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Verbatim Combo eSATA USB 2.0 500 GB
| Caractéristiques | |||
| Capacity | 500 GB | ||
| Format | 3.5 inches | ||
| Interface | eSATA and USB 2.0 | ||
| Rotation Speed | 7200 rpm | ||
| Cache | 16 MB | ||
 Show all specifications
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| Write Speed | N.C. |
| Read Speed | N.C. |
 Hide specifications | |
Vincent Lheur
Test date: May 26, 2010
Test date: May 26, 2010
Software
The Combo eSATA USB 2.0 normally comes with Nero BackItUp 4 Essentials to make backing up and synching your data easier. It's a much better program than some of the hastily developed alternatives included by some of Verbatim's competitors, and is a sensible choice.
However, the version we tested had BackItUp 2 instead. Check the packaging carefully before you buy it.
However, the version we tested had BackItUp 2 instead. Check the packaging carefully before you buy it.
Available in four different versions with capacities of 500 GB, 1 TB, 1.5 TB and 2 TB, Verbatim's Combo eSATA & USB has all the makings of a great external hard drive.
Specification
Let's start with the inclusion of an eSATA interface, which should allow it to work as fast as an internal hard drive. The USB 2.0 connection is only really useful if you end up somewhere without eSATA and you'll only want to use it every now and again. Remember that USB connections limit performance to around 30 MB/s.
We tested the 500 GB version, which is actually isn't that much room and doesn't stand up that well compared to 2.5'' drives. Still, it does allow Verbatim to offer a low price, and this 'low capacity' drive loses a star in this section that the larger versions would certainly manage to retain, on the condition, of course, that they perform identically.
Inside, there's a Samsung HD502IJ which spins at 7200 rpm and has 16 MB of cache.
On the outside, we found the finish satisfactory but the front felt a little plastic. The quality is nowhere near as good as the manufacturer's Quad-Interace, but the different materials do make the Combo 400 g lighter.
Performance
Overall, the raw performance was satisfactory, but a little bit behind the best models.
Specification
Let's start with the inclusion of an eSATA interface, which should allow it to work as fast as an internal hard drive. The USB 2.0 connection is only really useful if you end up somewhere without eSATA and you'll only want to use it every now and again. Remember that USB connections limit performance to around 30 MB/s.
We tested the 500 GB version, which is actually isn't that much room and doesn't stand up that well compared to 2.5'' drives. Still, it does allow Verbatim to offer a low price, and this 'low capacity' drive loses a star in this section that the larger versions would certainly manage to retain, on the condition, of course, that they perform identically.
Inside, there's a Samsung HD502IJ which spins at 7200 rpm and has 16 MB of cache.
On the outside, we found the finish satisfactory but the front felt a little plastic. The quality is nowhere near as good as the manufacturer's Quad-Interace, but the different materials do make the Combo 400 g lighter.
Performance
Overall, the raw performance was satisfactory, but a little bit behind the best models.
Performance measured using CrystalDiskMark
The access time is pretty decent, no doubt thanks to platters that spin at 7200 rpm:
Access times measured using AS SSD
The average performance index with different software tests is a little below average for traditional hard drives. The Combo eSATA & USB 2.0 can replace an internal hard drive, but it can't rival a top quality hard drive like the Western Digital Velociraptor, or an SSD for that matter.
Portability 
3.5'' hard drives might give you plenty of room to store your files without breaking the bank, but they're not easy to carry around. With 1.1 kg on the scales and a volume of 1035 cm³, this is a drive that you'll only want to move occasionally. If you need something more portable, you'll be better off with a 2.5'' drive.
3.5'' hard drives might give you plenty of room to store your files without breaking the bank, but they're not easy to carry around. With 1.1 kg on the scales and a volume of 1035 cm³, this is a drive that you'll only want to move occasionally. If you need something more portable, you'll be better off with a 2.5'' drive.
Pluses
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eSATA Connection
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Satisfactory performance
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Available in several different sizes
Minuses
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External power adaptor
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eSATA cable quite short (60 cm)
This is a good mid-range disk that we suggest you use with a computer that has eSATA. It comes in four different versions (500 GB, 1 TB, 1.5 TB and 2 TB) to meet all of your needs.
