Is the Seagate GoFlex Desk a good HDD?

Hello,

I just went out and purchased a Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex Desk 2 TB USB 2.0 hard drive for about $100 because I thought it was too good to pass up. Now I am having second thoughts, and wondering if I should return it, or if I got a good deal. I need to upgrade my Windows 7 OS to 64 bit from 32 bit because, I am told, the 32 bit version does not access all of the memory, but the 64 bit does. So, being the packrat that I am with documents and files, I just wanted to dump all of my documents and downloads and pictures and videos onto a large Hard Drive and then deal with them later.

Then, I would reformat my notebook computer's HDD and install fresh Win 7 64 bit and Office 2010 64 bit. But, I also need a backup system for this setup. I have been using Mozy automated backup, but I would like to somehow get rid of that fee of $5 monthly. I know it is not a lot, but if I keep paying it forever, it will be.

The way Mozy works is that it automatically backs up changed files in the background, and even can back up open files. Then you go to their Website and choose files if you ever need to restore one or all of your files. I would like a system to run this way on my laptop.

What I was thinking is that the laptop could backup to the desktop thru my wifi network, then the desktop would have the 2 TB hd connected, and that would automatically be backed up. So, the notebook, would have 2 back up sets, one on the desktop and one on the hard drive. But then what if I have pictures that are irreplaceable ont he hard drive and it fails, how can I avoid losing them?

Supposedly, the GoFlex is good because you can replace the connector and have it connected as NAS, or to a Mac, or whatever -- firewire, etc. But is this a good buy? Also, For What it's Worth, I have 2 older Western Digitals that are almost full of 40 GB each, but I am thinking that, with the right system, their data could be moved onto the 2 TB drive, and then the photos and irreplaceble files could then be backed up to the 2-40GB drives...somehow...

I own Macrium, and the Seagate came with Memeo Backup, so I can use either, or if there is something even better, I am open to suggestions. Thanks for reading all this, and for any help you can offer!

I own 2 GoFlex drives. I just don't have the desktop I have the portable models. I love them for some of the reasons you mentioned. They allow you to pick the connection you want. 2 TB for $100 - why complain?

Like you, I don't trust external drives or internal ones either. My backup strategy is to use at least 2 good backup programs and back up to at least 2 externals. That way if one external goes out you still have your backups. I think you made a good buy. Externals are just internal drives in an enclosure. They can fail just like internals do. But for the price you paid,you couldn't buy 2 TB internal drives.

BTW, if you own a Seagate or Western Digital drive they both offer backup programs on their web sites. Both are scaled down versions of Acronis.

Thank you for the affirmation...

essenbe,

Thank you for affirming that I made a good purchase decision, and for my 'crazy' need to back up so much! I have discs and HDs and everything all of the same docs. I thing that getting it all on the 2 TBs and then sorting it out with a program that finds duplicate files is the way to go. Then, the most important ones can be backed up to my Western Digitals.

Do you, or anyone else out there, have any advice on what software is best for backup features and ease of use? I have Macrium (purchased it), the Seagate came with Memeo, but I don't know if these will do what I want:

• Copy files "incrementally" across the network (wifi) to the desktop PC, but maintain full copies of the files, not just the increments. Basically, I only want it to back up what has changed, but I want to go into the documents or files without having to incrementally restore them.
• Automatically backup changed files to the external HD from the Desktop thru USB. In a similar fashion as above.
• Back up selected files (by type) on the 2 TB HD to one or both of the 40 GB Western Digitals, which will also be connected to the Desktop by USB.

Thanks for the confirmation, it makes me feel better about my purchase not being 'frivolous'!