For a little while now, Seagate has been making a series of Universal Storage Module (USM) hard drives, based on a new SATA standard that allows users to move content between PCs, TVs, set-top boxes and other compatible devices. Verbatim has since followed suit, in turn adopting what could soon become a popular new standard (see inset).
The Verbatim Store 'n' Go USM 500 GB portable external hard drive is loaded with a Seagate DT1000DM003 hard drive with 8 MB of cache and a storage capacity of 500 GB. A 1 TB version is also available. This USM drive comes with a USB 3.0 adapter cable, but optional FireWire8000, Thunderbolt and eSATA cables are available too.
The casing is finished in black lacquered plastic on the top and around the edges, and has a matte grainy finish on the underside—no doubt to help prevent scratches. Build quality is good and the various parts all seem robust and well-assembled.
This Store 'n' Go hard drive comes with a relatively comprehensive software package, containing a back-up program, Green Button power-saving software and formatting software.
This portable HDD is ready to use out of the box for PC and Mac.
Over the USB 3.0 connection, we measured the read speed at 75 MBps and the write speed at 76 MBps. Those are far from the best data transfer speeds out there at the moment. This HDD isn't as speedy as the likes of the LaCie Rikiki 1 TB or the Western Digital My Passport 2 TB. That said, these results are far from terrible. They're not the best, but they're still fine.
Measuring 12.1 x 8 x 1.45 cm (140 cm3) and weighing approximately 150 grammes, this portable HDD is among the most compact drives on the market. Its rounded edges make it nice and easy to slip into a pocket.
The Verbatim Store 'n' Go USM 500 GB portable external hard drive is loaded with a Seagate DT1000DM003 hard drive with 8 MB of cache and a storage capacity of 500 GB. A 1 TB version is also available. This USM drive comes with a USB 3.0 adapter cable, but optional FireWire8000, Thunderbolt and eSATA cables are available too.
The casing is finished in black lacquered plastic on the top and around the edges, and has a matte grainy finish on the underside—no doubt to help prevent scratches. Build quality is good and the various parts all seem robust and well-assembled.
This Store 'n' Go hard drive comes with a relatively comprehensive software package, containing a back-up program, Green Button power-saving software and formatting software.
This portable HDD is ready to use out of the box for PC and Mac.
Performances
Over the USB 3.0 connection, we measured the read speed at 75 MBps and the write speed at 76 MBps. Those are far from the best data transfer speeds out there at the moment. This HDD isn't as speedy as the likes of the LaCie Rikiki 1 TB or the Western Digital My Passport 2 TB. That said, these results are far from terrible. They're not the best, but they're still fine.
Portability
Measuring 12.1 x 8 x 1.45 cm (140 cm3) and weighing approximately 150 grammes, this portable HDD is among the most compact drives on the market. Its rounded edges make it nice and easy to slip into a pocket.
Pros
- USM interface
- Compact design
- Comprehensive software package included
Cons
- Data transfer speeds are OK but a little below average
Conclusion
The Verbatim Store 'n' GB USM 500 GB external hard drive is first and foremost suitable for users looking for a USM hard drive and all the flexibility this new interface offers. The below-average data transfer speeds may, however, make other users look elsewhere.
OUR SCORE
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