SimpleDrive Deluxe

Reviewed by Eddie Hargreaves

SimpleTech 1830 East Warner Avenue Santa Ana, California 92705 (877) 486-155 International Sales: (949) 477-7700 http://www.simpletech.com/commercial/products/signaturedrive.php Released: April 9, 2007 $130 - $400 USD + (depending on capacity) - Click the link above for a sizing table. Requirements: Mac OS X, Available USB or FireWire port.   Strengths: Compact & stylish design, quiet operation, good documentation, included cables.   Weaknesses: Included backup software.   The unit reviewed was the 250GB SimpleDrive Deluxe, which includes both US and FireWire.

 

Introduction

 

With the introduction of Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and its spiffy new automated backup feature, Time Machine, external hard drives are even more important than ever. And SimpleTech has an attractive line in the SimpleDrive, ranging in capacity from 250GB to 1000GB (1 terabyte!).

 

First, I recommend using the SimpleDrive Deluxe, because in addition to the SimpleDrive’s normal USB port, the Deluxe model has two FireWire 400 ports. One can be used to connect to your Mac (and boot from) while the other can be used to daisy-chain other FireWire devices.

 

The other notable hardware features of the drive are the capacity meter and one-click backup button. The capacity meter is an illuminated ring that illuminates to indicate the amount of available storage space on the drive (in 25 percent increments), flashes to indicate reading and writing activity, and flashes red for 10 seconds if available space falls below 10 percent. I didn't find the meter very useful because it will only illuminate when power is first applied to the drive. It's also not particularly accurate because it only uses 25 percent increments. For instance, if the drive is 72 percent full, two of the four lights illuminate, giving the impression that the drive is 50 percent full.

 

The one-click backup button works with the included Total Media Backup software. I have never found backup software included with external hard drives to be particularly pleasant and Total Media Backup is no exception. It has a very Windows-like interface and the installer leaves an alias on the desktop. It also installs a menu icon that I found consumed an unhealthy amount of processing power even when the backup was not taking place or the drive was even connected.

 

But you are not required to use the Total Media Backup software. The drive is compatible with other software packages and if you have Leopard you will no doubt use Time Machine.

 

When set on its bottom the drive is only 1.5” tall (or wide, if you set it on its side), giving it a very low profile. Yet with a design by the renowned Ferrari design house Pininfarino, it’s still very stylish. Taking a cue from the auto world, you can choose between the colors Sapphire (blue) Charcoal (gray), Fire (red), Onyx (black) or Pearl (white). It also runs pretty quietly, especially when the drive goes to sleep.

 

Both a USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 cable are included, as well as a nice quick start guide with special information for Mac users. If that’s not enough, you also get a free 2GB account on myfabrik.com to store, manage and share your personal media online.

 

Conclusion

 

If you’ve upgraded to Leopard and are looking for a capacious, yet attractive external hard drive, check out SimpleTech’s SimpleDrive Deluxe. With capacities up to 1TB, you could manage to go way back in time.