We’d like to introduce you to the Seagate Backup Plus Slim, another portable hard disc drive based on the tried-and-true ST2000LM007 that was introduced in the first quarter of 2016 and is still in production today.
Back up your data with the Backup Plus Slim (STHN1000402), which is available in 1TB and 2TB sizes and comes in light blue, black, or brushed metal finishes. For $60 and $80, respectively, these drives are available for purchase on Amazon.
With a USB 3.0 connection and an adapter for previous USB 2.0 standards, the Backup Plus Slim is a portable hard disc drive with a large storage capacity. In terms of physical dimensions, it’s similar to an SD card but significantly smaller, making it easy to carry in your pocket or handbag.
The drive is covered by a one-year limited guarantee, which is the same as that offered by the vast majority of portable hard disc drives (that I know of). Alternatively, if you do not want physical protection for your data, you may always opt for a three-year warranty instead.
It also comes with two software packages, Seagate Dashboard and Seagate Media Plus, which are both highly recommended. One of the most useful features of this programme is that it allows you to manage all of your discs and backup data on your computer while also providing some information about each of them (such as how much space they are using up).
When in typical use, the Backup Plus Slim is powered by a single AA battery that is expected to last for around two years (as we saw in our review of the old ST2000LM007). The battery is a good example of this.
Pros and Cons
• Pros
- MyLio Create and Adobe Creative Suite are two programmes that may be used to create graphics.
- A performer who is somewhat above average in terms of ability.
• Cons
- A TWO-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY IS INCLUDED.
- If you only want storage space, the cost will be higher.
OUR PERSPECTIVE
One has to wonder why Seagate has published a new version of its Backup Plus software. It makes use of the same three-year-old drive as its predecessor and doesn’t bring anything new to the table, which is particularly disappointing given the somewhat higher price tag – though you do get Mylio Create and Adobe CC software as part of the package.
Using Seagate’s Mylio software, users may save and access files from any device, regardless of where they are physically located. It also allows you to share your files with others, such as friends, family, and coworkers Alternatively, you may send the files straight from your mobile phone to their email account, rather than uploading them through a web browser.
It comes with Seagate Media Plus software, which is included with the Backup Plus Slim. The ability to backup all of your vital data across many desktops and mobile devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, Android phones and tablets, and iPhones is provided by this feature. AES encryption technology (256-bit key length) is also supported, providing you with an additional layer of security.
It is a fantastic product at an inexpensive price, but it has one significant flaw: it does not support the new USB Type-C connection standard, which is required to charge mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It is thus recommended that you pick the Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB instead of this one if you have a smartphone that supports USB Type-C charging.
Design
The Backup Plus Slim is unremarkable in any manner; its design is straightforward and utilitarian, and it is not seeking to win any awards with its appearance. Seagate chose a polycarbonate chassis with a thin brushed metal overlay as its chassis material. Nothing much to look at on this drive, save from the Seagate logo and a white status indicator light.
It is pleasant to hold and operate, even for extended periods of time, thanks to a rubber grip on the front and a broader rubber ring around the body.
Powered by a single NAND flash memory chip, which is concealed under a detachable metal shell, the drive may be easily replaced. A key found at the bottom of the drive may be used to unlock it; Seagate claims that this will be beneficial if you wish to update your drive in the future, or if you want to change the operating system on your drive.
The metal shell also serves to protect the flash memory chip from physical harm, such as when it is dropped on a hard surface, for example. After you’ve removed the cover, you’ll notice two screws holding it in place. Remove these screws and replace the cover.
Despite the fact that the Mylio software is pre-installed on the drive, you may download extra software from Seagate’s website if you so want (see ‘Additional resources’ below). Mylio is available in two different versions: Mylio Create and Mylio Pro.
PERFORMANCE INDIVIDUALS BENCHMARKS
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim performed admirably in our benchmark tests, as follows:
On CrystalDiskMark (write), the performance was 141MBps (read); 137MBps (write). On CrystalDiskMark (read), the performance was 144 MB/s (read, 256 MB); 137 MB/s (write) (write, 256mb)
Because of the age of the ST2000LM007 drive, which has two 1TB platters spinning at 5,400 RPM and a 128MB cache, this device is incompatible with today’s standards. Surprisingly, the cost of the drive when purchased alone is more than the cost of the drive when purchased as part of the Backup Plus Slim. It’s impossible to believe, yet it’s true.
Despite the fact that the Backup Plus Slim does not support USB Type-C charging, it is somewhat less expensive than the Seagate Backup Plus 2TB, which does allow USB Type-C charging and is therefore a better value.
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim may be used as a portable hard drive in addition to its primary function. It’s ideal for this purpose because it’s lightweight and slim, allowing you to quickly slide it into your pocket or purse and carry it with you while you’re on the road or on vacation. Additionally, the Backup Plus Slim is compatible with the Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems.
Look no farther than the Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB if you want a drive that supports USB Type-C charging as well as a disc with a larger storage capacity. However, it is only useful if you have a smartphone that supports USB Type-C charging, as this is the only way to store movies and audio files as well as documents (which is likely to be all of them).
Alternatively, you may download the Seagate Mylio programme (for Windows) or the Mylio Pro software (for Mac). You can also get the Seagate Desktop software (Mac)
The level of competitiveness is high.
However, while Seagate’s 5TB portable hard drive has no direct competitors, the situation is considerably different for products with lower capacities, such as Seagate’s previous models.
For example, the previous Backup Plus Slim is available for $45 and $60 for 1TB and 2TB devices, respectively, depending on the configuration. Another Seagate series, Expansion, is just as competitive, with costs ranging between $40 and $65 for capacities that are virtually similar (note: all quoted prices are from Amazon.com, and correct at the time of writing).
Western Digital and Toshiba have slightly higher price than the competition. One company in particular, Silicon Power, which sells a 4TB shockproof and waterproof external hard disc drive for $110 – the same price as the new Backup Plus Slim – needs to be mentioned.
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim is a fantastic choice for a portable hard drive despite the fact that the competition is tough. It is not without flaws, but its price and storage capacity are hard to surpass.
If you’re searching for a drive with even more storage space than the 2TB model, you could be better off acquiring an external hard disc drive such as the Seagate 4TB Expansion or the Toshiba Canvio Basics 2TB, which are also available for purchase.
Conclusion
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim portable hard drive is an improvement over the company’s previous models, and it offers a variety of benefits over its competitors. It’s compact, lightweight, and fashionable, making it ideal for sliding into a pocket or bag and carrying with you on your vacations or excursions.
Given that it has two 1TB drives, it provides ample storage capacity; if you want more space, you should consider purchasing one of Seagate’s bigger drives (such as the 5TB). The Backup Plus Slim may be used as a portable hard drive since it has adequate storage space to hold movies, music files, and other important data.
Despite the fact that it does not support USB Type-C charging, it is somewhat less expensive than the Seagate Backup Plus 2TB, which does allow USB Type-C charging.
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim is available for purchase from Amazon.com for $99.99, which is a reasonable price when considering the storage capacity of the device.
As of this writing, the Seagate Backup Plus Slim portable hard drive is the finest USB-C external hard drive available on the market right now (July 2018).