The 500GB G-SAFE External Hard Drive Array from G-Technology is an external hard drive array that provides real-time mirrored backup of all data. The array features two 500GB hard drive modules in a RAID 1 configuration for real-time backup of data. Data is mirrored to both physical drives, so if a single drive fails your data will remain secure.
The array connects to a computer via eSATA. The array features a front-panel LCD for monitoring, as well as an audible alarm that sounds in the event of drive failure. Each drive can be swapped with ease, allowing you to easily replace a failed disk, or to swap to a different RAID set. The drive ships formatted with the HFS+ file system for Mac OS X, but can be reformatted for use in Windows.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 500GB |
| Interface |
1x eSATA 1x USB 2.0 2x 9-Pin FireWire-800 |
| Drive Speed | 7200rpm |
| Buffer | ≤ 32MB |
| Average Seek Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Sustained Data Transfer Rate | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| System Requirements |
Operating System: Windows 2000, XP, Vista; Mac OS X 10.3.x Hardware: FireWire-800, eSATA, or USB 2.0 port |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Mounting | Desktop |
| Power Requirements |
AC: 120VAC Consumption: 200W |
| Environmental Requirements | None |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 4.9 x 7.6 x 4" (12.7 x 19.3 x 10.2cm) |
| Weight | 10 lb (4.5kg) |
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Reviewed by 4 customers
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Comments about G-Technology 500GB G-SAFE External Hard Drive Array:
I am using this external drive as a backup to mostly photo and video projects. It runs quickly and quietly, and worked great right of the box. Looks good with my other G-Technology drive.
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Comments about G-Technology 500GB G-SAFE External Hard Drive Array:
Cheap, relieable backup for my files.
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Comments about G-Technology 500GB G-SAFE External Hard Drive Array:
Bought this for all my photos and use as the main drive and backup for my Lightroom Catalog. Transfer speed on FW800 no problem for photo editing. Bought the 500G size. Very happy.
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Comments about G-Technology 500GB G-SAFE External Hard Drive Array:
With my photography business expanding, I've looked for the best way of safely backing up my files, both in my studio and off-site. The G-SAFE system seems to fill the bill perfectly. It has very high build quality. It sets up like a dream. If I weren't trying to be ultra-careful when I opened the box and read every word of the instructions before I turned it on (usually the best thing with any device), I could have simply plugged it in and started moving my files immediately over to its icon on my desktop. (This is true with Mac OS Xs. Apparently there's some formatting procedures to do with Windows OS's.)
Now with the G-SAFE, I can have the potential for quadruple redundancy: my own computer's hard drive, the G-SAFE's two mirroring hard drives, and if I want I can easily copy my files onto a third or more drive module to keep at another location. The off-site module can be used in disaster relief in the highly unlikely occasion of on-site drive failures.
The copying process is ultra-smooth. A word to the wise: if you don't have FireFire 800 on your computer and only have the 400, get a 800 to 400 cable (Nine pin to six pin). It transfers data by my measurement 15 to 22 times faster than the USB 2.0 cable alone. I'm guessing the 800 to 800 FireWire and the e-SATA cables transfer are relatively like lightning--what you'd need in video production. It's the difference between being happy you have an external hard drive and wishing you were in some other line of business.
My only reservation might be the cautionary tone the G-SAFE literature takes about the potential for drive failures. Failures might be necessary to mention, yet they do go on a bit for what they claim to be the ultimate in safe external hard drives. It makes me slightly wary.
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