The hard drive is very quiet. I am in this respect relatively sensitive, my diesbezügl. high expectations were still exceeded. We hear from the unit only slightly, if the environment is absolutely quiet and you specifically focused on. For operation in the living room (or other rooms where you want to have it quiet sometimes) is therefore recommended the unit fully.
The case is even after hours of operation only slightly warm (even with write access).
The hard drive has no on / off switch. I was skeptical at first, however, the hard drive will automatically switch to the computer on and off again. This works perfectly on my iMac, even at rest of the iMac, the disk turns off. For Mac users, this means above all that you ever have to worry to the hard drive for Time Machine Extra turn. But I assume that the hard drive of course consumes some more power by automatically turning what may again compensated by something else power design. Because of this, would be the best for me when it would be combined with an automatic switch, so you have both options.
The device has a plastic housing. The design is quite basic and the plastic surfaces quite good, although a bit sensitive to fingerprints. Those looking for a device for mobile use, but is better off with a aluminum housing. On the back is a status light that flashes when writing. I would prefer if the status lamp would be appropriate forward and this would be a bit more discreet, even though it is a minor matter for me.
As an interface USB 2.0 is offered. So that I could reach about 15-18 MB / s when writing, reading about 24-25 MB / s (tested with real file transfers). Higher rates can be reached with FireWire 800 or eSATA interface. But hard drives with these interfaces are much more expensive, so far this is in this price no criticism, just an aside.
The cable (USB, power cord) are in my opinion long enough. The power cord makes a rather cheap impression. It is very thin and with two conductors. Especially in mobile applications, the cable is often curled up and pulled apart again, whereby the cable is more claimed.
In summary, I like it on the hard drive that is a total of barely perceptible, and as it should be: it is very quiet, has a non-intrusive status indicator on the back, and it will turn on again and off automatically. The housing is simply beautiful and the board technically very intuitive. The price / performance ratio is good. We can only hope that the device always reliable is serving. I would recommend this device so - especially for stationary use - highly recommend.