Other features in the software suite include the BlackArmor Backup Secure Zone that creates a hidden partition on the disk for storing private backups, specified backup environments including e-mail accounts and address books, image creation of an entire disk or a single partition, and an all-inclusive search function that allows for Google Desktop and Windows Search plug-ins for indexing files in backups archives. Aside from antivirus software, Seagate protects your data across the entire lifecycle, and it comes free and preloaded onto the drive for easy plug-and-play access.
Cost per gigabyte
The Seagate BlackArmor PS 110's price ($160) and capacity (500GB) factor out to 32 cents per gigabyte. In a chart with other recently reviewed external hard drives, the Seagate falls in line with the average. It's not the cheapest or the most expensive, but our judgment is that 32 cents is a small price to pay for the unique software bundle you don't get with any of the other drives. For our most thrifty readers, the Fujitsu HandyDrive continues to be the least expensive at 27 cents per gig, with the Transcend StoreJet Mobile not far behind--both received excellent editors' ratings.
Performance
In our review of the Seagate FreeAgent Go, we were disappointed by its slow transfer speeds, which dropped in at a sluggish 18.15MBps to read and 17.84MBps to write our 10GB test folder. We're happy to report that the Seagate BlackArmor PS 110 fixed these speed bumps and blasts out of the gate, leading the competition with an impressive 30.02MBps read and 24.49MBps write benchmark. The Iomega eGo Portable finished at a close second at just a few seconds slower than the BlackArmor, and the difference should be unnoticeable for the average file transfer.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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USB read (MBps) | |
USB write (MBps) |
Service and support
We have to applaud Seagate for offering a generous five-year limited warranty with the BlackArmor PS 110. We always urge vendors to raise the warranty period to at least three years since many users throw around these portable devices without regard for hardware. Seagate will replace any defective drive under warranty, and you can even choose to upgrade to a larger/newer drive for a discounted price. Telephone support is available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday, and you can find a comprehensive list of FAQs and an external hard-drive knowledge base on the Seagate Web site.
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Where to buy
Seagate BlackArmor PS 110:
$99.99 - $159.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
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$124.99 | Yes |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$124.32 | Yes |
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$129.99 | Yes |
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$118.99 | Yes |
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$141.55 | Yes |
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