Non-Techie Review: Seagate FreeAgent Desk External Drive 500 GB

Has your computer's hard drive ever failed causing you to lose some important files or photographs? The Seagate FreeAgent Desk External Drive is super easy to install; even a non-techie will have no problem. Think of file backups like you would a secure safe, providing piece of mind because it preserves critical files and information.

Our Dell computer has been reliable over the years, so I have been lulled into not routinely backing up important files. I try to remember to backup but I do not seem to get around to doing it on a schedule. I really needed a programmable external drive to back up automatically, especially because I can be forgetful about these kinds of things.

Price was right. The Drive lists at $99.99 but you can pick it up cheaper when it goes on sale like I did. There were a few models to choose from, but I liked the fact that this drive had 500 GB capacity, much more than the hard drive on my computer. I had put off buying an external drive because I was not sure exactly how to set one up and they seemed to be priced on the high side to me.

Packaging was wrong. The box contained the silver drive, software pre-loaded on the drive, a quick start guide, base stand, rubber feet for the base, USB cable, and an AC adaptor/cord. The box is larger than the drive itself as it contains a plastic packing form inside. Seagate should redesign the box and eliminate the unnecessary overpackaging.

Operating system requirements are stated on the box. OS requirements for this unit are Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, or Business Service Pack-1 Windows XP Home, Professional, or Media Center Edition Service Pack-2. I have Windows XP and the unit set up very fast and easy. There is a Mac desk drive available, too.

FreeAgent Desk drive model specifics. Seagate provides a 5 year limited warranty; don't forget to register on their site. This particular model # ST305004FDA2E1-RK has 500 GB memory, and is able to store up to 160,000 photos, 120,000 mp3s, or up to 500 hours of video. It connects to your computer via a USB 2.0 port.

The drive is lightweight at 2-3/4 lbs. Once the base is attached, it stands 7-3/8" tall, 7" long, and 2-½" wide. I do not like the little rubber feet because they do not attach securely to the base. When I moved the drive on the desk, I left the feet behind. A little super glue fixed that problem. The unit is silver and has the Seagate logo lit up. The unit can stand up on its little rubber feet, or laid flat on its side. Just remember not to set anything on the drive and keep it away from the edge of your desk.

Quick Start Guide included. I spent 5 minutes looking for the "real" instruction book because non-techies must always read instructions. The Quick Start Guide is actually one sheet of paper with a set of drawings. Follow the pictures and plug the drive into the wall socket with the AC adaptor/cord. Then use the USB cable to plug the drive into a computer. Your computer will recognize the software and the installer will begin immediately. You will have to assign the drive a letter.

Green means "go"; red means "no." Once installed, a little green icon sits in your quick launch toolbar. Double-clicking opens up the Seagate Manager software. The drive can be set to auto-backup or auto-sync; or, you can manually backup or sync. I set the FreeAgent Desk Drive to auto-backup some very important files (schoolwork) at a certain time, 9:00 PM. The Manager indicates when the last back up was completed.

The unit makes a little whirring sound when backing up or when accessing the drive. The rest of the time, it is silent. If for some reason, the computer is off during the scheduled auto-backup and the backup is missed, the little green icon turns red letting you know backup failed.

It is also easy to auto-encrypt files by dragging them into the Encryption Tool. This protects files and keeps them private so it is a good idea to do this with your tax or bank files. If you have Quicken or MS Money or any other money management or banking software, consider encrypting your files for an extra measure of security.

Energy saving features. If the drive is idle for 15 minutes, it goes into a resting mode to save energy. It "wakes" back up when you click on My Computer or search for or save a file. Clicking the question mark in the Seagate Manager opens the easy-to-navigate-and-understand User Manual in a browser window. You can "test" the Drive to ensure that everything is working properly. If you do not like the lights on the unit, you can turn the lights off using the Settings link.

Fast set up and looks sharp. I found the FreeAgent Desk External Drive much easier to install and use than I had expected. The little rubber feet are goofy but the rest of the unit looks trim and neat. Of course, the sleek, modern silver case looks out of place on my very messy desk.

I had put off buying an external drive for too long, making flimsy excuses about the cost or the difficulty in managing backups. No longer - I like the Seagate and I am glad this non-techie chose a unit that was easy to set up and manage. The packaging and the little rubber feet aside, I think I got my money's worth. I have important files that I cannot afford to lose. I smile when I check on my Seagate FreeAgent Desk External Drive; I need the piece of mind that smart little silver box gives me.

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