Just as Apple rolled out new MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs with USB 3.0 connectivity, Seagate Technology (http://www.seagate.com) introduced Backup Plus storage devices.
Of course, other companies make USB 3.0 drives, but Seagate’s timing was impeccable. The drives — especially the US$139.99, 1TB portable model, which I’ve been test driving — is especially suited to the MacBook Air, with its limited storage capacity. However, the BackUp devices are good companions for any Mac — and, well, Windows systems — as they offer easy setup, one-click backup and the ability to save and share your content on Facebook and Flickr. You can also use the Backup Plus for Mac portable with FireWire 800 or Thunderbolt. However, you’ll have to spring for adapters from Seagate, which are a not-inconsiderable $80 or so each. I’d recommend sticking with USB 3.0 or else getting a Thunderbolt drive (there are no FireWire 800 ports on the MacBook Airs or Retina Display MacBook Pro).
USB 3.0, FireWire 800 or Thunderbolt, the Seagate drive is easy to set up. You can choose from two easy backup options: automatic or scheduled. The Backup Plus is also portable; bus powered, its needs no external power supply.
Seagate says the Backup Plus drives are the world’s first external drives to “provide backup for content on social networks, such as Facebook and Flickr” (as well as YouTube). They also offer a single-click method to Save (download) and Share (upload) personal videos and photos to these sites.
That’s cool, but I’m most impressed that the BackUp Plus portable offers a fast, external hard drive. If you have a MacBook Air, I’d strongly advise you to make the 1TB Backup Plus a tool in your arsenal. It will expand your storage options considerably.
Rating: 8 out of 10
— Dennis Sellers