PREVIOUS ARTICLENEXT ARTICLE

By Hanleigh Daniels 30 June 2010

0

If your computers hard drive cries out for mercy every time your mate with his movie collection visits, then it may be time to invest in an external storage solution such as Iomega’s stylish eGo 1 TB  Desktop Hard Drive.  
 
Size
 
The eGo HDD is compact (185.4 x 124.4 x 40.6 mm) as far as these devices go, and sports USB 2.0 connectivity, providing an acceptable data transfer rate of 480 Mbits/s. 
 
Although a faster data transfer method such as USB 3.0 (up to ten times faster than USB 2.0) or eSATA (up to six times faster than USB 2.0, as used in the Verbatim portable hard drive eSATA and USB Combo), would have been an excellent addition, the speed USB 2.0 offers is still adequate. 
 
Backup Software
 
With1 TB of space on offer, one can use the eGo drive as a backup device as well, but the Iomega drive doesn’t come with any backup software solution the likes of Nero BackItUp Essentials or NTI Shadow out the box.
 
Instead you have to download the Iomega Protection Suite (for free using your product serial), which is a collection of software solutions that allow you to backup and protect your data. This includes Trend Micro Internet Security, EMC Retrospect Express Backup software (23 MB download), Iomega QuikProtect (file-level backup, 30 MB download) as well as MozyHome Online Backup service.  
 
Base Stand
 
As with the Seagate FreeAgent Desk External Drive, you get a base stand with the drive, allowing it to stand upright in order to save some desk space. The device isn’t USB-powered and requires an two point plug for its power adaptor. There is also a power switch at the back of the drive to turn it on. 
 
Although the stylish eGo Desktop Hard Drive doesn't offer any additional buying incentives such as a faster data transfer ports, it's still a convenient, stylish and easy-to-use external storage solution. 
 
You can get it for a recommended retail price of R1 799 (incl. VAT).  Visit www.iomega.com for more info.
PROS
Looks, ease of use and data protection software (must be downloaded).
CONS
No USB 3.0 or eSATA support means longer data transfer speeds.
USER COMMENTS

Read
Magazine Online
TechSmart.co.za is South Africa's leading magazine for tech product reviews, tech news, videos, tech specs and gadgets.
Start reading now >
Download latest issue

Have Your Say


What new tech or developments are you most anticipating this year?
New smartphone announcements (43 votes)
Technological breakthroughs (27 votes)
Launch of new consoles, or notebooks (14 votes)
Innovative Artificial Intelligence solutions (27 votes)
Biotechnology or medical advancements (21 votes)
Better business applications (132 votes)