Hey folks, Valkor here. It's only been a few years since I've ever thought of backing up my hard drive; I have CD/DVD disks strewn about with all sorts of data on them ranging from pics, to vids, music, and documents. But it wasn't until about a year ago that I was introduced to external drives. I mean I knew about em, but never took the time to invest. That is until Seagate entered my life and that of the Val-Cave. And with their latest drive, The FreeAgent GoFlex, backing up has never been better.
First off some specs – The GoFlex is similar in size and shape of that of the FreeAgent Go drive, but more rounded on the edges and it doesn't have that slope (not hatin on the slope). The drive I received sports 500GB of storage space and has the option to use different plugs, depending on what you like to use most. You can stick with regular USB 2.0, if you have a more recent system, then the drive is ready for USB 3.0, but you can also use eSATA or FireWire plugs as well (sold separately). The GoFlex drive comes in four different colors and it's ultra portable (again much like the FreeAgent Go), whereas you can slip it in your pocket or pouch of a messenger bag with ease. Finally, the drive comes preinstalled with backup software called "Memeo Sync", for instant backing up of files, plus you're able to encrypt files, sync them, and share files with others.
So let's find out if this baby is really worth its weight in our "TOV Breakdown".
The Bang:
When I initially opened the box, I was a bit worried that I didn't have the ports for the GoFlex, thinking it was much like the Go and it had a mini USB. It doesn't but the plug that comes with it has a standard USB connection, so no complaints there. Transferring data is much the same as with the GO. However you do have the option for other connections, which is a plus in my book. Finally if you're the type who's on the go, then this is the drive for you as the GoFlex slips into most bags, briefcases, even your shirt pocket. The GoFlex is the perfect portable backup system there is. (That I have tested thus far).
The Slack:
The fact that you have to buy the other ports separately. It's gonna run up the cost, though I think it'll be worth it in the long run. Finally, I was given the eSATA plug to test and I found it was rough plugging it into the drive. Definitely a feisty one and it seemed that if I was any rougher with it, it might break. (No, that didn't sound dirty at all).
Overall become a fan of the GoFlex product and when the day finally comes that I get to update the Val-Cave's systems, I know that with Seagate's FreeAgent GoFlex drive, I I'll be ready for it. It's portability and reliability at it's best. And out of TOV 5 stars, I'm giving the GoFlex drive a 4.5 and it's been Valkor tested, TOV Approved!