Seagate FreeAgent Pro Desktop 500 GB 3.5" USB 2.0/eSATA External Hard Drive

This is the first negative review I have ever left, & I hate doing it because I love Amazon & shop here way too much, however I feel the need 2 warn potential customers. This drive has never worked 4 me as an eSATA drive. And their supposed Tech support team was clueless as 2 why & even suggested it was a BIOS problem. Google this drive on the web & you will see how many other people are having the same problem. It works well as a USB drive, but I paid $40 more 4 an eSATA feature that has never worked. (I have another eSATA drive - not Seagate - that works perfectly). And Seagate refused 2 replace it insisting it was a BIOS problem - even though they have that 5 year warranty & the drive is less than 6 months old. I currently own 8 Seagate drives - internal & external. I will never buy another.

THIS IS EXCELENT
great 160Gb hard disk great shap i like it very much

Got this item a few weeks ago, no problems with it, fast, easy 2 use, ton's of space!

I was very disapointed with this particular FreeAgent model 4 the following reasons.
1. Even after tech support help, it did not "see" certain data folders on my hard drive, therefore it didn't back them up.
2. Light on the unit did not pulsate when reading or writing was taking place. Tech support told me some individual units do & some don't (not a good answer). If there is no visual conformation, you really don't know if it is really copying.
3. The base of the unite gets hot. To my experience this could be an indicate of a shorter life span. It also has an unnecessary large yellow light on the top of the unit in addition 2 the smaller one that should be pulsating. This consumes more power contributing 2 the heat issue.

I would rather reccomend the cheaper FreeAgent 500 Gigs. I returned this unit & bought two of the FreeAgents on sale at Best Buy 4 $100 each. They work perfectly. The software also is simpler & easier 2 get into.

On a positive note, the support was very good. The trick 2 get connected 2 competent support techs is 2 ask 4 a "Level Two" tech after you let the overseas tech who answers your call fumble around 4 a few minutes. The level two guys are really good. If you let them, they will connect 2 your computer 2 see where the problem is.

To sum up: Dont't buy this model(FreeAgent Pro), but consider the cheaper FreeAgent.

Seagate ST305004FPA1E2-RK FreeAgent Pro 500 GB USB/eSATA External Hard Drive

I already had installed a 300 GB Seagate internal harddrive 4 my desktop & it is just wonderful & now I have this one 4 my laptop. I backed up my laptop using Acronis & will be doing so every so often & I keep there my photos & videos. I like its appearance & it is truly just plug in & drag any files you want over 2 it, very very easy. Actually, on the ad the eSata model was listed only with a one year warranty but when I received my Seagate external hard drivem it also came with a 5 year warranty which makes me feel good.

The FreeAgent Pro is an external hard drive with a sizable 500GB of storage capacity. What sets it apart from most other external drives is its ability 2 move that data 2 where you need it most. Automatically send a project 2 a flash drive, copy audio 2 your MP3 player, upload photos 2 Shutterfly, & put your entire "My Documents" folder on your website 4 anytime/anywhere access. Those are just a few examples of what FreeAgent Pro can offer you. To keep everything working smoothly, FreeAgent Pro can also perform automatic revisions of your content. Automatic revisions of your content help keep you safe from goof-ups 5-Year Limited Warranty Interfaces - USB 2.0 & eSATA PC Requirements - Windows 2000 Pro, XP Home or Pro, or Vista Mac Requirements - Power PC G3, G4, or G5 processor running OS X 10.3.9 (or higher), or Intel Core Duo or Core Solo processor running OS X 10.4.6 (or higher) (FreeAgent Pro software & drive formatting works only with Windows, but drive can be reformatted 4 Mac using Disk Utility) Unit Dimensions - 7.5 (h) x 1.4 (w) (w/o 3 wide base) x 6.3 (d)

For the person who needs access 2 their digital content away from home, at work, or online, while also allowing that same content 2 be shared in a secure setting, look no further than the Seagate Free Agent Pro Portable Hard Drive. This powerful portable hard drive delivers high-speed transfers, while also giving you the ability 2 share content with others safely & securely from a remote location or even online.

Powerful storage device with a sleek new design.

This hip-looking hard drive takes up less room on your desk than an ordinary stapler.

Share your content with others safely & securely.

With up 2 1 Terabyte & an ultra-slim design 4 a clutter-free desktop, your FreeAgent Pro external hard drive helps keep you safe from goof-ups by automatically saving new versions of your content that you can easily access if need be. And should something happen 2 your PC, you can roll back your Windows operating system, settings, & applications 2 a point in time when they ran smoother, like before a virus attack. Even though the system settings are taken back in time, updates 2 photos, music & critical data files are kept current.

The Free Agent Pro is also ideal 4 those who want quick & painless transfers of their data from their computer 2 their drive, & from their drive 2 online accounts (such as Shutterfly or email). Simply plug it in 2 any power source & connect the USB cable 2 any computer, & you're ready 2 go. This hip-looking hard drive takes up less room on your desk than an ordinary stapler--1 x 3 x 5.2 inches (H x D x W)-- giving you more space 4 your other desktop items. Meanwhile, the hard drive only measures 7.5 x 1.4 x 6.3-inches (H x D x W) & it matches its small base.

High Speed Synchronization & Sharing
The Free Agent Pro data mover automatically duplicates & moves selected content from your hard drive 2 multiple locations, such as copying your contact lists & emails 2 your iPod, or photos 2 a Shutterfly account. This feature also allows you 2 move your entire 'My Documents' folder 2 the Free Agent, or move it 2 your own online space where you (or others you choose) can access it from any browser 24/7. The Free Agent software also offers the feature of rolling back your system 2 better time if something should happen 2 your PC while automatic revisions of your content help keep you safe from goof-ups.

Move files or other content with either USB 2.0 or eSATA allowing a maximum transfer rate of 480Mb/sec 4 USB, & 3Gb/sec 4 eSATA, while delivering a high performance spindle speed of 7,200 RPM. The unit also comes with a sophisticated touch point power on/off switch.

The Free Agent Pro software & drive formatting works only with Windows, but the drive can easily be reformatted 4 a Mac with OS X's Disk Utility. This portable hard drive is also compatible with Windows Vista (as well as Windows XP & Windows 2000), allowing you 2 backup your content regardless of operating system upgrades. A five-year warranty is also included, giving you complete peace of mind. Now with the ability 2 take your data with you anywhere you go, your digital content finally has room 2 breathe.

What's in the Box
FreeAgent Pro data mover drive, Free Agent software (preloaded) & electronic documentation, USB2.0 & eSATA interfaces, USB 2.0 cable, AC power adapter, & a quick start guide.