Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 1.5 TB USB 3.0 Ultra-Portable External Hard Drive in Black STAA1500100
Status: Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 1.5 TB USB 3.0… (1.5TB hard drive): Unavailable on Amazon as of . SpecPicks has no in-stock 1.5TB hard drive on file; an Amazon search for "1.5TB hard drive" lists current offers with the same specs. eBay sellers may still list this model new or used.
Bottom line: The Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 1.5 TB USB 3.0 Ultra-Portable External Hard: 1.5 TB holds a full system backup plus a large media library; main trade-off: fireWire 800 and eSATA adapters are sold separately.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 1.5 TB holds a full system backup plus a large media library
- ✓ USB 3.0 plug-and-play, no driver install needed
- ✓ Same drive upgrades to FireWire 800 or eSATA via swappable adapter
- ✓ Preloaded backup and encryption software included
Cons
- ✗ FireWire 800 and eSATA adapters are sold separately
- ✗ Spinning platter drive, so slower than an SSD of the same size
- ✗ TV and network playback requires buying other GoFlex products
- ✗ Bundled Seagate software is Windows-oriented; Mac users often reformat
Manufacturer description
The Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 1.5 TB ultra-portable external hard drive is built around a modular idea: the drive itself stays the same, while the connector adapts to whatever machine you plug it into. Out of the box you get USB 3.0 plug-and-play connectivity, so it works immediately on a modern laptop or desktop with no driver install. If your workflow depends on a different interface, the GoFlex adapter system lets you upgrade the same drive to FireWire 800 or eSATA by swapping the cable rather than buying a second enclosure. The 1.5 TB capacity gives you room for a full system backup plus…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 1.5 TB USB 3.0 Ultra-Portable External Hard… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the external storage category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the external storage category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for external storage of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this drive work with USB 2.0 ports?
The included adapter is USB 3.0, which is backward compatible with USB 2.0 ports, though transfer speeds drop to USB 2.0 rates. Check the product listing for the exact adapter shipped with your unit.
How much can I actually store on 1.5 TB?
1.5 TB is enough for a complete system backup alongside a sizable photo, music, and video library. Usable capacity after formatting is slightly lower than the advertised 1.5 TB, as is standard for all hard drives.
Can I use it with FireWire 800 or eSATA instead of USB?
Yes. The GoFlex design separates the drive from its connector, so pairing it with the matching GoFlex FireWire 800 or eSATA upgrade cable converts the same drive. Those cables are purchased separately.
Does it come with encryption software?
Yes, Seagate preloads backup and encryption software on the drive so you can set up protected, scheduled copies of your files without sourcing a third-party tool.
Is this drive good for Mac?
It connects over USB 3.0 to any Mac with a compatible port, but the preloaded software is Windows-oriented, so many Mac owners reformat the drive for Time Machine. Confirm current Mac compatibility on the product listing.
Key Features
- USB 3.0 plug-and-play drive
- Easy-to-use preloaded backup and encryption software
- Upgradable to FireWire 800 or eSATA
- Access content over the network and on TV when paired with other GoFlex products
- USB 3.0 plug-and-play drive
Full Specifications
| Brand | Seagate |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Model Name | Goflex Desk |
| Form Factor | Portable |
| Media Speed | 120 |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Model Number | STAA1500100 |
| Built-In Media | USB 3.0 Adapter |
| Hard-Drive Size | 1536 GB |
| Mfr Part Number | STAA1500100 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Special Feature | Portable |
| Hardware Platform | Mac, PC |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop, Laptop |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5000 megabits_per_second |
| Enclosure Material | Aluminum, Glass, Or Ceramic |
| Additional Features | Portable |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 1.1 |
| Warranty Description | 2 year |
Ready to buy?
Amazon shows no buyable offer for Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex 1.5 TB USB 3.0… at the last check. An Amazon search for "1.5TB hard drive" lists current offers. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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