SimpleTech SimpleDrive External Hard Drive (250GB, Pininfarina)
Manufacturer: SimpleTech USA Part number: SP-U35/250
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- As far as basic external hard drives go, the SimpleTech SimpleDrive is compelling for its low price and generous online storage bundle. We like it.
Read more
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | See Site | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/07/2009 |
CNET editors' review
SimpleTech SimpleDrive External Hard Drive (250GB, Pininfarina) price range: $198.99
- Reviewed by: Felisa Yang
- Edited by: Matthew Elliott
- Reviewed on: 05/03/2007
The good: Decent transfer speeds; backup software is easy to use; comes with 2GB of online storage for free; inexpensive; sleek design.
The bad: Backup software can't create bootable backup of OS; CD/DVD burning utility for Windows users only.
The bottom line: As far as basic external hard drives go, the SimpleTech SimpleDrive is compelling for its low price and generous online storage bundle. We like it.
Design
The SimpleTech SimpleDrive offers a sleek design. The body was designed by legendary design company Pininfarina. Yes, that Pininfarina, designer of Ferraris. It sports an aerodynamic-looking design with a tapered side and side-panel markings that suggest forward motion. The drive measures 8.25 inches long, 1.5 inches tall, and 5 inches wide. The six capacities come in different colors, but all have a large, oval button mounted on the top, surrounded by a capacity meter ring. All house a 7,200rpm 3.5-inch hard disk drive.
The back edge houses the power jack and a USB port. Currently, only the USB 2.0 model is available, but a USB/FireWire version--called SimpleDrive Deluxe--will be available shortly. Setup is simple: just connect the drive to your PC using the USB cable, plug the drive into an electrical outlet, and power it on--it's plug-and-play.
Features
The SimpleDrive is available in six capacities: 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, 500GB, 750GB, and 1TB (currently, not all capacities are represented on SimpleTech's Web site). The drive comes preloaded with ArcSoft Total Media Backup and Record software, which you can install by opening the folder on the drive and double-clicking the setup utility. ArcSoft Total Media provides a clean, easy-to-use interface for setting up backup profiles. You can pick files by category, file types, or using the advanced tab, pick individual files and folders. You can set the backup target as either the SimpleDrive or a CD/DVD burner. Backups can be one-time events, or you can schedule them to occur at regular time intervals, and each occurrence can be a full backup or incremental (where only changed and new files are backed up). It should be noted that ArcSoft Total Media can only backup files and folders; it can't create a bootable backup of your operating system or backup system settings as you can with the EMC Retrospect software bundled with the Western Digital MyBook. You can, however, use the program to burn data and music discs (Windows users only). Once you have a backup profile set, you can press the top-mounted backup button to initiate a backup sequence.
The previously mentioned capacity meter gives only a rough estimate of remaining capacity. Each of four sections represents 25 percent of the drive and lit sections represent available space (that is, when you first install the drive, the ring should be fully lit). When available capacity drops below 10 percent, the ring flashes red when you first power it on.
SimpleTech bundles each SimpleDrive with a free 2GB account with Myfabrik.com, an online storage service (SimpleTech is owned by Fabrik). If 2GB isn't enough for you, you can purchase additional space for 49 cents per gigabyte. The Myfabrik account allows you upload files to Fabrik's servers and access them anywhere via a Web browser. Once uploaded, the files can be tagged, organized, and shared among your friends. This new version of Myfabrik interfaces easily with Photobucket and Flickr by providing folders into which you can drop photos that are then automatically pushed out to those sites. If you already have photos uploaded to Flickr, you can point your Myfabrik account to your Flickr account and Myfabrik will automatically grab those files.
Performance
For this review, CNET Labs tested the 500GB version of the SimpleDrive. It took 9 minutes, 22 seconds to write our 10GB folder of mixed file types, for a rate of 18.23Mbps. It took 8 minutes, 35 seconds to read back the same folder, or a rate of 19.89Mbps. These speeds put it right on par with the Seagate FreeAgent Pro (running via USB) and behind the LaCie d2 Quadra drive. Overall, the SimpleDrive performed sufficiently for most people's needs.
Service and support
SimpleTech backs the SimpleDrive with a standard one-year warranty. Toll-free tech support is available weekdays from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PT. You can also get live chat help or e-mail tech support from SimpleTech's Web site. The site also offers FAQs, downloadable software and drivers, troubleshooting tips, and manuals.
User reviews
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Worthless machine, no customer service. None.
by Peter Astrolabe on August 18, 2007
Pros: Aerodynamically streamlined!!!!!!
Cons: The drive came without the promised software, and SimpleTech never responded to my requests for help.
Summary: I bought the 250G SimpleDrive and accessed the user manual via the enclosed CD, which contains .pdf manuals only, no software (there was only the one CD). According to the ...
Summary: I bought the 250G SimpleDrive and accessed the user manual via the enclosed CD, which contains .pdf manuals only, no software (there was only the one CD). According to the statement labeled "INSTALLATION" in the user manual, "No tools or special equipment are required to install your SimpleDrive. Just connect the drive to an available USB or FireWire 400 port on your computer. Windows automatically installs the files needed to use the drive." No such files were installed, because they didn't exist on the SimpleDrive at all. It was a completely empty drive. I went to SimpleTech's online support pages, checked the FAQ's and Troubleshooting to no avail, then emailed them using their online support form; there was no chat option that I could find. I got a message saying they'd try to get back to me in 24 hours. Two days later, having gotten no reply, I called their customer support line three times and received a message every time saying their reps were all busy, but that I could leave a phone message. (No option to stay on the line; the recording repeats itself, then literally says, "Goodbye", CLICK. Nice.) So I left a phone message. That was ten (count 'em, TEN) days ago, and they never got back to me, either by email or phone. I returned the drive to Circuit City and chalked it up to experience. Dazzled though I was to own a device designed by THE VERY SAME DESIGN FIRM THAT GIVES FERRARI SPORTS CARS THEIR STYLISH LINES, that device was never anything more than a pretty hunk o' junk. As for their customer service, it wasn't even bad--it was nonexistent, even though I contacted them per their instructions with polite and detailed queries. My advice: Steer clear of SimpleTech.
10 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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specs don't match
by mne-nuzhna-ona on August 6, 2007
Pros: great value
Cons: not usb powered
Summary: in the specifications on here (and elsewhere i looked), this drive is listed as being powered by USB, but it is not! when mine arrived, it was plainly stated on ...
Summary: in the specifications on here (and elsewhere i looked), this drive is listed as being powered by USB, but it is not! when mine arrived, it was plainly stated on the box and the other documentation that it required ac power (adapter was included). if the extra power cord on your desk is not an issue for you, then by all means consider this drive, as it is a great gigabytes/dollar deal. i didn't actually use it because now i have to return it, because i was counting on getting a usb-powered drive.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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great hd!!
by gouldj on October 27, 2007
Pros: plenty of space, fast read and write, cool design, quiet fan, cool color(s), plug and play
Cons: if it is idle for more than 1 hour, you have to restart the drive to have it in my computer again
Summary: this is a great hd! im using the 250 gb version, and it works great! there is plenty of space on it, and the color is cool (i have the ...
Summary: this is a great hd! im using the 250 gb version, and it works great! there is plenty of space on it, and the color is cool (i have the white). my only complaint is that if you dont use the drive for more than 1 hour, you have to flip the drive off and then turn it back on for the computer to recognize it. but that really isnt that bad!! overall, i recommend this drive to anyone!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great External Drive!
by sclarke1956 on July 4, 2007
Pros: Was the "real" Plug & Play
Cons: None I have found
Summary: I guess longivity would pull my rating down because I really don't know how long this thing will last seeing as how I've had it only a couple ...
Summary: I guess longivity would pull my rating down because I really don't know how long this thing will last seeing as how I've had it only a couple of days. And I can tell you this.
It has preformed as described, and was truly "Plug & Play"
Got mine for $99.00 at Sam's Club and so far it's fast enough (USB 2.0) and I have a firewire port open but didn't opt for that model. The USB is fast enough!
Great product, nice design and lays right on top of the machine. (Dell Desktop)
Choice of colors for this depends on the drive you get, my model is the white one and it rocks!1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Absolutely no customer service.
by truelightphoto on April 21, 2009
Pros: It keeps my papers from blowing off my desk
Cons: When it goes down there is absolutely no help available from simpletech (simple mInds)
Summary: STAY AWAY FROM SIMPLETECH PRODUCTS, THEY AREN'T WORTH THE RISK OF WHAT YOU WILL LOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely no customer service, the only thing you can get to is a server ...
Summary: STAY AWAY FROM SIMPLETECH PRODUCTS, THEY AREN'T WORTH THE RISK OF WHAT YOU WILL LOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Absolutely no customer service, the only thing you can get to is a server that will sell you storage space. Great when it works but when it goes down it becomes a doorstop. I have over 10,000 images I'll probably have to pay someone alot of money to retrieve. Pinin Farina my A**! Well simpletech (rather simple minds) you have managed to create some bad adverising. Everyone I know through all my networks will hear from me that it's not worth the risk to buy your equipment...it's crap
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Excellent Hard Drive
by tadanderson on October 1, 2007
Pros: Mobility between working evironments and Speed
Cons: The Size of the Externals
Summary: I have been using the SimpleTech External 250 Gig and the SimpleTech Portable 100 Gig Drive for a little while now.
I have posted my experiences here:
http://realworldsa.dotnetdevelopersjournal....Summary: I have been using the SimpleTech External 250 Gig and the SimpleTech Portable 100 Gig Drive for a little while now.
I have posted my experiences here:
http://realworldsa.dotnetdevelopersjournal.com/simpletechexternalportabledrive.htm
Specifications
- Manufacturer: SimpleTech USA
- Part number: SP-U35/250
- Description: The sleek lines and ultra-low profile styling of the new SimpleDrive were designed by Pinifarina, the very same design firm that gives Ferrari sports cars their stylish lines. Don't let its beauty fool you. SimpleDrive is a high-performance external hard drive ideal for storing and backing up your music, video, photos and more.
General
- Device Type Hard drive - External hard drive
- Enclosure Color Pearl white
Hard Drive
- Form Factor 3.5"
- Capacity 250 GB
- Interface Type Hi-Speed USB
- Buffer Size 8 MB
- Features Built-in capacity meter, One-Click backup button
Performance
- Interface Transfer Rate 480 Mbps
- Spindle Speed 7200 rpm
Storage Controller
- Type None
Storage Controller (2nd)
- Type None
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type B
- Connections 1
- Compatible Bays None
Power
- External Hard Drive Power Source Included AC adapter
- Power device type Power adapter
Miscellaneous
- Compliant Standards Plug and Play
Software / System Requirements
- Software type Drivers & Utilities
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & support type 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year, Technical support - Unlimited
Product series
-
SimpleTech SimpleDrive External Hard Drive (1TB, Pininfarina)
Manufacturer: SimpleTech USA
Specs:
-
SimpleTech SimpleDrive External Hard Drive (750GB, Pininfarina)
Manufacturer: SimpleTech USA
Specs: 750 GB, Hi-Speed USB, 3.5", 8 MB
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SimpleTech SimpleDrive External Hard Drive (500GB, Pininfarina)
Manufacturer: SimpleTech USA
Specs: 500 GB, Hi-Speed USB, External, 3.5", 8 MB, 7200 rpm
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SimpleTech SimpleDrive External Hard Drive (320GB, Pininfarina)
Manufacturer: SimpleTech USA
Specs: 320 GB, Hi-Speed USB, 3.5", 8 MB, 7200 rpm
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SimpleTech SimpleDrive External Hard Drive (250GB, Pininfarina)
Manufacturer: SimpleTech USA
Specs: 250 GB, Hi-Speed USB, External, 3.5", 8 MB, 7200 rpm
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SimpleTech SimpleDrive External Hard Drive (160GB, Pininfarina)
Manufacturer: SimpleTech USA
Specs: 160 GB, Hi-Speed USB, External, 3.5", 8 MB
Manufacturer info
- SimpleTech USA
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse SimpleTech USA products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.simpletech.com/
- Address:
1830 East Warner Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 - Phone: 1-949-477-7700
- Email: support@simpletech.com
- Fax: 1-949-756-8289
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