The USB external hard drive is in fact a great invention when it comes to adding capacity to a local computer, or doing backup, or just transfer data around. But, as you know, it was only a data store and so, it had its own limitations. Additionally, a hard disk also needs mains power, all of which means that it did not work well as a portable personal workspace.

All this seems to be changing at a rapid pace, thanks for the technologies such as software virtualisation and development of the compact drives that require lesser power. This means, you will be really able to take a hard disk and turn that into a portable desktop environment; and this is exactly what has done with the FreeAgent Go. There are two Seagate FreeAgent Go models: the regular model and the Special Edition. In the following review, we will be seeing about the latter one. Apart from the cosmetic trim, the only difference between the both is that, the Special Edition includes a basic USB dock, allowing you to seat the drive in a upright fashion, just like an iPhone dock.

Design:

Pocket it:
With its glossy aluminium finish, chrome trim, and jet black top and cover, the Seagate FreeAgent Go Special Edition makes it extremely convenient to carry your photos, music and videos anywhere, without sacrificing the good looks. The drive is extremely pocket friendly with dimensions of just (H x W x D) 5.1 x 3.1 x 0.4 inches and weighs a mere 0.16 Kgs and hence, is light enough and tiny to slide into basically any bag as well. The drive looks absolutely spectacular and in addition to the amazing looking drive and it even sports a series of white lights on the bottom portion of the top cover that pulsate when the drive is active, and slowly fades down as the activity of the drive decreases. Apart from the slim figure of the drive, the shape of the drive looks similar to many of the other external drives.

The stylish dock:
Seagate has made things even better with the inclusion of a piano black desktop dock. This dock has made it easier than ever before to connect the drive to the computer without having to fumble all the wires. The best part of the drive is that, it has a massive amount of storage, without taking up a massive amount of space. The drive is available in bright red and Piano black finishes. Of course, you can choose to buy the original FreeAgent Go which is available in a range of finishes of blue, red, silver and black.

Capacity and Interface:

The Seagate FreeAgent Go Special Edition Model is available in capacities of 640GB and 500GB. Note that, this Special Edition is a Windows only Portable drive and if you a Mac person, the FreeAgent Go Mac Edition is also available which is especially for the Macers like you.

 

Performance:

Performance wise, the FreeAgent Go Special Edition (500GB, 640GB) Hard Drive proved to be pretty fast for a USB drive and although it takes the prize for the best value as far as we know. It read about 5GB of videos, photos, music and documents in less than four minutes at an amazing rate of 22Mbps. And in our tests, the Go managed to achieve about 20Mbps. Hence, we still prefer the FireWire drives, as they are just way faster and require just one wire to connect. But still, this FreeAgent Go has become one of your favourite external hard drive by far.

Warranty and Service:

Seagate offers a very generous five year limited warranty on parts and labour for the Seagate FreeAgent Go Special Edition.

Verdict:

Overall, the Seagate FreeAgent Go Special Edition has managed to impress us a lot. The stunning design, the convenient capacities and the overall experiences were all positive. If we have any winging to do, it is only that, it would been the ultimate drive if it had the FireWire capabilities.

Seagate External Hard Drive Reviews in this website.

FreeAgent Go Special Edition Hard Drive - Technical Specification Table

Manufacturer Seagate
Model Name Seagate FreeAgent Go Special Edition
Model Number 640GB: ST906403FNA2E1-RK
500GB: ST905003FNA2E1-RK
Dimensions (H X W X D) 130 X 80 X 12.5 inch
Weight 160 grams
Enclosure colour Black and Bright Red
Form factor 2.5″
Capacities available 500GB and 640GB
Interfaces Hi-Speed USB 2.0
External Hard Drive Power Source USB bus
Operating system requirements PC only
Software Folder Sync Software
Automatic Backup Software
Encryption AES 128-bit
Accessories included Carrying case, Docking station, USB and USB power only
Warranty 5 years

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