 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
||
 |
|
|
|
 |
Home • News • Reviews • Articles • Contact • Search • Advertising • Your Account | |
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, April 20, 2007
Review - Back Up Your Data In High Style With The The Ferrari Of Hard DrivesRelated categories • Hot Topics • News • Reviews • Hardware Reviews • MooresViews
Comments • Tell-a-Friend • Print • Today's Headlines
I can honestly say, with no hyperbole intended, that I have rarely been as smitten by a computer peripheral or accessory as I am with this SimpleDrive high-speed USB 2.0 hard drive unit.
First there's the look. The SimpleDrive has lots of function and engineering goodness to talk about, and I'll get to that in a moment, but this thing is just drop-dead gorgeous. If you're not a car person, the script reading "Pininfarina" that appears on both flanks of this drive may not mean anything to you.
However, most everyone has heard of Ferrari, and Carozzeria Pininfarina is the Italian design house and coachbuilder that has styled most Ferrari automobiles beginning in 1952, as well as certain models of Maserati, Cadillac, Rolls-Royce, Nash, Peugeot, Austin, Morris, Riley, Wolseley, MG, Jaguar, Volvo, Alfa Romeo, Ford, Citroen, Fiat, Mitsubishi, Honda, and Lancia. There are other illustrious automotive design firms in Italy, such as Bertone, Ghia, Touring, Frua and more, but arguably Pininfarina represents the pinnacle. Over the past 77 years, Pininfarina has turned out hundreds of the most alluring and beguiling automobile designs ever conceived.
For a taste, check out the galleries and multimedia videos on their Website:
http://www.pininfarina.com/
and here:
http://technorati.com/tag/Pininfarina
In recent years Pininfarina has branched into other areas of industrial and interior design with the Pininfarina Extra unit of the Pininfarina Group that specializes in interior and product design, formed in 1986 to extend the Group's services, quality and skills ..., one of their most recent efforts being this new SimpleTech SimpleDrive External Hard Drive. [Memo to Apple: a Pininfarina styled and co-branded MacBook Pro would be exceedingly cool].
“Like high-end sports cars, which marry performance and aesthetics, we set out to make the most beautiful desktop storage products on the planet,” comments Paolo Pininfarina, Deputy Chairman of Pininfarina Group and CEO of Pininfarina Extra. “With its unique shape, smooth lines and rich colors, the new SimpleDrive family is designed to catch attention. Paired up with the engineering under the hood, and they’re true trophies of technology.”
Indeed, photos simply don't do this product justice. For one thing, it is a lot larger than it looks in pictures, measuring 5" x 8.25" x 1.5", and while that might be regarded as a drawback in some contexts, with this unit the design is so arresting that its imposing dimensions are not only excusable, but almost required. This object has presence and deserves to be prominently displayed.
In profile, the SimpleDrive brings to mind the shape of a contemporary sports racing car, not that it's a scaled-down automotive caricature. This is very much an original piece of design art in its own right, but its automotive lineage is unmistakable, with Ferrari-esque touches like the boldly scalloped louvers on either side of its wedge-shaped nose.
Aside from its unique and seductive shape, another bold design decision was to offer the SimpleDrive in a variety of colors, with each respective color indicating the capacity of the drive, to wit: Fire Red (160GB), Pearl White (250GB), Sapphire (320GB), Onyx (500GB) and Charcoal Gray (750GB and 1TB - to be available soon).
Our 500 MB test unit is thus Onyx, or jet Black with an extremely high gloss finish, which looks terrific and I much prefer gloss to the matte black finish of the MacBook. It does show dust, but it's a pleasure to keep this baby polished.
I'm an aficionado of fine design, whether it be cars, or computers, or furniture, or toothbrushes, and this SimpleTech SimpleDrive is truly a feast for the eyes, but as I was saying, there's a lot more to it than high style.
For example, there's its sheer capacity. The test unit at 500 gigabytes has 2500 times the capacity of the 20 MB hard drive that came with my first Mac 15 years ago. It's one hundred times the capacity of the drive in my first generation iPod, and more than six times the capacity of the hard drive in my newest computer. A 500 MB hard drive will hold 127,000 songs, 366,000 photos, 542 hours of video, or 60 hours of HP video. And if that's not enough for you, there will be those bigger versions with half again and twice as much capacity as this one available soon. "Awesome" is hardly adequate.
This 500 gigabyte drive is, however, more than adequate to swallow up my modest MP3 and MIDI collection, all of my photo archives, back up my entire journalistic and literary output for the past decade and a half, all of my OS X and Mac OS Classic software and installers, with ample room left over for anticipated expansion well into the future. In short, my entire digital history since I started using Macs can be accommodated on this drive with more than 400 GB to spare.
A USB 2.0 device, the SimpleDrive nominally offers up to 480 Mb/sec transfer speeds and its hard drive is a full-size 3.5-inch desktop 7,200 RPM unit.
On top of the drive housing is an oval-shaped "Capacity Meter," which illuminates to indicate the amount of storage space still available on the SimpleDrive. The center of the oval is actually a oversized "One-Click Button" which you can press to launch a "total media backup" of the files on your computer to the external drive. The One-Click Backup support software comes pre-installed on the drive (about which more in a moment for Mac users). You can use this software to schedule manual, custom, daily, weekly, or monthly backups.
With the SimpleDrive's One-Click Backup Button, you can instantly launch backups of selected files and folders on your computer. Just configure the ArcSoft TotalMedia Backupapplication to perform a scheduled backup, then press the One-Click button any time you want to back up your computer’s hard drive.
A progress bar keeps you informed about how the backup is proceeding. To restore your files, just select the desired backup archive and click the Restore button.
Checking the Capacity Meter is a quick way to see how much storage space is available on the SimpleDrive drive. When SimpleDrive is powered up, the Capacity Meter illuminates to provide visual indication of the amount of available storage left on the drive. The Capacity Meter contains four sections, each representing approximately 25 percent of SimpleDrive’s total storage capacity. When available storage space falls below 10 percent, the capacity meter flashes red for 10 seconds, and then goes off. The capacity meter remains off until you press the One-Click backup button to back up the data on the drive. Whenever SimpleDrive is turned on and available storage is below 10 percent, the Capacity Meter flashes red for 10 seconds, and then goes off.
Windows-users can also use the bundled software to burn data to optical disks (CD-R, CD-RW, or DVDR/RW), to create custom CDs and jukebox CDs, using MP3, WMA, and WAV files, and to create DVD discs from digital video files.
On the back panel of the SimpleDrive (which again reminds me of the tail-end of a sports-racer) are a USB 2.0 port, a D.C.-in socket for connecting the SimpleDrive's 12 volt power supply, and and on/off rocker switch.
Extending consumer value, purchase of a SimpleText SimpleDrive also entitles you to a free 2GB myfabrik.com ( http://www.myfabrik.com ) online account to store, organize, embed and share your personal or professional content online. With the myfabrik.com service, you have the freedom to share multimedia content and other digital files with individuals or groups either privately via email or publicly via your own “easy-to-create” personal Web page. You can also match-up different file types to create slideshows and media players; quickly post content to sites such as eBay via links; or embed myfabrik widgets into blogs and social networking sites to promote easy content sharing online. Because the service is Web-based, you can access your photos, video, music and other files from any Internet-connected computer anytime, anywhere. You can also upgrade the account to provide more space for a fee.
So, a enough of features and abstract theory; what's the SimpleDrive like to use?
The package comes with the drive itself, a USB cable and a 12-volt AC power adapter, and a CD.
The first order of business if you're a Mac user is to reformat the drive. The SimpleDrive is default-formatted as an NTFS volume, which provides read-only access for Mac OS X. If you intend to use your SimpleDrive primarily with Macs, you will obviously want to format it as a journaled HFS+ volume, or if you anticipate using it with both the OS ex and Windows, it can also be formatted as a FAT32 volume. I don't have much truck with the Windows world, so I went with HFS+.
Oh yes, before formatting the drive, you will want to make sure to copy the One-Click Backup software to your computer's hard drive at least temporarily, as the copy that comes pray loaded on the drive will be raised during the initialization process. You can drag it back to the SimpleDrive once the latter is formatted.
Which you do using OS X Disk Utility. Just select the simple SimpleDrive in the left column list of mounted volumes, select Mac OS Extended from the pull-down menu, and the initialization will take a minute or so. The next step is to run the backup software installers from the copy you dragged to your hard drive. There are two installers: one for the Total Media Backup Software, and another for the SimpleTech Button Manager. The former doesn't require a restart, but the latter does, so install them In that order.
Upon installing the software and rebooting, I found that the SimpleDrive didn't automatically remount, and it was necessary to turn off the power switch and then switch the drive back on, at which point it showed up on the desktop. However, the drive remounts just fine when waking the computer from sleep.
SimpleTech describes the SimpleDrive as "designed for quiet operation," which is a relative concept I suppose. It's not really raucous, but it whines like a turbine spooling up and then settles down to a subdued but audible hum. Happily, the drive automatically spins down if there is no drive access for 10 minutes or so.
Using the SimpleDrive and the bundled software is pretty intuitive, but there is a good the illustrated user manual included on the CD that ships with the package.
A variety of backup protocols can be configured using the Total Media Backup software, including automated backup scheduling. I found that it took about two hours to back up the 23 gigabytes or so of all my non-system file content from the 80 gigabyte drive in my 17-inch PowerBook.
Which brings us to my only point of real dissatisfaction with this SimpleTech SimpleDrive - its lack of FireWire support. USB 2.0 is OK, but my gut tells me that in real world use, FireWire 400 is significantly faster than the actual throughput you get from nominally faster 480 MB per second USB 2.0. And even more importantly, FireWire is bootable (indeed zero-hassle bootable) on the Mac. USB 2.0 isn't. Happily, the SimpleDrive Deluxe with a combo USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 I/O interface is scheduled to begin shipping in May, which will render this already excellent product near-perfect in my estimation as an auxiliary and backup hard drive, and if bootability is not a priority for you, the standard USB 2.0 SimpleDrive represents a delightful melding of style and function. If you can't live without FireWire, just wait a few weeks and get a SimpleDrive Deluxe.
System Requirements
• PowerPC G4 400 MHz (recommended)
• Mac OS X (10.2.8, 10.3 or 10.4) operating system
• 100 MB free hard disk space
• 256 MB RAM recommended
• Available USB 2.0/1.1 port or (SimpleDrive Deluxe) FireWire 400 port
Specifications
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Hard Drive 3.5 inch, 7200 RPM
Capacity 160GB, 250GB, 320GB, 500GB and 750GB available
Cache Buffer 8MB (minimum)
Seek Time Less than 10 mSec
Transfer Rate Up to 34 MB/sec
Interface USB 2.0 compliant, 1.1 compatible; FireWire 400, 1394b compliant, 1394a compatible)
Interface Transfer Rate USB 2.0: Up to 480 MB/sec; FireWire 400: Up to 400 MB/sec (SimpleDrive Deluxe only)
Power External AC power adapter; 100/220V, 50/60 Hz AC input, 1.5 Vdc output
Operating Temperature 41° to 95° F (5° to 35° C)
Operating Humidity 5 - 95%, RH non-condensing
Compatibility Windows and Mac users (preformatted for Windows) - Windows 2000, XP, Vista,
MacOSX
Dimensions 8.2 in. x 5.1 in. x 1.5 in. (209 mm x 130 mm x 40 mm)
Weight 2.0 lbs. (0.91kg)
What’s Included
• SimpleDrive external disk drive (pre-loaded with ArcSoft TotalMedia Backup software)
• AC adapter and power cord
• USB 2.0 cable
• FireWire 400 cable (SimpleDrive Deluxe models only)
• Quick Start guide
• Warranty card
Manufacturer’s suggested pricing begins at $99 for the 160GB model.
Visit http://www.SimpleTech.com for local distribution channels and outlets, and for further details about SimpleTech warranty and unlimited technical support programs.
Digg this
del.icio.us
Charles W. Moore
Related categories • Hot Topics • News • Reviews • Hardware Reviews • MooresViews
Comments • Tell-a-Friend • Print • Today's Headlines
| RSS | Del.icio.us | Digg | Ma.gnolia | Reddit | Spurl | Newsvine | StumbleUpon |
Reader Comments
Next Article: StartupProfiler 0.1b - Shareware Beat
Previous Article: Widget Watch - Friday, April 20, 2007
Reader Specials
The Apple Store: Get free ground shipping on all orders over $50!
Speech Recognition for your Mac: Your online source for iListen, the Mac's top selling Speech Recognition Solution. Your one stop shopping center for Speech Recognition Software, ScriptPaks, Headset/Microphones, Digital Voice Recorders and Transcription Solutions.
AcctVantage Accounting & Business Management Software for Small Busines Server Racks Online: Apple Xserve CompatibleServer Racks and Universal Network Racks 42U KVM Switch Solutions: High-End Mac and Multi-Platform KVM Matrix switching solutions! Digital Camera Online: Great prices on Digital Cameras and accessories! KVM Switches Online: Great prices on Mac KVM Switches from the leading manufacturers! Rackmount LCD Monitors: Great prices on Rackmount LCD Monitors from the leading manufacturers! LCD Projectors Online: Shop online for LCD Projectors from the leading manufacturers! USB 2.0 Online: Great prices on USB 2.0 products from the leading manufacturers Serious Business Software: Accounting, Sales, Inventory, CRM, Shipping, Payroll & more! KVM Switch, Splitter & Extender: DAXTEN is specialized in KVM Switch, KVM Extender, Monitor Splitter and Data Center solutions for PC, SUN and MAC applications from name brand manufacturers. The Gadget Locker The iPod Accessories Store - iPod cases, iPod mini, iPod photo, speakers, itrip, inMotion, Soundstage and all other iPod accessories Earn Cash with the TheGadgetLocker.com Affiliates Program  |
|
|||||||
 The state of the art in Mac OS POP 3 Email clients (from B to T) |
|
||||||
 Spaces, which allows you to group various open application windows into multiple work environments, ergo: "spaces," and then switch among them quickly and easily, is probably my favorite innovation in Leopard, but it has this maddening bug.... Monday, March 31, 2008 Applelinks Tech Web Reader - Monday, March 31, 20083 • Mac Is The First To Fall In Pwn2Own Hack Contest
• Apple grants Windows PCs the right to run Safari for Windows • Firefox 4 Features Surface • Mozilla blasts Acid3 as Safari and Opera grab the brass ring • Digital SLR, Aperture Make Taking Photos Fun • A Fresh Firefox Install: Drastic But Cathartic • PCMag Reviews Axiotron Modbook Review • Adobe Joins List Of Companies Not Reading Own EULAs • MacBook (Early 2008) and MacBook Pro (Early 2008): Migration • The Tech Night Owl Newsletter: The Night Owl Examines the Great Mac Security Fraud • The Tech Night Owl: Exploring Apple's Time Capsule Spring Upgrades For Your old Pismo PowerBooks From Wegener Media6 New life for old Pismos with up to $90 in savings G4 upgrade card, 1GB RAM upgrade kits for $99, and special deals on slot-load optical kits
Photomatix Pro version 3.0 Increases The Dynamic Range Of Your Photographs6 If you have ever photographed a high contrast scene, you know that even the best exposure will typically have blown out highlights and flat shadows. Photomatix offers two ways to solve this problem The Online Bible Macintosh Version 3.5.1 & OS X beta 3.9.10y365 Now you can explore and experience a comprehensive Bible library all on one CD-ROM. Runs on any Macintosh computer with a CD-ROM drive that will emulate OS9 and allow classic Macintosh programming to run (Mac OS 10.4.11 and earlier)
iCab 4.0 Beta 41 Web Browser Released5 iCab has released version 4.0beta 41 if its Web browser. iCab 4.x has been completely rewritten and is now based on Cocoa instead of Carbon with iCab 3. The preferences have been cleaned up, with some old ones removed and some new added. The filter manager also has a completely new structure Acorn Image Editing Program For OS X Updated to Version 1.1.12652 A simple and easy to use image editor, built for the 21st century Applelinks iPhone News Reader - Monday, March 31, 20085By Staff, Monday, March
|
WebHosting/Applelinks.net
Cool Mac Gear• iPod Video • iPod nano • iPod 1G-2G • iPod 3G • iPod 4G • iPod Mini • PowerBook-iBook • Garageband
|
• Log In • Register • Search Applelinks • RSS Syndication • Newsletter • Advertising • iPod Gear
More Reviews
More Features
More Reader Comments |
|
||||
