Seagate One Touch 5TB Portable Hard Drive: features, specs and who it suits

The Seagate One Touch 5TB (model STKZ5000400) is a pocket-sized external hard drive for backing up and carrying files. It connects over USB 3.0, works with Windows, Mac and Chromebook computers, and has a brushed metal enclosure. It suits anyone whose laptop storage is filling up with photos, documents and videos.

Capacity and everyday use

Seagate lists up to 5TB of capacity. In practical terms, that is room for a large photo library, years of documents and a good amount of video. You plug the drive in over USB 3.0, and Seagate says you can back up with a single click or schedule automatic daily, weekly or monthly backups. Scheduled backups are a sensible habit, since a copy that runs by itself is more likely to exist when you need it.

Password-activated hardware encryption

The drive offers password-activated hardware encryption. In general, hardware encryption means the drive itself scrambles the stored data, and a password unlocks it. If the drive is lost, someone who plugs it in should not be able to read the files without the password. Set a password you will remember, because lost passwords on encrypted drives are often impossible to recover.

Connection and compatibility

The drive comes with a USB cable and works with Windows, Mac and Chromebook. Seagate notes that you need to buy an adapter separately if your computer has only USB-C ports, and that Time Machine use on a Mac may need reformatting. Many drives ship formatted for Windows, so Mac users should expect to check the format first.

Included services

Seagate says the purchase includes a Mylio Photos complimentary subscription and a Dropbox Backup Plan trial, both to be redeemed within one year of registering the drive. The offers are not available in all countries and may change, so see the packaging for the official terms. Seagate also lists a limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery Services.

Size and weight

It measures about 4.5 x 3.1 x 0.8 inches (around 114 x 79 x 20 mm) and weighs 0.6 lb (roughly 270 g), so it slips into a bag or a jacket pocket. As with any hard drive that has spinning parts inside, it is best to avoid knocks while it is running.

Who it suits

It suits students, travellers and home users who want a simple, portable way to back up a laptop or move large files between computers, with a password option for private data.

What to check before you buy

• The ports on your computer. USB-C-only machines need an adapter.
• The format. Windows and Mac prefer different file systems, so you may need to reformat for Mac backups.
• Whether the bundled software offers are available in your country.
• Your backup plan. One external drive is one copy, so keep another copy of anything important.
• The warranty and data recovery terms for your region.

The short version

• Portable 5TB external hard drive with USB 3.0.
• Password-activated hardware encryption.
• Works with Windows, Mac and Chromebook, with scheduled backups.
• Brushed metal case and a pocket-friendly size.
• Check the USB-C adapter and formatting needs before you start.

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