Verbatim Freecom Tough Drive 500GB 3.0 USB Shock-Resistant Mobile External Hard Drive, Dark Grey 97710

Not being very tech savvy, I'm always somewhat anxious when it comes to deciding on an external hard drive to obtain and when it comes to using it. I tend to break out in sweats that somehow I'll screw up the backup and/or restore process.Using the Freedom Touch Drive 500 GB 3.0 USB Shock-Resitant Mobile External Hard Drive has alleviated any concern I had. Installing it on both my desktop and laptop computers was fast and easy, and the process to backup my all data from my desktop to the Freedom external hard drive was very fast and "idiot proof." Similarly, it was a snap to move the data from the external hard drive to my new laptop.I don't know enough to be able to state with any confidence that this USB 3.0 USB external hard drive product transfers data at a significantly faster speed than USB 2.0 products -- but I can assure you that the it completes the data tranfer process very quickly. Further, its ability to hold 500 GB is much more capacity than I currently need, but it's assuring to know that the storage capacity is there if ever needed. Also, assuring is that if you drop the Freedom product on a hard surface it provides more protection than most other mobile hard drive products since it (supposedly) is shock resistant due (I assume) to its rugged silicone cover. Hopefully, I won't have a need to find out if this feature really works!The only issue I have with this product pertains to its USB cable, which is integrated in the sides of the drive. The good part of this feature is that you only have to pull it out and connect it to your computer (i.e., no additional cables are needed). The cable itself, however, is only a few inches in length, making it a "very tight fit" when I sat it on the top of my modem in order to connected it to its USB port. On the other hand, this was not an issue at all when I connected it to the USB port in my laptop.I hope this review is helpful in deciding whether or not this mobile hard drive is suitable for your needs.

I stressed about what kind of external hard drive to buy. I looked at everything. I had no idea if this would work with my computer but it does! And the best part is the usb is attached to the drive so I don't have to keep up with extra cords (I'm forever loosing things). 500GB is more than I needed but glad I got it. BEST purchase I've made on Amazon by far. I mean, what's not to love?

It seemed to have worked the first time I plugged it into the laptop. I have transferred a lot of data and then the laptop stopped recognizing it. A desktop tells me it needs to be formatted first which means it will delete everything I have already put on it. A different laptop cannot find a driver for it. Neither P/N nor S/N nor Model Code nor Model Number printed on the device can be found on the manufacturer's page, and that goes for both Freecom and Verbatim. Needless to say I'm completely disappointed and feel cheated. I have purchased many different products on Amazon and been very pleased. This one is a huge disappointment.

USB connection is VERY fragile.

The Freecom Tough Drive has a rugged exterior, which I believe should be able to hold up to being thrown in a suitcase or taken on a trip. I haven't tried purposefully dropping it, but I feel like I can throw it in a bag without worrying about it too much. It is compact for travel, but due to its ruggedness, it's a little heavier than similarly sized devices.Setting up the Tough Drive required almost no effort. I just plugged it into my computer and my computer recognized the drive and I was able to drag and drop files onto it. I was not required to install software, although the device comes loaded with various utilities. The USB plug is built into the drive, so you don't have to worry about storing a USB cable. On the down side, if anything ever happens to that cable, you will be out of luck when it comes to accessing the drive. There are no alternate plugs available.My main quibble with this drive is that it is not as fast as I was expecting. I have a Seagate USB 3.0 drive in addition to the Freecom and it is much faster. The Freecom didn't match the speed of my Seagate. On the other hand, my Seagate is not rugged and I can't travel with it.I plan to use the Freecom mostly for travel, to back up my pictures or to download my friends' pictures so I don't have to wait for my friends to share trip pictures with me. If you need a rugged drive and don't mind the slow speed, I recommend the Freecom.

I've had this drive for three years with daily use and TONS of travel. Carried it in everything from protected bags and backpacks to my jeans pocket and it has never had a problem. About to purchase a new on for the new year's data dump.

This worked for about 2 weeks for me, and then just stopped working. It now makes a weird clicking sound and won't go past "preparing backup". That's a good $100 down the toilet.

I have bought two Freecom Tough Drives over the years on an airport. Back then still USB 2.0. I had a 320GB and a 750GB one.Both stopped working and both times it was the SATA to USB interface failing. The removed Samsung (320) and Toshiba (750) drives still work fine today, many years later. I need to add that I was always pampering the drives as I liked them, especially the smooth feel and I wanted them to last. Alas, they did not.

Great product however USB connector is bit small.

it is pretty good to use