Iomega eGo Portable USB 3.0

This hard drive USB 3.0 500GB is prettier than fast

The eGo Portable USB 3.0 is protected by a hull very rigid, but does not offer significant performance.

The Iomega eGo USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive is a 2.5-inch mobile operating the USB 3.0. Its transfer rates are up sharply.

The expectations before test

Iomega launches in turn in the race for USB 3.0 hard drives. The strategy of the firm is not to change or close to its eGo line: we keep the same casing, the same storage capacity, and it only changes the converter chip to switch to USB eSATA to USB 3.0. If this eGo Portable USB 3.0 is apparently identical to the previous external USB 2.0 hard drives from Iomega, however it is presented as much more rapid. Furthermore, it retains the function Drop Guard, which is supposed to protect against falls to 1.3m in height.

The reality

The eGo is a bit heavier than other portable hard drives we’ve tested. The 500GB model weighs 230g, while other USB 3.0 drives of similar capacity weigh less than 200 g, as the NH01 A-Data (196 g) or even Store’n'Go Verbatim (160 g). This weight is due largely to the hull of the disc with gray lacquered surface probably weighs a little heavier than that, plastic, a more basic housing. This shell is also very rigid, but that does not mean stronger word: said rigid brittle shells while others may be more flexible, more resistant while protecting the internal disk with the same efficiency.

Performance in tests

The rate of transfers through the hard eGo are not extraordinary, but still average. The access time is in contrast to lag 24.5 ms, while all the competition is between 15 and 18 ms. The flow of the eGo rise to 79 MB / s read and 78 MB / s write exactly the same values as those obtained by the NH01. Other external drives 2.5 inch rise to 85 MB / s read and write, and even exceed the 100 MB / s when the internal hard drive running at 7200 rpm, as the LaCie Rugged USB 3.0. In the transfer of small files, the performance of the eGo decrease somewhat faster than its competitors, but the differences are not really meaningful.
Let’s be clear, the speed of such products depends primarily on the hard drive inside this enclosure. Some models are faster than others, you just know that the converter chip eSata to USB 3.0 will not be the limiting factor.

And the fall!

This external drive features the Drop Guard technology, we also tested. It is supposed to protect the disc from a fall of 1.3 m in height. We dropped the disc with a height of 74 cm, twice, when he was off. And, unfortunately, the eGo has not resisted. The internal drive was not working at all, emitting a sound typical of the hard drive suffered a mechanical failure, unable to get under way. In short, the eGo is not as strong as expected, although it must be clear, it is not sold as an external hard drive “rugged”, that is to say, strengthened against shocks.

Test and review conclusions

In short, the tenth eGo hard drive 2.5 inch USB 3.0 that we tested in recent weeks. It is in the low average in terms of performance. Its hard shell, and very pretty, inspires some confidence, but offers no more protection than another. Question tariff, it also remains in the average: 119 euros is the recommended retail price. For now, we still advise particularly hard Transcend, fast and light. Those who prefer the aesthetics crack however this certainly Iomega, one of the most beautiful of all.

The disc weighs 180 grams and features a hardware protection against accidents, Iomega Drop Guard, supposed to ensure the survival of the device after a free fall of 1.3 meters. This disc eGo Portable USB 3.0 500GB is available at advertised price of 119 euros, with a warranty of three years.

Positive points (pros)

* Performance of USB 3.0
* Software Suite provided

Negative points

* Nothing

Technical specifications

Type
External
Hard disk capacity (in GB)
500
Format
2.5 inches