The hard drive can only be operated standing on edge, but this way it consumes the least amount of space. Perceived Geschwindikgeit can be described as slightly above average to other USB 2.0 HDDs. However, it can be upgraded to USB 3.0 and taking it, according to Test magazine Chip, a very high rate compared to other products. The noise level is pleasantly low, neither the operating noise nor the access noises make disturbing. The Wärmememission in housing passively ventilated (no fan) during continuous operation brings it to more moderate 50-60 degrees on the housing surface. A power switch there is not, the hard drive turns on with the USB port and from. Even after a few minutes without the access panel is in stand-by. This may disturb some, when accessed at greater intervals on data, then the plate always needs two to three seconds, until the data is available, what a liquid effluent hindered somewhat. Also go start operations associated with increased energy intake and increased wear of the mechanism, which is because ultimately can be sure not to actually save it.
The supplied software I have not installed that is to operate also not mandatory, but I can not use the additional functions, especially the LED display, indicating the degree of the occupied space is not available.
One should note, however, before one opts for this drive: Limiting the drive size is still some current operating systems by the LBA standard at 2.1TB. Through a hardware driver problem should be avoided though, works fine on my PC with XP Pro SP3, but the USB hub of my NAS or through the router, I can not drive or do not operate with its full capacity. Who wants to play it safe, you should opt for the smaller version with 2 TB prefer.
CONCLUSION: Giant memory at a very good price. Only the limited compatibility with the LBA standard is a decision criterion.
Update: 27/11/2011:
Got my rating of 4 reduced to 1 star, the reason is that I have three disks in use, one of which is entirely, and you only hear knocking sounds from the read-write heads, a second plate also makes occasional one this loud noise that I fear these will be out soon. I have had many external hard drives in use and never is a failed them. I should like to advise at this point from the purchase.
