The need for storage increases everyday, since most people tend to download music, videos and generally store most of their digital contents on removable media. Getting a big external hard disk drive is an obvious solution, especially since their prices have dropped under the pressure of the growing market of Solid-State Drives (SSD).

Getting the proper product for your needs however requires a careful examination of the specifications and features of each model. But when I fell across the Seagate 500GB USB 2.0 drive priced at just €83 I couldn't resist having the device and running some benchmarks.

- Seagate Freeagent Desk 500GB External drive

The lower end from Seagate comes with the Free Agent Desk series. In a rather sleek and well designed plastic shell, Seagate proposes the disk as a reliable solution starting from 500 GB, 640 GB, 1 TB and up to 1.5 TB.

The FreeAgent Desk storage solution includes software that helps keep your information safe and private with automatic backup and encryption of your important files and folders. Environmentally smart utilities help save energy by putting your FreeAgent drive in sleep mode once it has been idle for 15 minutes. Its design is sleek and modern, so you can take advantage of its flexibility to lie on its side or stand upright to maximize your workspace.

- Features

• Store all your photos, music, videos and documents in one place thanks to large storage capacities of 500 GB, 640 GB, 1 TB and 1.5 TB.
• Enjoy a sleek, modern design that off ers the choice of horizontal or vertical orientation to complement your desktop environment.
• Easily protect your data with automatic backup software.
• Keep your important files and folders private with powerful software encryption technology.
• Sync content between your FreeAgent Desk drive and other portable drives so you’ll always have your current file versions wherever you are.
• Experience fast data transfer with a USB 2.0 interface.
• Get started quickly with pre-loaded software.
• Save energy with an environmentally smart utility that can put your drive in sleep mode once it has been idle for 15 minutes.
• Enjoy peace of mind with a 5-year limited warranty

- Specifications       

PC Requirements

• Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, or Business Service Pack-1
• Windows XP Home, Professional, Media Center Edition Service Pack-2
• USB 2.0 Port

Product Dimensions

• 6.89 in H x 1.33 in W x 6.77 in L (175.0 mm x 33.7 mm x 172 mm)
• Weight: 2.20 lb (1.0 kg)

Performance Specs

• USB 2.0: up to 480 Mb/s
• Rotational Speed: 7200 RPM

Inside the Box

• FreeAgent Desk drive
• FreeAgent soft ware pre-loaded on drive (Windows only)
• Quickstart guide
• Base stand
• Attachable feet
• USB cable
• Power supply