Seagate FreeAgent Go 500 GB Review
The Seagate FreeAgent Go receives high marks for its compact size, ease of use, and quiet, reliable operation. It offers 500 GB of storage and comes in separate versions for PC and Mac users. Optional features include a FireWire port (for an additional $40) and a docking station (starting at $20).
Users and experts found very little to criticize with the Seagate Freeagent Go.
Users at Newegg gave the Freeagent Go high praise for the following qualities: small size, quiet operation, ease of use, and quick transfer speed. Several Newegg users recommended getting the optional docking station and carrying case. An expert reviewer at PC Magazine praised the Freeagent Go for being a "very good" portable hard drive with lots of space. This reviewer did note however that some of the pre-installed software will only work on PCs and not on Macs. Users at Amazon praised the Mac version of this drive for its ease-of-use. An expert reviewer at PC World also praised the Mac-formatted version of the Freeagent Go, noting that this drive is ready to operate with the Mac's Time Machine backup software.
The Seagate Freeagent Go comes in two different versions, for PC and Mac. The Mac version is the same hard-drive, but it is pre-formatted for Macs (instead of PCs) and it also is ready to operate with the Mac Time Machine backup software. The Freeagent Go offers a standard USB 2.0 port; a version of the hard drive with a Firewire port is also available for an additional charge. Seagate also offers an optional docking station (starting at $19.99) that many users found to be a handy addition.
The Seagate Freeagent Go is a small, quick backup drive that is uniformly praised by experts and reviewers. The Mac version of this hard drive may cost a little extra, but Mac users may appreciate the added convenience. We can easily recommend this cheap external hard drive.
Other Recommended External Hard Drives
Hitachi Touro Mobile Pro
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Western Digital My Passport Essential
Western Digital has been making excellent hard drives for years, and this one is no exception. The My Passport Essential offers 500GB of storage, comes with reliable backup software, and performs well. With a competitive cost per gigabyte, users and experts give this hard drive high marks. Read more »
Buffalo MiniStation Stealth
If you're simply looking for cheap storage, the Buffalo MiniStation Stealth should grab your interest. This 500GB drive offers the lowest cost per gigabyte of any of the models on our list. On the down side, users and experts complain that data transfer rates are pretty slow for a USB 3.0 drive. Read more »
Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Ultra
The FreeAgent GoFlex Ultra performs well enough, but its trial backup software doesn't impress users or experts and the cost per gigabyte is pretty high. A good buy but not if low price is your top priority. Read more »
