Seagate FreeAgent Pro USB/eSATA/FireWire external hard drive (320GB)
Manufacturer: Seagate Technology Part number: ST303204FPA1E3-RK
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Seagate FreeAgent Pro external hard drive is an elegant workaround for users who are intimidated by NAS drives. The bundled software is simple to use and makes copying your data to various location a cinch. We really like this external hard drive.
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Where to buy
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| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Seagate FreeAgent Pro USB/eSATA/FireWire external hard drive (320GB) price range: $159.99
- Reviewed by: Felisa Yang
- Edited by: Matthew Elliott
- Reviewed on: 04/26/2007
- Released on: 03/19/2007
The good: AutoBackup and FreeAgent Tools software are easy to use and highly configurable; drive offers good gigabyte-per-dollar value; smooth interface with Internet Drive and Shutterfly; eSATA connectivity offers fast transfer speeds; elegant design; generous warranty.
The bad: Mac users can't take advantage of the bundled software; software installation is a bit slow; accessing your data "anywhere" requires you to have the foresight to upload it to the Internet Drive and potentially purchase more online storage capacity from Seagate; Shutterfly is the only online photo service it works with.
The bottom line: The Seagate FreeAgent Pro external hard drive is an elegant workaround for users who are intimidated by NAS drives. The bundled software is simple to use and makes copying your data to various location a cinch. We really like this external hard drive.
Design
The FreeAgent Pro family includes six members in three capacities: 320GB, 500GB, and 750GB. Each capacity comes in two versions: USB 2.0/eSATA or USB 2.0/eSATA/FireWire 400 (we reviewed the 750GB USB 2.0/eSATA/FireWire version). eSATA will give you the fastest performance, but you'll need the appropriate hardware to use that option. All capacities offer a 7,200rpm drive.
Seagate gave the FreeAgent Pro an unusually slick design. It's wrapped in a smooth, black case, and the narrow sides of the drive are trimmed in orange, which glows when the drive is powered on. Though the literature that comes with the drive talks about its "portability," the drive is a bit too heavy and unwieldy to be easily portable. It measures 7.5 inches tall, 1.4 inches wide, and 6.3 inches deep, while the base measures 1 inch tall, 3 inches wide, and 5.2 inches deep. The whole unit weighs about 2 pounds.
The drive sits vertically on the base, which houses the connector ports and power port. The base can't be detached, but in the models that include FireWire 400 connectivity, you can remove the USB/eSATA module from the bottom of the base and replace it with the dual-connector FireWire module. The drive's power button is mounted on and is touch sensitive; we noticed that you need to hold the power button for a few moments before the drive reacts.
Features
Despite all the descriptions Seagate provides about accessing your content from anywhere, the FreeAgent Pro is not a network-attached drive. It's simply a hard drive bundled with software that allows you to easily copy your data to multiple locations, including Seagate's servers. When you first connect the drive to your Windows PC, the drive will begin the process of installing the preloaded software onto your PC. (Note: Mac users can reformat the drive and use it as normal desktop hard drive but won't be able to use the FreeAgent Pro software.) The process takes a surprisingly long time, so be patient. Upon completion, you should see shortcuts for both the Memeo Backup and the FreeAgent software on your desktop.
The Memeo AutoBackup software lets you create multiple backup tasks using a click-through guide. You start by choosing your backup location: a hard drive (presumably the Seagate drive in this case, but potentially any other connected hard drive); Seagate Internet Drive (on Seagate's servers; more on this below); a network location; a flash drive; or an iPod. You can decide how many versions you want of each file and whether you want the files encrypted; if you choose to encrypt files, you'll need to use the AutoBackup software to restore them. Then select what files and folders you want backed up. The SmartPicks window lets you choose by broad categories: My Documents, My Pictures, browser bookmarks, photos and music, and so on. Alternately, you can manually choose specific folders or designate items by file extension and you can exclude particular file types as well. Because AutoBackup is a real-time backup program, it runs only when files in the designated folders have changed or when you add a file. For detachable targets such as a flash drive or an iPod, a backup will occur the next time you plug that device into your PC.
One of the backup target options is Seagate's Memeo Internet Drive--basically online storage space on Seagate's servers. With each FreeAgent Pro, you get a free six-month trial of 500MB. Otherwise, it costs $5.95 monthly or $49.95 annually for 1GB of space and $11.95 monthly or $119.95 annually for 5GB of space. You can access the Internet Drive from either AutoBackup or the FreeAgent tools window. Both open a page in your default browser. To upload files, you can browse for them individually or use drag-and-drop; you'll need to have Java installed to do the latter. You can create subfolders within the drive, set certain folders to be shared and user permissions (read-only; read/write; read/write/delete; write-only), and e-mail files from the Internet drive. Recipients of the file receive a link that expires after 14 days or five attempts. You can also view a history: who you've sent files to and whether they've downloaded said files.
Similarly, you can use AutoBackup to share photos online via Shutterfly. The first time you set up the photo backup, designate which folders/photos you want uploaded to your Shutterfly account. Each time you alter a photo or add one to one of the chosen folders, the AutoBackup program will update your Shutterfly account.
The FreeAgent Tools replicates a couple of the offerings in AutoBackup. For example, clicking the Backup and Restore tab simply launches the AutoBackup software. And clicking on Internet Drive launches a browser window to the Internet Drive. But FreeAgent Tools also lets you create system rollback points, much as Windows XP does. In this case, you can manually create a restore point or set up automatic restore points in intervals of 4 hours (ranging from 4 to 24 hours). If you need to restore files, you can also use the FreeAgent Tools. Finally, the FreeAgent Tools software lets you monitor attached FreeAgent drives and offers utilities that let you adjust the drive's lights, alter the drive's sleep intervals, and run diagnostics.
Ultimately, a NAS drive that you can access remotely is a more elegant solution for true "anywhere" access to your data. The Seagate FreeAgent Pro requires you to manually connect drives for backup or have the foresight to upload the files you'll need to the Internet Drive (and you may have to purchase more Internet Drive capacity to have all your data accessible anywhere). That said, once you do set up the backup plans, it's a simple task to plug in your designated device and the backup runs automatically (the Internet Drive will be continually updated as long as your PC is connected to the Internet). For users who are daunted by the thought of opening ports or messing with DDNS, the FreeAgent Pro is a well-designed manual workaround.
Performance
For this review, CNET Labs tested a 750GB USB 2.0/eSATA/FireWire drive in USB mode. When writing a 10GB folder of mixed file types, it took the Seagate FreeAgent Pro 9 minutes, 46 seconds for a rate of 17.48MBps. Reading back the same file took 8 minutes, 21 seconds for a rate of 20.45MBps. This puts the FreeAgent Pro behind the LaCie d2 Quadra drive, which wrote the folder in 6 minutes, 7 seconds and read it back in 6 minutes, 41 seconds, but in front of the Western Digital MyBook Premium Edition. We were happy with its performance--most users will be, as well.
Though we didn't test the eSATA transfer speed (we're not yet equipped to do so), you can expect much faster speeds than what we clocked over USB 2.0. Where USB 2.0's maximum speed is accepted to be 480Mbps and FireWire 400's to be 400Mbps, eSATA's max speed is around 2,400Mbps. Unfortunately, few PC's come with the hardware necessary to use the eSATA connector on the FreeAgent Pro. If you'd like to take advantage of the fast transfer speeds, you'll need to update your system with an eSATA host bus adapter.
Service and support
Seagate backs the FreeAgent Pro with a very generous five-year warranty. Toll-free phone service is available weekdays, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. MT, or you can e-mail technical support via a Web form (though the included manual also provides a designated e-mail address) or fax. Seagate's support site offers installation and troubleshooting assistance, a download library, a knowledgebase, and a drive troubleshooter.
User reviews
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I'm Pleased
by myra282 on July 20, 2007
Pros: Easy to Install Does have an On/Off Button
Cons: Had to download .NETware framework & Seatools
Summary: Took some time to realize the AutoBackup Software was free with Product Key sticker on instructions booklet. Tried to run a diagnostic test after install and said "This Free Agent ...
Summary: Took some time to realize the AutoBackup Software was free with Product Key sticker on instructions booklet. Tried to run a diagnostic test after install and said "This Free Agent drive requires service, contact for RMA #. I called left message, no return call. So I downloaded "Sea Tools" but also had to download .Netware framework. Once that was done I was able to run a diagnostic test and everything was fine. I found the FreeAgent Pro much more user friendly than Maxtor. Had a Maxtor One Touch III and had to return it as it keep causing my system to crash.
16 out of 17 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Outstanding External Drive
by zzz1111111 on May 8, 2007
Pros: Massive storage Plug and Play Price
Cons: None that I can see
Summary: I put my entire cd collection on this drive
uncompressed. I plug my laptop into my stereo and tv. This drive is great I use it as a uncompressed mega ...Summary: I put my entire cd collection on this drive
uncompressed. I plug my laptop into my stereo and tv. This drive is great I use it as a uncompressed mega changer for both dvd and cd's. I really like the c&c aluminum finish. Bought at best buy on sale for 99 bucks. I ll be buyinng another one.10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best external HD I've had yet
by HomoFragger on July 22, 2007
Pros: eSATA is FAST :)
Cons: Would prefer to use it without the base, HD idles after 10 minutes...too short a time.
Summary: I, of course, had to get an eSATA external drive when I bought my eSATA motherboard (3.0 Gb/sec), and it was worth it. It works roughly 3.5 ...
Summary: I, of course, had to get an eSATA external drive when I bought my eSATA motherboard (3.0 Gb/sec), and it was worth it. It works roughly 3.5 times faster than USB 2.0, and paired with my 10,000RPM 150GB WD main drive, it works spectacularly. I use it as a drag & drop storage device so I don't use the included software. The only thing that bugs me is the drive idle time is very short, so when I go to access something on the drive it has to spin up first. I'm sure I can change this in my eSATA bios menu somewhere, but I can't find it
Oh well...otherwise, great drive.7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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easy to look at, easy to use
by cmowarez on May 25, 2007
Pros: plug it in, it tells you how to work it
Cons: $30 software subscription
Summary: Setup is easy. Plug it in, turn it on. It tells you what to do, starts the backup, and reminds you to get back to work. I guess you could ...
Summary: Setup is easy. Plug it in, turn it on. It tells you what to do, starts the backup, and reminds you to get back to work. I guess you could use the drive with whatever software you wanted, but the AutoBackup that comes with it is so smooth that I'll probably kick in the extra $30 to buy it when the 30-day trial period runs out.
Updated
The side panels glow with amber light, so the visual effect of this drive is very cool on your desk.Updated
I hear that firewire is quicker. USB users need to set realistic expectations about the speed of backups. This means a few things:
First, be selective about your backup needs. What really needs to be saved? Don't make the mistake of selecting large directories with files you really don't need, like oodles of zip file backups.
Second, break up your backup plan into smaller chunks of stuff. Don't toss everything into your first backup order. I think about a gig or two at a time would work well with this device.
Third, you'll begin to realize that backup can be a forethought, and that will begin to change your working habits as you think ahead about organizing your content in backup-friendly ways.
Finally, I have noticed some users on the internet complaining that the device just sits there doing nothing. My guess is this: the on-off switch can be a subtle thing. I turned mine off without realizing it. But once you locate the switch, there's no mistaking whether it's on or off, because the whole thing either glows or it doesn't....Updated
I hear firewire is faster, but USB users need to set realistic expectations for data transfer speeds. Select your backup needs carefully, and break your backup chores into byte-sized chunks (a gig or two at a time). I tossed everthing into the kitchen sink, and the poor little guy is still trying to chew it down. Also, the on-off switch is a subtle feature here. I see some users complaining that the device doesn't do anything. But you'll know the difference between on and off by the way it glows.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent for ordinary files poor for Encrypted Files
by brent8360 on August 15, 2007
Pros: Ease of use and Speed
Cons: Won't back up Encrypted files
Summary: This is a great hard-drive if you have usual files like videos, pictures and word documents. For some reason, it won't back up windows encrypted files. So, if you ...
Summary: This is a great hard-drive if you have usual files like videos, pictures and word documents. For some reason, it won't back up windows encrypted files. So, if you have files that you need to encrypt for work, the software is rather useless. On the other hand you can still use the hard-drive, but the software won't back-up the encrypted files
5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Pray its not defective
by AceMaker1 on January 15, 2008
Pros: Very much above average
Cons: Warranty and Customer servive is horrid
Summary: As far as performance its one of the best HD's out there as 95% of the reviews will tell you, but there is a dark side with Seagate products. ...
Summary: As far as performance its one of the best HD's out there as 95% of the reviews will tell you, but there is a dark side with Seagate products. Seagate has horrible customer service and an equally as horrible warranty process. The customer service agents hardly speak english. Data is 700 to 2900 bucks to get recovered as far as hard drives go and you shell out the dough still just to ship them their product that failed you. The return process is a mess. Pray folks that you never need to use your warranty!
4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome out of the box, even before.....
by 330Andy on May 19, 2007
Pros: The packaging is very friendly oh, and the drive is good too
Cons: Have to buy Autobackup software to use more than 30 days
Summary: Get it and you won't regret it!
Summary: Get it and you won't regret it!
3 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Piece of Junk
by rjbartels on February 9, 2008
Pros: Lots of space, when it works
Cons: Where to begin?
Summary: We bought the hard drive (750GB version) in August 2007. By September, it had burned up. We called for warranty service, after which they gladly sent us a spare. One ...
Summary: We bought the hard drive (750GB version) in August 2007. By September, it had burned up. We called for warranty service, after which they gladly sent us a spare. One problem, all of our digital pictures and home videos for the last 15 years was on the drive.
We sent the failed drive into Seagate's Data Recovery Service to get the data off of it. After two weeks, Seagate charged us $300 for the warranty replacement without any notification. It took several hour long yelling matches with Warranty Support to finally get them to recognize that they actually had the failed drive and to refund our money (we had to threaten them with reporting a fraudulent transaction to the credit card company before they finally confessed).
After $1900 to their Data Recovery Services department, they sent us both the replacement drive and the failed drive (we had made explicitly clear that they should send it directly to their warranty department). While we have our digital life back (literally), I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone.
Run, don't walk, away from any Seagate FreeAgent products. They're record in taking care of their customers is less than abysmal.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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No e-sata cable? C'mon
by Milez5858 on February 6, 2008
Pros: I'm afraid I cannot tell until I go back to the store and purchase the e-sata cable seperately
Cons: I'm afraid I cannot tell until I go back to the store and purchase the e-sata cable seperately
Summary: I just got home with this device excited to hook it up and start using the blazing fast speeds that e-sata should offer.
They don't ship the unit with ...Summary: I just got home with this device excited to hook it up and start using the blazing fast speeds that e-sata should offer.
They don't ship the unit with an e-sata cable.
My bad .... of course it does say this in very small print on the BOTTOM of the box. I think however; most people would agree it is reasonalbe to expect that when you purchase and e-sata device, you get an e-sata cable.
It's not that it was overlooked either. They print it on the box, so at somepoint someone conciously DECIDED not to include the cable.Updated
after going back to the store and paying $25.00 for a 3' e-sata cable, I came home, hooked it up and spend an hour of blue screen madness. For the few minutes it did work I got only 11 Mb per second. I finally gave up. I was going to try the firewire hookup, but it doesn't have a mini dv connector that is common on notebooks. I'm now downgraded to USB and getting about 12 MB per second. I checked Seagate and there appear to be no firmware upgrades for the e-sata currently available. On the notebook side I've verified that I have the latest drivers for an Intel GM 956 mainboard.
At USB speeds, it's pretty good. I would suggest at this time not paying the extra for this drive. Either wait until the e-sata drivers are improved or get the USB only version and save yourself $50.00Updated
After contacting Asus and Intel I was able to get a beta driver update for my system. It stopped the blue screen issues, but transfers were very slow. Copying from free agent to the system 24 mbps and only 6 mbps to the drive itself. Google "free agent slow e-sata" and you will find hundreds of other people with the same problem. I've given up and will attempt to return the drive tomorrow.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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So far, So good...
by Jason L on February 18, 2008
Pros: Very easy to set up and reliable.
Cons: None so far.
Summary: I think that for the money, this hard drive was a very good deal. Looking for somewhere to store my media library, I turned to purchase one of these external ...
Summary: I think that for the money, this hard drive was a very good deal. Looking for somewhere to store my media library, I turned to purchase one of these external hard drives and have been very happy with my purchase.
So far there have been 0 issues and I love how the plug and play aspect of it allows me to essentially move it from home, to office, wherever.1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Seagate Technology
- Part number: ST303204FPA1E3-RK
- Bottom Line: The Seagate FreeAgent Pro external hard drive is an elegant workaround for users who are intimidated by NAS drives. The bundled software is simple to use and makes copying your data to various location a cinch. We really like this external hard drive.
General
- Device Type Hard drive - External hard drive
- Width 1.4 in
- Depth 6.3 in
- Height 7.5 in
Hard Drive
- Form Factor 3.5"
- Capacity 320 GB
- Interface Type IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB / eSATA-300
Performance
- Spindle Speed 7200 rpm
Storage Controller
- Type None
Storage Controller (2nd)
- Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces Hi-Speed USB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), eSATA-300
- Compatible Bays None
- Compatible Slots x None
Power
- External Hard Drive Power Source Included AC adapter
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable, 1 x IEEE 1394 cable
- Microsoft Certifications Works with Windows Vista
- Package Type Retail
Software / System Requirements
- Software type Drivers & Utilities
- Min Operating system Microsoft Windows Vista, Apple MacOS X 10.3.9 or later, Apple MacOS X 10.4.6 or later, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & support type 5 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 5 years
Product series
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Seagate FreeAgent Pro USB/eSATA/FireWire external hard drive (320GB)
Manufacturer: Seagate Technology
Specs: 320 GB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB / eSATA-300, 3.5", 7200 rpm
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Seagate FreeAgent Pro USB/eSATA/FireWire external hard drive (500GB)
Manufacturer: Seagate Technology
Specs: 500 GB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB / eSATA-300, 3.5", 7200 rpm
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Seagate FreeAgent Pro USB/eSATA external hard drive (750GB)
Manufacturer: Seagate Technology
Specs: 750 GB, Hi-Speed USB / eSATA-300, 3.5", 7200 rpm
-
Seagate FreeAgent Pro USB/eSATA external hard drive (500GB)
Manufacturer: Seagate Technology
Specs: 500 GB, Hi-Speed USB / eSATA-300, 3.5", 7200 rpm
-
Seagate FreeAgent Pro USB/eSATA/FireWire external hard drive (750GB)
Manufacturer: Seagate Technology
Specs: 750 GB, IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB / eSATA-300, 3.5", 7200 rpm
-
Seagate FreeAgent Pro USB/eSATA external hard drive (320GB)
Manufacturer: Seagate Technology
Specs: 320 GB, Hi-Speed USB / eSATA-300, 3.5", 7200 rpm
Manufacturer info
- Seagate Technology
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Seagate Technology products on Shopper.com
-
- Website: http://www.seagate.com/
- Address:
920 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066 - Phone: 1-405-324-4700
- Fax: 1-405-324-4702
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