SimpleTech SimpleDrive 250 GB External USB 2.0 Hard Drive

by SimpleTech

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 1.2 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3.3 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0001DYUJ8
• Item model number: STI-USB235/250
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (147 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 24, 2004

Product Description

From the manufacturer

Engineered for performance and reliability, SimpleTech's high-speed, high capacity SimpleDrive external hard drive is ideal for any storage need, including digital music, movies and photographs. Every SimpleTech SimpleDrive comes with a FREE copy of StorageSync Professional Edition Automatic Backup Software so full or incremental backups are fast and easy every time.

Features

• Plug n' play installation (no tools required)
• One-click backup with StorageSync Pro
• Hot swappable
• Free and unlimited technical support
• Compact, space-saving design

Product Description

The SimpleDrive USB 2.0 External Hard Drive is the easiest way to add more lightning fast storage to any desktop or laptop computer. With a USB 2.0 connection, setup is a snap and data transfer rates are fast and reliable. These Mass Storage Compliant External Hard Drives are 100% compatible with any system that has a USB port. Engineered for performance and reliability, SimpleTech's high speed, high capacity drives are Ideal for any storage need, including digital music, movies and photographs. Every SimpleTech External Hard Drive comes with a FREE fully functioning copy of StorageSync Automatic Backup Software so full or incremental backups are fast and easy every time. Features: USB 2.0 Interface: • USB 2.0 and 1.1 compliant • One external "B" 4-pin USB (High Speed USB) receptacle • Serial bus data transfer rates of up to 480 Mb/sec Ultra Fast Performance: • SimpleTech 7200 RPM HDD Technology • USB 2.0 Provides up to 480 Mb/sec Data Transfer Rate Easy & Expandable Storage: • Connect Up to 127 USB 2.0 Devices with USB Hubs • Plug n• Play, One-Step Installation • Stores All File Types, Data, and Software • Automatic Backups with StorageSync • Hot Swappable • No tool required Versatile Design: • Compact design: 5.51" (H) x 8.86" (L) x 1.35" (D) • Stands vertically or sits horizontally Includes FREE StorageSync Backup Software Included (Windows Only) Reliable: • Unlimited Toll Free Technical Support • 3 Year Warranty System Requirements: MACINTOSH • Available USB 1.1 port • Mac OS v9.x or later; built for Mac OS X WINDOWS • Available USB 2.0 or 1.1 port • Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 106 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Drive hangs (itself and system), May 13, 2005

By 

Jonas Bendsen "i'm trying to help you" (Columbus, Ohio) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: SimpleTech SimpleDrive 250 GB External USB 2.0 Hard Drive (Personal Computers)

If $160 for 250 gigs sounds too good to be true... it's because it is.

I bought this drive based on three solid reviews here. I wanted a drive for my Windows XP system to simply back up files (artwork, video and audio). I figured not having a firewire option might slow transfers down, but that really didn't concern me for this purchase. I just needed a good, large back up drive.

When I received my drive, I plugged it in and everything seemed fine. Upon closer inspection I noticed the green "activity light" was hard to see. This is because the bulb is not in position behind the black transluscent face guard. I can see that the green light exists and operates correctly with drive activity, but it's not where it should be (seems like shoddy construction to me). The red "power light" is where it should be.

The REAL issue is this: when I started transferring files (trying to at least) I ran into major problems.

I can transfer small bits of information SOMETIMES (text files, small images one at a time, etc... ), but when trying to transfer larger amounts of data (anything over 12MB or so, say, a folder of MP3's, or a photo directory) the drive hangs, and then causes my system to hang. At first I thought this might be an issue with transferring external hard drive data to another external hard drive, but it happens with ALL data, including data from my on-board hard drive. Often simply powering on the drive causes the system to hang (the system recognizes the device, but then freezes after trying to interface).

When I do get data to transfer, the exchange is pretty slow. I assumed this drive would be a little slower, but it's a LOT slower.

Sometimes there's a "clunk-sproing, clunk-sproing, clunk-sproing." Sometime's the drive seems to be reading/writing correctly(the green light is on --somewhere back there-- and the drive makes the right sounds) but nothing happens as far as data transfer goes. The system thinks it's transferring files, but it's just hanging there.

It's also a task to get the drive to show up. Various combinations of plugging and unplugging the drive, powering up and down, unmounting the drive, etc... will get you a drive letter, but sometimes it's a task. My system gives the "new equipment" alert when I power up the drive, or connect the USB, but it often doesn't show up in Explorer. I've never had this issue with any of my other USB drives. With them, it's "power on=immediate drive assignment."

Windows XP computer management tools state that the drive is "healthy," but who cares if the disk itself is OK if you can't send and retrieve data from that place?

I use computers everyday, so I am fairly confident that this is not an issue with my machine, or my tech knowledge.

I will be sending this back today (I've had the drive four days, and I'm finally giving up). I'm not looking forward to the hassle of the return.

Do yourself a favor and buy the Seagate 160 gig (I can't vouch for the higher capacity drives, as I've only got the 160's). I've got two and I've never had an issue with either. They're solid and fast (I record pro-audio straight to these external hard drives over USB OR Firewire).

36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A++ For Back-up!, April 22, 2006

By 

TReno (Nevada, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: SimpleTech SimpleDrive 250 GB External USB 2.0 Hard Drive (Personal Computers)

*****

Not any discernible noise, unless you live in a Convent, perhaps. Just a gentle whir, when it's actually working. Doesn't get "hot", etc. I live in the real world, not whatever dream-scape some of these reviewers do, I guess. No it doesn't make coffee. No, I haven't timed the data transfers and am having a hissy-fit because it falls five nanoseconds off. This is my second one, earlier, smaller one has run for well over a year, never turned off, no problems.

THREE YEAR WARRANTY! Enough said. Most give you only one year, two max. Shows they have confidence in their product. The included software for backing up your computers main drives is VERY EASY to operate, and favorably reviewed at many sites.

I bought this unit for work with my new Windows Live OneCare. It will automatically back up your computer to an external hard drive, has anti-virus, fire wall and anti-spam. Yearly price ($19) is far cheaper than Norton or the others, and allows you to use it on up to three computers!

I have seen this priced at other places besides Amazon, for a few bucks cheaper, BUT didn't include the shipping, like Amazon. Amazon is the clear winner again!

146 of 172 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good one !!!!, April 9, 2005

By 

Han38some (Orange County, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SimpleTech SimpleDrive 250 GB External USB 2.0 Hard Drive (Personal Computers)

I have used many simpletech products. Good company with good products & decent customer service. This one is the best price i can find & well built, no problems in installation. A decent one. Buy from Simpledirect through amazon to get best deal.

Buy this, connect to your computer & move all your files to this drive. Turn this drive off. This is the best way to stay away from spyware & hackers. When you turn this drive on, turn the internet off. Safest way to keep your files. No Norton/Mcafee is as foolproof as this idea.