TheFeed loves when we get our hands on some cool gadgets, so here's our take on Seagate's 160GB FreeAgent Go and 750GB FreeAgent Pro External Hard Drives...
Seagate 160GB FreeAgent Go and 750GB FreeAgent Pro External Hard Drives
Available: Now
Price: $159.99 / $309.99 MSRP
Consumers are finding themselves overloaded with digital content. Now that digital photos reach resolutions up to 12-megapixels and HD digital video camcorders boast 30GB hard drives, storage capacity is a constant concern.
PROS:
- FreeAgent Go's portability
- Both FreeAgent Go and Pro offer the ability to run programs externally using pre-loaded software
- FreeAgent Pro capable of transferring via FireWire 400, USB 2.0 and eSATA
- FreeAgent Pro incorporates upgradeable connection module to replace USB 2.0, eSATA and FireWire 400 when a new transfer technology is developed
CONS:
- FreeAgent Go and Pro's software is not compatible with a Mac
The FreeAgent line of external hard drives range in size from 80GB to 750GB. The three variations include: the FreeAgent Go, the FreeAgent Desktop Drive and the FreeAgent Pro. TheFeed selected the 160GB FreeAgent Go and the 750GB FreeAgent Pro for this review. The FreeAgent Go offers an easy, portable solution for laptops, while the FreeAgent Pro provides a tremendous amount of storage with a modular interface that is "future-proof."
Seagate's FreeAgent line has replaced the common box-shaped external hard drive with a sleek and stylish new design. Roughly the size of a PDA, the FreeAgent Go bears the line's trademark orange glow along one side of the black casing. The Go's included USB 2.0 cable is fitted with a mini-USB connection for the unit and dual USB 2.0 connections, providing both power and data transfer. Best suited for laptops, the Go's internal drive runs at 5400 RPM. While slower than the FreeAgent Pro's 7200 RPM, it did not produce any noticeable lag during data transfer.
Both the FreeAgent Go and the FreeAgent Pro are pre-loaded with the FreeAgent Tools software. Similar to Windows XP's System Restore feature, FreeAgent Tools allows you to create restore points using a very intuitive interface. Unique to the FreeAgent line-up is Seagate's interface, Ceedo. It mimics the look of Windows XP's Start Menu, and gives one the ability to store and access web browser preferences, email clients such as Outlook Express, My Documents, My Pictures, My Music and a variety of applications. Ceedo's private working desktop also maintains a secure environment on any computer currently docked with the FreeAgent hard drive.
Of all the variations available, The FreeAgent Pro is the one that shines, literally. The upper section's brushed aluminum casing offers a slim, futuristic look that dissipates heat without the use of an internal fan. While the upper section shines, the rectangular base stand is where the FreeAgent Pro excels. The stand incorporates a module that lets you connect via either USB 2.0 or eSATA. Seagate has 'future-proofed' the Pro by offering modules for the current connections, USB 2.0, eSATA and FireWire 400, with plans to release new modules as new technology becomes available.
The only downside to the current FreeAgent line is their lack of Mac support. Ceedo lacks Mac compatibility and the drives would require the user to reformat in order to get the full storage capacity. Seagate has informed us that they are working hard at making their next generation of the FreeAgent line-up Mac friendly.
Overall, TheFeed found the FreeAgent Go and Pro a great match for our digital lifestyle. The FreeAgent Go's size and storage capacity allows a user access to their digital portfolio when needed and can even transfer game saves from your PS3. The Pro offers a tremendous amount of storage capacity at 750GB, coupled with the knowledge that you won't have to run out to buy a new drive when a faster connection is developed. Despite the FreeAgent's lack of Mac compatibility, the line is well suited for PCs and is a good storage solution for your digital needs.
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