Review Verbatim Store`n`go eSata 500GB hard drive
External Flexibility
Whether storage capacity of a notebook runs short or seldom used data should be archived, an external storage device is useful on-the-move. We test a model from Verbatim, which has to demonstrate its capabilities.
Verbatim does not offer many portable 2.5 inch hard drives. Actually the reviewed model with 500 GB capacity is the only one offered today.
The case of the hard drive is mainly made of black aluminium. The glossy front panel makes it look less stern. According to the manufacturer it weighs 205g, however, we measured 220g. The size of 130 x 80 x 17 mm is typical for its category. In practice it is a disadvantage that rubber feet are missing as the case might easily slip, especially on glossy surfaces. An aspect that should be improved by Verbatim.
The black plastic rear panel of the device houses three interfaces: eSata, mini-USB, and power-in.
These three interfaces can be used in different ways:
- If you've got a notebook with a powered eSata port, only the provided eSATA cable is needed. Power supply is included.
- If just a "standard" eSata-port is available, you'll need an additional USB cable, which also belongs to the scope of delivery, to power the device. Power via USB, data via eSATA.
- Merely the USB cable (included) is needed without eSATA port or on a Mac. Power and data via USB.
It's crucial whether eSATA or USB can be used for a data transfer. The maximum transfer rate achieved is 29.2 MB/s via USB (31.4 MB/s MacOsX Leopard, MacMini) and 84.2 MB/s via eSATA. While the USB interface of our test devices aren't faster, the hard drive slows down the performance via eSATA. Our test model uses a Samsung Spinpoint M7 HM500JI with a gross capacity of 500 GB, 5400 rpm, and 8 MB cache. Its performance is used to capacity and is on par with built-in models. Also refer to our comprehensive HDD benchmark list.
E.g., the already reviewed LaCie rugged eSata uses a clearly faster model from Seagate (7200 rpm and 16 MB cache) and achieves a maximum of 103 MB/s.
Besides the already mentioned cables, the scope of delivery also includes the software Nero backitup 4 Essentials. The warranty period is 2 years and includes a free support hotline. At the time of writing the street price is 85.- Euro (plus P&P).
Verdict
To summarize, Verbatim offers a balanced solution at a fair price. The drive achieves a maximum transfer rate of 84.2 MB/s and is therewith clearly faster than USB and on par with many competitors. If you demand even more performance you should consider the more expensive LaCie's rugged eSata. Verbatims Store`n`go eSata/ USB 2.0 is rather flexible, because it does not only offer an additional USB interface, but, can also be powered in different ways.
