At a GlanceExpert's Rating
Pros
- Pleasing design
- flash drive and cloud syncing provide full backup solution
- bundled software is simple and effective
Cons
- Not Time Machine ready out of the box
- Cooliris browser feels contrived
- can get loud
- annoying flashing front light
Our Verdict
The drive can get loud when transferring large files and the accompanying flashing light is horrible. But you do get a lot for your money.
Hitachi’s LifeStudio drive is an interesting attempt to stand out from the crowd. First, its design is fresh and exciting; there’s a magnetic connection on the front that holds a 4GB flash drive to sync important documents from your Mac or the hard drive itself for use on the go.
Although not prepared for Time Machine, the bundled backup software is clean and simple and includes simultaneous transfer to 3GB of free cloud storage in the bargain.
File navigation can be performed via a customised version of Cooliris that also provides access to social media sites for browsing photos, but this feels a bit gimmicky. You’ll probably revert to the Finder for daily use, where 2.5GB copied over within two minutes.