G-Technology G-DRIVE mobile 0G02420 500GB USB 3.0 Silver Portable Hard Drive G-Technology G-DRIVE mobile 0G02420 500GB USB 3.0 Silver Portable Hard Drive G-Technology G-DRIVE mobile 0G02428 1TB USB 3.0 Silver Portable Hard Drive

Pros: I am putting this review in to correct review misuse and clear up some misconceptions. This external hard drive uses a "proprietary" USB 3.0 cable that powers and transfers data on this drive. You cannot plug just a standard USB 3.0 cable and expect it to work. One side needs to be plugged in for the data connection and the other for the power. The good news is that these A connectors usually form a snug fit. You can find replacements of these, but almost none transfer truly at 3.0 speeds. The current market is just not demanding enough.

The Casing of the hard drive is very nice and solid. It actually does live up to the advertising potential. You can even watch videos to see how well it's made.

The form factor is about your average laptop hard drive size. Add an inch on every side. The drive fits nicely in laptop bags, but expands slightly outward. Would not recommend carrying it in your pocket or purse.

Transfer speeds are on par with USB 3.0. Not the fastest external, but noticeable enough. The overall speeds will mostly depend on what you're transferring and backing up.

Cons: There is nothing more aggravating than seeing Neweggers post reviews for products they do not even own. It is even worse seeing them spread misinformation to make up for their lack of tech knowledge and insecurities. First off, your standard USB 3.0 cables are no where "thicker" than your USB 2.0. They are actually about the same size. This cable is thicker because it has to transfer both data and power, and also uses an 'A' connector too. They make them thick to prevent any bends or crimps in the original cable. Purchase any USB 3.0 peripheral and you'll find the cable is about the same on par of your 2.0 (the end-connectors are slightly larger).

You can order a replacement cable, but it will not be an exact copy. It will be a Y-cable instead. Y-cables are much more convenient and tend to be longer, but have yet to reach exact 3.0 speeds. So be informed at what you are buying ahead of time.

The speeds are greater than 2.0, but not the faster 2.0. G definitely took some shortcuts with the hard drive speeds.

500 GB is sufficient enough for general backups, and absolutely perfect for Timemachine. Don't use this drive to constantly play movies off of because you'll burn it up in no time.

Other Thoughts: It is a good drive at the end of the day and sufficient for most uses. But don't post reviews to make up for your insecurities. It just makes your actual tech knowledge look like an one, or even a "generous" two.

Pros: I am putting in this review to offset "Ken's" lack of understanding connectors and cables. Ken, THAT IS a standard USB 3.0 connector. USB 3 cables ARE way thicker than USB 2.0 cables. The "USB" mini connector is ONLY USB 2.0 and is several years older than the USB Micro connector (many cell phones use this) and USB Micro is also USB 2.0 ONLY. The cable is totally standard (look up USB 3.0 cable images for ANY device and you will see the same connector).

Cons: It is frustrating to see non informed people write reviews who do not understand this is NOT a proprietary cord. You could order ANY USB 3.0 cord from any maker and get the connectors in question. Now if the drive was slow, if the drive failed, if the drive got finger prints too easily, if the drive was no longer detect by Windows (don't forget to use "Safely eject" every time you disconnect USB drives - thumb or hard drive) if the drive got dented too easily, if the case cracked, if the drive got too warm (use CrystalDiskInfo to see what EXACT hard drive is inside the enclosure, with speed info etc.) those are all valid points, but the cable, which is generic???

Pros: Nice brushed aluminum case, simple and easy to use with my MacBook Pro. Quiet and cool running

Cons: USB Cable is non-standard, stiff, and too easy to damage The disk drive end is not a regular mini-USB type - fragile and far too easy to deform in normal road warrior activities. After just 12 days of use, I am beginning to have intermittent read and write failures.

Other Thoughts: I would think twice (or more) before purchasing this again. Although the price performance appeared good, the hardware case will probably have to be pried open and the drive put into a robust case with a standard USB - mini-USB connecting cable.