update Need to carry a lot of data around with you? Well then, there's a lot of options available. There are Web-capable NAS drives like the WD MyBook World Edition II, or there are your larger USB keys. Coming somewhere in the middle is Seagate's new FreeAgent Go drive.
Upside
The drive is a pocketable 121.9mm long by 99mm wide and 17.7mm thick. It's a little heavier than your average Apple iPod at 186g, but has over twice the storage. If the 160GB is too rich for your blood, then the 80GB is available for AU$159.00 and the 120GB for AU$199.00. Personally, we think the 160GB presents the best value.
We like the black and orange colour scheme -- it looks like a piece of sporting equipment instead of a portable drive. This fits in with its on-the-move angle too, we suppose.
The device only needs a USB cable to power it, which makes it very convenient. Also, the FreeAgent Go contains several onboard applications -- with up to 100 others available -- and a browser which means you can plug the drive into a public PC and not leave any crumbs behind when you unplug. Couple this with encryption and backup software and you have a very talented device.
Downside
Some of the portable drives we've seen have been quite flimsy, and wouldn't take much to break. It would be interesting to see how long-lasting, and water-resistant (!), the FreeAgent Go is.
Also, the drive glows and pulses while it's plugged in, which could be annoying for some people. However, Seagate informs us that this feature is able to be turned off.
Outlook
WIth recent price drops of the Western Digital Passport Portable 160GB, the Seagate FreeAgent Go 160GB is now a little more expensive than its competitor. But with a better feature set and an arguably sexier exterior, the Seagate FreeAgent Go looks to be the portable drive to beat.
2%
4%
Do not buy this hard drive.
The good: It works 1 out of 10 times.
The bad: The cord is useless. The hard drive only lasts about 1 year. It dies very easily.