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgentGo500GBFileBenchmark4MB.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgentGo500GBFileBenchmark4MB_thumb.png?resize=240%2C196\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><\/br><br \/><\/br><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">CrystalDiskMark 3.0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>CrystalDiskMark is a disk benchmark software that also measures read and write speeds, both sequential and random.<\/p>\n<p>Here are its results:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/CDMAll51000.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/CDMAll51000_thumb.png?resize=400%2C348\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><\/br><br \/><\/br><\/p>\n<p>With all these results to consider, the safe conclusion is that the drive is very consistent. All the numbers fall within a tight range and this is rather admirable. The speed is not class-leading but it is easily above the average of other drives I have come across. However, they were not available for testing and as such I am unable to show a direct comparison.<\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n  google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Performance Comparison--><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n  google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Performance Comparison<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Now here is a quick comparison of how this drive stacks up against a flash drive and a high performance desktop hard drive.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/HDTach-Graph.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/HDTach-Graph.png?resize=559%2C388\" alt=\"\" title=\"HDTach Graph\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-21471\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/HDTach-Graph.png?resize=559%2C388 559w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/HDTach-Graph-300x208.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 559px) 100vw, 559px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/HDTune-Graph.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/HDTune-Graph.png?resize=559%2C466\" alt=\"\" title=\"HDTune Graph\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-21472\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/HDTune-Graph.png?resize=559%2C466 559w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/HDTune-Graph-300x250.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 559px) 100vw, 559px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/CDM-Graph.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/CDM-Graph.png?resize=559%2C388\" alt=\"\" title=\"CDM Graph\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-21470\" srcset=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/CDM-Graph.png?resize=559%2C388 559w, http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/CDM-Graph-300x208.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 559px) 100vw, 559px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Conclusively we see the FreeAgent Go being faster than your average flash drive, while being understandably slower than a desktop drive. Not to worry though as its purpose does not dictate a need for speed but instead its main attribute is ultra-portable mass storage.<\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n  google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Software & Longevity--><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n  google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Software &#038; Longevity<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Software<\/span><\/p>\n<p>The preloaded drive management software is aptly called the Seagate Manager. It self-installs when you first connect the drive and gives you full control of your device. From the My Drives tab, you can view basic information and also access the drive\u2019s settings (more than one drive may be connected at the same time). Here, you are able to adjust power settings, test your drive to find out if it is functioning properly or even adjust the LED controls. The LEDs on the drive are illuminated while the drive is connected and accentuates the design pattern on the front of the drive, similar to a backlight. Still in the settings, you can also manually or automatically check for software updates. You can even enable or disable the Seagate Advisor messages.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/SeagateManagerMyDrives.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/SeagateManagerMyDrives_thumb.png?resize=300%2C286\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>In the Backup tab, you get the opportunity to do just that, backup and more! Scheduling is available and conforms to the rest of your settings as well. Within your settings, you can be selective of which files or file types you wish to backup, view your backed up files and even restore files to your device.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/SeagateManagerBackup.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/SeagateManagerBackup_thumb.png?resize=300%2C286\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Syncing in made easy at the Sync tab, with one of two choices. A Simple Sync automatically synchronizes the data of your Personal folder (My Documents, Contacts, Downloads, etc). The other option is a Custom Sync in which you select which folders you wish to synchronize.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/SeagateManagerSync.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/SeagateManagerSync_thumb.png?resize=300%2C286\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Last but definitely not least, the Security tab gives you full encryption capabilities and is a very useful tool for those of us that work with sensitive information. That aside, it can be useful just to secure certain files that may contain ultra-personal data such as credit card and other banking information, etc.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/SeagateManagerSecurity.png\" target=\"_blank\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/SeagateManagerSecurity_thumb.png?resize=300%2C286\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>So there you have it; a very robust management software that is preloaded and very simple to use. It is full of functionality and remains practical. I like it a lot!<\/p>\n<p><\/br><br \/><\/br><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Longevity<\/span><\/p>\n<p>There is a five-year limited warranty on this drive which seems to suggest that Seagate <strong>expects<\/strong> your product to last you at least five years. <em>Keep in mind that the end user needs to take good care of his\/her product to maximize its length of operation.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>After having this drive for roughly three months, I can assuredly say that it has not skipped a beat. There have been no errors, no hiccups, no slowdowns and best of all, no data corruption. Now three months is a long way off five years but this is a first impression that I <strong>expect<\/strong> to last five years.<\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n  google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><!--nextpage--><!--pagetitle:Conclusion--><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n  google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Seagate FreeAgent Go makes storing all types of data a breeze. The drive is compact and quick and lends itself to easy portability with access to all your necessary files. It makes everything a snap with simple plug and play support like a USB drive and the storage space totally blows any flash drive out of the proverbial water.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i1.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/FreeAgents1.png?resize=460%2C175\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Small, lightweight and ultra portable with its sleek and fashionable design, the FreeAgent Go boasts very consistent speeds, all rolled into a package that requires no external power. The drive runs cool and only reached a maximum of 39\u00b0C during heavy testing.<\/p>\n<p>Preloaded drive management software that is robust and fully functional and movie making software makes this a great deal as well. Now for those that missed any of these points, here are the pros and cons in list form.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Pros:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Small<\/li>\n<li>Lightweight<\/li>\n<li>Ultra portable<\/li>\n<li>Sleek, fashionable design<\/li>\n<li>Very consistent speed<\/li>\n<li>USB powered (no external power needed)<\/li>\n<li>Runs cool (may get slightly warm but not overly so)<\/li>\n<li>Many colours to choose from<\/li>\n<li>Preloaded drive management software<\/li>\n<li>Preloaded \u201cmuvee\u201d-making software<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/br><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Cons:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>USB cable is too short<\/li>\n<li>Does not natively support both Mac and PC<\/li>\n<li>Speed is not top notch but is still above average<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/br><br \/><\/br><\/p>\n<p>A full recommendation is in order here and it is also this editor\u2019s choice for saving and\/or backing up data (mainly my movie collection).<\/p>\n<p>Have a nice day and don\u2019t forget to check out <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/abt\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\">our forum<\/a>, sign up and become a part of the ABT community. <strong><em>Come live in our world.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" cellspacing=\"2\" cellpadding=\"2\" width=\"550\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"275\" valign=\"top\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i2.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/Recommended.png?resize=150%2C251\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/td>\n<td width=\"275\" valign=\"top\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"title\" src=\"http:\/\/i0.wp.com\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/10\/EditorsChoice.png?resize=150%2C251\" border=\"0\" alt=\"alt\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Leon Hyman<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><em>Senior Editor<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\">\/\/ <![CDATA[\n  google_ad_client = \"pub-7021221536180758\"; \/* 468x60, created 11\/11\/09 *\/ google_ad_slot = \"1949837292\"; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/ ]]><\/script><script src=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Please join us in our <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/abt\/index.php\" target=\"_blank\">Forums<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Become a Fan on <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/pages\/AlienBabelTech\/123268467142', 'Facebook']);\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Follow us on <a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech\" onclick=\"_gaq.push(['_trackEvent', 'outbound-article', 'http:\/\/twitter.com\/alienbabeltech', 'Twitter']);\" target=\"_blank\">Twitter<\/a><\/p>\n<p>For the latest updates from ABT, please <a href=\"http:\/\/alienbabeltech.com\/main\/?feed=rss2\" target=\"_blank\">join our RSS News Feed<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Join our Distributed Computing teams<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Folding@Home &#8211; 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