Seagate FreeAgent DockStar Network Adapter STDSA10G-RK (White) Review
1. I am writing this note after three weeks of presumed flawless service.
2. Before you read further here, read Florida Matt's gift of a post, "You can use it without signing up for pogoplug."
Because I am decades past buying technology based solely on random praise, I researched the network adapter subject in some detail. There are a few ways to establish network drives; this one works for me. It's inexpensive, it doesn't require that I keep more than one computer occupied while saving to a shared drive, and, while not super-fast, it works for backup and for routine file access. (For example, it moves an album's worth of .mp3s in something like a minute, a bit slower than a PC to PC file exchange on my serviceable but not even near state-of-the-art home network, but acceptable to someone who remembers 300 baud modems.)
I never even looked at the Pogoplug option. I ordered the DockStar with fingers crossed after reading Florida Matt's description of the hardware-only solution, which worked fine the first time I followed it and has subsequently worked flawlessly -- with one possible exception I'll describe in a minute.
I have a 1T Seagate FreeAgent Go drive and a 500G Maxtor OneTouch 4 attached to the DockStar, which is plugged into an aging but absolutely serviceable D-Link DI-624 router. My principal desktop computer is also wired to the router. My principal laptop, a printer, and a few other computers connect wirelessly. For the record, I'm handicapped, so I work primarily on the laptop, while using the desktop for big applications, for managing my extensive music and audiobook collection, and for comprehensive file management. I was using the external hard drives only for backup before ordering the DockStar; now the Seagate FreeAgent continues to do automated backup but also serves as my primary network drive and all my current work is created and maintained there. The Maxtor continues primarily to do backup, including backup of the active portion of the Seagate. (My wife, a journalist, uses only Mac equipment, fancy phones and the like, but has always had free access to my network-attached computers, She has also been able to see and use the new Dockstar network drive from the day of installation.)
I realize there are synch tools that could address my current needs; right now, I'm just more comfortable with the network drive.
As for the single possible exception to flawlessness, after two weeks of routine service by the DockStar network drive, I suddenly noticed that I was experiencing random slow-downs in my normally reliable Comcast-provided internet connection and especially in saving internet files. Since Comcast now provides free Norton security, which showed no new or previously intercepted threats, and since I don't go where I shouldn't, I thought the problem might well originate with my latest system change, that is, connecting the DockStar. I fussed and fussed for a couple of hours, then thought I'd attack the problem from another direction and reinstalled Firefox. In the subsequent week there have been no problems. Could DockStar have introduced the problem? It's possible, but right now I'm betting against it.
So, if you want to create an inexpensive independent network drive that will work for routine file access, I'd recommend that you try the DockStar and set it up according to Florida Matt's instructions.
Seagate FreeAgent DockStar Network Adapter STDSA10G-RK (White) Feature
- File sharing at its simplest with a clean, web-based interface.
- Access files from any networked PC or Mac® computer in your home.
- After service activation, access and share files with friends, over the internet no special software required.
- Enables friends to upload content as well, creating a comprehensive share space.
- Appears as a local drive whether in the home or accessed through the internet, for simple drag-and-drop access.
- Includes Pogoplug Internet file sharing service - no subscription or additional fees required.
Seagate FreeAgent DockStar Network Adapter STDSA10G-RK (White) Overview
The FreeAgent DockStar network adapter allows you to share your digital life with anyone, anywhere. Centralize your files to a single location and access them with any networked computer in your home. Create a shared space for your friends to download content you designate and to upload their own content.The FreeAgent DockStar network adapter is a compact dock which allows FreeAgent Go portable drives and most USB storage devices to be shared on your local network or accessed remotely via the internet, after service activation. The FreeAgent Go drive simply slides into the FreeAgent DockStar network adapter, making it easy to remove when you want to take the drive with you while on-the-go. All other USB storage devices plug into one of the two rear-mounted or one side-mounted USB ports. The FreeAgent DockStar network adapter simultaneously supports up to four storage devices, so you will never have to worry about running out of storage space. Simply plug in two cables (Ethernet and power) and visit the web activation page to activate and automatically configure the network adapter. Once activated, you can access all your files with a clean, web-based interface. The same interface is used to view files from any networked computer in your home and outside of the home when accessing files remotely. The user interface displays all the files on all of the drives you have connected to the FreeAgent DockStar network adapter, along with all of the files shared with you by other FreeAgent DockStar network adapter owners.You can easily navigate the user interface with thumbnail or list views, search by file name or filter by media type. The FreeAgent DockStar network adapter also appears like a local drive on your computer, so that you can easily navigate and drag-and-drop files just like a folder on your desktop.
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 20, 2010 00:49:06
