Question 1

Can this be used for a macbook pro? What does formatting entail if it needs to be done? (I'm not experienced with this.)

Accepted Answer

I�ve been using a Seagate portable drive for Time Machine backups on a series of MacBook Pros for years (Currently a 2021 M1). I don�t know if it�s the same model as you�re asking about. It works as well as any other moving-parts (non-SSD) drive I�ve used � it�s been a reliable worker all the time I�ve had it but is noticeably slower than my solid-state drive. For backups it doesn�t matter much, except that it takes longer to unmount.

If it needed to be reformatted when I first bought it, I will have done it with Apple�s Disk Utility, one of the utilities that comes with every Mac. The process is simple & straightforward.

If and when it eventually dies, I�ll probably replace it with a Samsung T7 portable SSD, like my other backup drive.

Question 2

Would this hard drive be suitable as an external backup?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this hard drive supports automatic file synchronization and includes backup software, making it suitable for external backups.

Question 3

Can this hard drive serve as a USB backup?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this hard drive offers customized backup and folder mirroring, making it suitable for use as a USB backup.

Question 4

I'm hoping someone can help me with concerns about this product?  I was hoping to be able to drag and drop folders into it (macbook pro). I can't. I thought I did everything correctly weeks ago. Time machine will allow it to back up, but then it seems time machine "forgets" that the back up happened. Anyway, my hope for this seagate product was to be able to drag and drop into it, and not necessarily back up my entire laptop. I don't think it should be this complicated. I'm not sure what the mirror utility is meant for either.  ("Mirror" utility came up when registering the product at Seagate).

I just did another complete backup and it worked fine. But, again, my hope was to be able to drag and drop folders.  Any insights would be welcome.

Accepted Answer

The issue you are describing is Mac-specific and has nothing to do with the Seagate drive as you said "Time Machine" forgot that the backup happened. Recommend checking on Mac forums as to why the Mac system is doing that.

"Mirror" is a Seagate product for backing up on Mac or PC. It sounds like an alternative to using "Time Machine". If the Mac software continues to misbehave, perhaps try Mirror.

Question 5

Is this a SSD?   Package seems a little bigger than normal.

Accepted Answer

No, this is not a SSD. It is a Seagate 1TB One Touch Portable Hard Drive.

Questions & Answers