Seagate’s New GoFlex Storage Units Open USB Upgrade Path

Big Storage in a Small DeviceSeagate’s new GoFlex storage drives are not much larger than a BlackBerry, Palm Pre or iPhone, yet they can hold as much as 2TB worth of files.

Pick the Combination You NeedGoFlexes come with different connectors for eSATA (left), USB 3.0-which is going to become common sooner than you might think-and Apple’s FireWire.

Connectors Slide Right into PlaceSeagate’s Marc Lee shows how the connectors fit into place at the bottom of the drive. Data and files on the drive are not affected by such connectivity changes.

Automatic Backup Just HappensOnce the connector is fit into place, Seagate’s Autobackup feature swings into action, copying all the new files on the drive back to the backup target drive.

Continuous Backup with EncryptionThe GoFlex Desk external drive kit delivers high-capacity-1TB ($130) or 2TB ($200)-storage and automatic, continuous backup with encryption for all files. It includes a USB 2.0 cable.

USB 3.0: Up to 10 Times Faster than 2.0The GoFlex Desk Desktop USB 3.0 adapter ($40) enables the unit to deliver up to 10 times faster transfer speed over USB 2.0 for your desktop PC.

Plug and PlayThis closeup shows how the GoFlex Desk adapter fits into the bottom of the device to serve as the new bottom support.

Portable Storage at Enterprise SpeedsThe GoFlex Pro portable drive kit includes an enterprise-ready, 7,200-rpm, 2.5-inch drive that delivers premium backup with encryption and includes a USB 2.0 cable. Pricing is $140 for the 500GB unit and $190 for 750GB.

Don’t Forget FireWireSeagate hasn’t neglected Apple aficionados, even though it’s hard to find FireWire devices. Its GoFlex Upgrade cable for FireWire 800 ($40) upgrades GoFlex and GoFlex Pro ultraportable drives to deliver two times faster transfer speed over USB 2.0.

Portable ServerSeagate also has unveiled a new GoFlex server. The GoFlex Net media sharing device ($100) enables instant access and sharing of content over a network that could be deployed in a small office, a local or regional enterprise location, or a residence.

Now It’s an HD Media PlayerLastly, Seagate has equipped a specialized GoFlex as an HD television media player (lower left in the photo). This model enables storage and playback of digital content on a television or computer monitor. Pricing is $130 for the media player.