FreeAgent Products

[ViaCassian]

I just kinda have a feeling this is a question from a really stupid person, but who says we can't show some courage too?

Questions:

Is it better to get a drive that does not have backup software if I will never use that software? Are there advantages to drives that come with backup software even though I would never use that software? Are drives with backup software just like drives that come without backup until I add the backup software, or do the drives with backup software already have some files I would need to delete?

Background Information:

I need a new 250 GB to 500GB external hard drive for part of my backup devices. I have a C Drive and a now dead 160 GB Western Digital external drive that I backup to a Western Digital Dual-drive Storage System with Mirroring 1TB using Acronis True Image Home backup software I like alot.

I don't need a drive that comes with backup software and I know I don't have to use the software that comes with a new drive I buy. But it seems to me that a drive without backup software might be less expensive (no software costs) and easier to use and set up because I would not have to deal with the software.

I like Western Digital, but after several years of using them, I think they fail much sooner than I thought they should.  I will buy a Seagate for my 250 GB to 500GB external drive I use for storing documents (15%) and still pictures (85%).   This will replace the 160GB drive that failed.

Thanks for any suggestions,

Worrying about backup software in Tampa,

John

[AlanM · Accepted solution]

Sure, it's better not to get a drive with an unnecessary/undesired add-on if there's a cost benefit and/or a quality benefit.  

In the specific, I'd probably say that FreeAgent drives are generally higher quality than, say, a Seagate Expansion drive. 

With a FreeAgent drive, you can delete the files if you want or just not install the software.

[ViaCassian]

Thank you for the information.  As I continued to review the drives, I noticed that the drives with software tended to have a longer warranty -- evidence of exactly what you were talking about.  You really helped me understand these matters better. I think I will get a drive with software and then delete it. 

John

Tampa

[ViaCassian]

I ordered two 500 GB USB 2.0 FreeAgent Go Portable Hard Drives - Black from Dell.

Five-year warranty.

Thank you.

John

Tampa

[AlanM]

Oh, now you're trying to make us all jealous!  

;-)  

Enjoy.  I recently got me a 250 GB FA Go myself, and I'm liking it a lot.  Like you, I don't use the included backup software, probably because I'm a control freak.  :-P 

[Kristain]

Drive backup software has some plus points. It increased efficiency to assure business continuity, enhanced IT productivity.

[bullfrog]

But aren't there ramifications if the software is not installed, like the fuel gauge does not work, what else.  I am a new user and preparing to setup my new drive (Seagate 2 TB Desk type GoFlex.