Customer Reviews

Transcend StoreJet 320 GB 2.5-Inch USB 2.0 Anti Shock Hard Drive TS320GSJ25M

5 star:		(91)
4 star:		(29)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I purchased this portable HDD (320GB Version) about two months ago in order to store all of my work related files and references since I am frequently moving and rarely use the same computer for any length of time. I had been looking for a semi-rugged portable drive for quite some time, but happened on this one by chance and ended up buying it. As I have not used this drive for a significant length of time I cannot comment as to its durability yet, so I will instead give my initial impressions and update later with durability/reliability comments as necessary.

Rather than run off at the mouth about all sorts of nonsense, I will simply address what I consider to be selling points or potential hang-ups for someone who is doing some research and comparison shopping like I was before I decided on this one.

Fit and finish are excellent - It feels very well put together and extremely solid. Based on the weight and tactile feel of the HDD it feels like it will live up the advertised MIL-STD-810F (drop test). This standard is one of the reasons I chose this drive as I do a lot of moving around and don't tend to be gentle with equipment. It's obviously no Toughbook, but it's held up fine so far and for what it is and the price I feel it will be rugged enough for me.

Compact size - I am used to a desktop external HDD, so going from that to any portable drive is going to be a big difference. It is larger than some of the more compact portable HDDs, such as the Seagate and Western Digital portables, but not excessively so. For me it is worth the slight trade off in size for the drop protection and the price.

Ease of use - Plug and play, no problems at all. The included Y USB is a thoughtful touch, but I have had no problems thus far using it with a standard USB with several different computers and USB ports.

Software - The only negative reviews of this drive cite the included software as the reason for the negative review. I have not used the software so I cannot comment on it, but what can you really expect? I purchased a portable Hard Drive, not backup software; if the data you are backing up is that important you should probably be purchasing actual back-up software.

Bottom line, this is a great drive for the money, end of story.

UPDATE:
I have been using this External HDD for around a year or so with zero issues thus far. I have been carrying it with me almost daily and used it on a variety of computers with good results. Still no need for the "Y" USB cable, though the thought is nice. I finally purchased a netbook to replace my aging laptop and have been carrying this HDD around in my computer bag for the last couple of months. Not a horribly abusive environment, to be sure, but the HDD has handled it well. The torture test will come later this summer when I deploy to Afghanistan and will be spending 6+ months living out of a tent. I'll update again once I get back.

For my photograph storage requirements I found the Transcend StoreJet 25 USB 2.0 to be a welcome tool. Sleek, durable and a bit faster then my old Seagate, this 2.5" external hard drive comes out of the box ready to perform. This stealthy system is lightweight and packed with a 500GB external hard drive that simply leaves the higher priced competition in the dust.

Its fitted with a one button setup on top of the unit. Simple to use, the drive can be set to remember the files/folders to store in the preferences folder. With the installed software package, scheduling backups and setting security levels is not that much of a task. File compression is always a good choice to remember. All in all, the jury is still out when it comes to the on board StoreJet software. The only thing missing is Firewire support.

The StoreJet 25 is built around a standard 2.5 inch SATA hard disk that spins at 5,400 rotations per minute with 8MB of cache. Powered via USB port, the drive draws its juice directly from the host sytem. Speed read is rated up to 28 megs per second and write speeds cruised in at 24 megs. This system is encased in a solid red or black colored, military grade impact resistant shell.

Built for portability, the unit measures 4.5" H x 3.2" W x 0.6" D. It weighs in at almost 8 ounces and comes with the standard Transcend 2 year product warranty. The manufacturer's website is surprisingly helpful and loaded with useful information. A toll free customer support phone number as well as supporting links are posted.

This unit has taken to being banged around while on the road quite well. Its still up and running. Its easy to recommend this product. So far, the StoreJet 25 has been a durable and cost effective tool that hasn't left me high and dry.

This is a GREAT little drive. Love the Silicon covering the drive, Seems very drop resistant. The cord is a little bulky, but any USB to Mini USB cord works fine also. Does not require power. Have not found a device that can't power it yet. Seems to access fast, and has a HDD Indicator lamp. Have not used the built in Backup software, But works great with Synctoy. Quiet, Cannot hear the drive at all. A+++

Awesome. It's fast, quiet, works right out of the box, huge capacity, great price. Haven't tried the software--just connect to your computer with the included cable, and you have another drive. We use it to store digital photos.

This is a well made drive that functions as advertised and, unlike some other portable hard drives from bigger names that have developed problems after a few months, my 500gb drive has been going strong for a year with no glitches. I'm using it on both a Mac laptop and a PC laptop with no problems at all. There are bigger and faster drives out there now and I'm surprised Transcend hasn't kept up with the times - the drive no longer represents quite the value it did a year ago, but it is an excellent drive. It comes with backup software but like most software included by drive manufacturers, it is a poor compromise at best. I reformatted the drive to remove all the included software - I use backup solutions from other providers. Some reviewers have totally missed the point of the included cable. Yes, the cable includes two USB plugs but it's not mandatory to use both. The secondary USB plug (on the thinner cable) is there to allow the drive to be used on mostly older or very small laptops that do not provide enough power through a single USB jack to run the drive. For most users, it will require only a single USB jack. It's a solid drive.

I bought this hard drive over seven months ago. I have taken it across the world and so far it has held up very well. The real test came a couple of weeks ago when it was plugged into my laptop, which had been placed on a dresser in a room with a hard tile floor. A family member took the laptop out of the room, which was now dark, not thinking the Transcend drive was plugged in. The hard drive fell to the floor. The Transcend hard drive survived the 4 1/2 foot drop and is working great. Not only does it work great it also shows no signs of the fall. A previous external hard drive that I have used cracked when it eventually fell, this product has met and exceeded my expectations.

So I'm pretty pleased with this but realized after getting it that the USB cord that comes with it requires it to be plugged into two ports for power. On the MacBook air the two USB are on opposite sides therefore the splitter is actually not long enough... I'm looking for a remedy to my situation. Maybe someone mentioned this in a review but I'm not tech savvy, and I could have been careless Thus... Beware. If I find a good solution I'll post back. Product worked great with my old MacBook.

As usual, Amazon delivered fast and without any problems. The drive itself, although I bought it just a few weeks ago, has so far performed flawlessly and reliably. It is small and has a nice feel to it -- I personally am not a fan of the shiny fingerprint magnets that you see so often with external hard drives, so I actually really like the rubbery surface (which, by the way, creates some traction and thereby decreases the likelihood of you dropping the thing). After several hours of very quiet operation, it did not appear to generate a lot of heat. Also, no issues with power -- one USB port is sufficient. It is probably not the fastest drive available, hence four instead of five stars, but overall it's a great product and I am happy I bought it. Will probably buy another one or two.

I love the way my new hard drive works. All of my downloads are simple and fast. All of my music, school work and pics easily loaded up on this hard drive. Its way much faster and lighter then my old seagate clunker. Its even fallen off my desk a couple of times. Amazingly it still works. This thing really is shock proof. I don't know what the other reader was saying about it not being light. I'm 120 pounds and its light enough for me to put in my purse or backpack. I guess maybe he needs to switch breakfast cereals or something. It may not be as pretty as some of those shiny ones at best buy but it out does all of them. I love it. This one is a keeper.

Good price, nice size (and color), and rugged. It took me a few sittings to understand how to use the storejet, but I'm happy with it so far. Store mostly videos and pictures and songs, and there's still plenty of capacity left.