SimpleTech SimpleDrive External Hard Drive (160GB, Pininfarina)
Manufacturer: SimpleTech USA Part number: SP-U35/160
- 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 |  | In stock | 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 (160GB, Pininfarina) price range: $99.99
- 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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Great Product - Highly Recommended
by diesonne99 on December 3, 2007
Pros: Quiet, Easy to use, fast and cheap
Cons: can't think of one
Summary: Great experience, bought the drive, worked right out of the box. Quiet, fast, and no problems. ~highly recommended for the price. very nice.
Summary: Great experience, bought the drive, worked right out of the box. Quiet, fast, and no problems. ~highly recommended for the price. very nice.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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very disapointed
by r1446 on August 17, 2008
Pros: Not available
Cons: bad quality only work for 2 weeks
Summary: bad quality, it worked when I just bought, buy after only 2 weeks , my desk top could not recognized the drive but my notebook does, but after few days , this ...
Summary: bad quality, it worked when I just bought, buy after only 2 weeks , my desk top could not recognized the drive but my notebook does, but after few days , this drive did not work on my notebook ! I called up to SimpleTech, they said drive was died. I can return and get replacement. But all my valuable data will gone for good.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Problematic
by jonathan260 on December 17, 2007
Pros: Inexpensive, looks cool
Cons: Doesn't work, documentation is inadequate
Summary: The drive wasn't recognized at first, then showed an error message that it needed to be formatted. Tech support said to plug in both USB plugs on the 3-way ...
Summary: The drive wasn't recognized at first, then showed an error message that it needed to be formatted. Tech support said to plug in both USB plugs on the 3-way cable provided. Completed one backup but it corrupted several folders, then failed to be recognized (Needs formatting). Now it won't format completely and can't be used.
And, it now contains personal info so I can't return it.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The Documentation appears correct.
by Bradleymc12 on November 29, 2008
Pros: It worked as promoted. The drive worked fine in Vista and helped me clear room in a pinch. It is also the closest I'll get to a high end sports car.
Cons: No cons yet, I'll wait until it fails...
Summary: This review is simply to address the concern that the documentation appeared deceptive. They, SimpleTech, clearly stated in the Quick Start that not all USB ports support power. The cord ...
Summary: This review is simply to address the concern that the documentation appeared deceptive. They, SimpleTech, clearly stated in the Quick Start that not all USB ports support power. The cord that came with the device is not a solution for ports that do not support power but they do at least provide the cord so you can get an extension if necessary. It's an exceptional drive, so far, and the power issue is easily resolved if given a little thought. Fortunately, the ports on the LifeBook don't have any problems powering the device.
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Careless or deceptive product description?
by behindtheslide on December 17, 2007
Pros: Nice looking, compact
Cons: may not work on your computer despite products claims on product package
Summary: I just purchased a new Simpletech/Fabrik 160 GB portable drive on the strength of its design and its function as described on the external packaging.
I have a MAC ...Summary: I just purchased a new Simpletech/Fabrik 160 GB portable drive on the strength of its design and its function as described on the external packaging.
I have a MAC Powerbook G4 and I meet all the technical prerequisites as mentioned on the packaging ("USB 2.0 and Max OSX")
I was led to believe by the packaging that the device would run off one USB 2.0 port. When I plugged it into my computer it failed to show up on the desktop and would not run.
I visited Simpletech's support site and was annoyed to find that the workaround for this is that the portable drive be plugged into 2 separate USB ports on my computer at the same time!
I now understand why there is a 3-conncetor USB cable packaged with the SimpleTech External Hard Drive!
Worse still, the USB ports are on opposite sides of my computer and the USB cable SimpleTech supplied is far too short to reach to each USB port.
I believe that SimpleTech's packaging is deceptive and that Simpletech has not honestly and openly disclosed on the packaging:
a. that a single USB 2.0 port may not be sufficient to power this device.
b. that the supplied USB cable may be far too short to work on some Mac laptops.
The fact that SimpleTech supplied a 3-conncetor USB cable packaged with the device means that Simpletech acknowledges that there is a widespread problem with the power from one USB 2.0 port being insufficient to run the device. This shortcoming is clearly not mentioned on the packaging and implies that Simpletech has been careless or even deceptive in their advertising.
Unfortunately most people are using at least one of their USB ports for a printer or other external hardware. This makes practical use of this product very awkward. I am disappointed and annoyed at SimpleTech and would strongly advise friends not to purchase this product based on the aforementioned problems.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: SimpleTech USA
- Part number: SP-U35/160
- Description: The sleek lines and ultra-low profile styling of the new SimpleDrive were designed by Pininfarina, 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. And with Hi-Speed USB 2.0, setup is a snap and data transfer rates are fast and reliable. One-Click backup enables you to back up and protect your entire computer or only selected files with a single click, providing the peace of mind knowing your digital world is safe and protected. And the built-in capacity meter allows you to view the utilized disk space.
General
- Device Type Hard drive - External hard drive
- Enclosure Color Fire red
Hard Drive
- Form Factor 3.5"
- Capacity 160 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
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 USB bus
- Power device type None
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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