ReviewFinder External Hard Drives

Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable

TLDR: The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive is a reliable and flexible storage solution with fast read and write speeds, but may not be the most durable option.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable rank #18 out of 38. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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9.0
Great

The product receives great reviews on average (consumer score 9.0). This is slightly above the median external hard drive score of 9.1.

About consumer score

Price:
The lowest price we found for Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable is $199.99, available here. This is above the median external hard drive price of $95.
  • Lowest price: $49.99
  • Median price: $95
  • Highest price: $207.97
  • Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable price: $199.99
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive is a reliable and flexible storage solution with fast read and write speeds, but may not be the most durable option.

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive is a reliable and flexible storage solution that offers three storage capacity options: 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB. It is highly compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems and can be easily reformatted for use with either system.

The drive has a fast read and write speed of around 107.2MB/s and 104.5MB/s respectively, with USB 3.0, making it ideal for individuals who need to transfer large files quickly, such as professionals who work with large media files. However, the drive may not be the best option for those looking for a durable external hard drive, as there have been reports of durability issues with premature failure being a major issue.

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive is a great option for those who need a simple and reliable external hard drive for storing and transferring large files, particularly useful for those who need to use it with different types of hosts, such as game consoles or media players.

Storage capacity

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive offers three storage capacity options and fast transfer speeds, making it ideal for individuals who need to store and transfer large amounts of data.

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive offers three storage capacity options: 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB. The higher storage capacity options provide more space to store files, documents, photos, and videos, and may offer faster transfer speeds due to reduced fragmentation.

The 2TB version costs $90, the 1TB version costs $60, and the 500GB version costs $54. The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable has been tested to have sustained copy speeds of over 120MBps for writing and almost 130MBps for reading, making it one of the fastest hard-drive-based portable drives.

This product is ideal for individuals who need to store large amounts of data, such as photographers, videographers, and gamers. It is also suitable for individuals who need to transfer large files quickly, such as professionals who work with large media files.

What is the maximum storage capacity offered by the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable?

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable offers a maximum storage capacity of 2TB.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the available storage capacity options for the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive?

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive is available with three storage capacity options: 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the different storage capacity options and prices available for the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive?

There are three different storage capacity options available for the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive: 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB. According to a product review on CNET, the 2TB version costs $90, the 1TB version costs $60, and the 500GB version costs $54. Please note that these prices are converted and may vary depending on your location. Additionally, there is a legacy version of the Seagate Expansion that costs $85 for 2TB, but it is essentially the same as the newer version.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What additional features or benefits come with the higher storage capacity options for Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable?

The higher storage capacity options for Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable offer more space to store your files, documents, photos, and videos. With larger capacity options, you can store more files without worrying about running out of space. Additionally, larger capacity options may offer faster transfer speeds due to the fact that the disks have more data stored on them, which can help to reduce fragmentation. However, it is important to note that the transfer speed also depends on the interface used by the drive, such as USB 3.0 or USB-C.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the read and write speeds of Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable at its maximum storage capacity?

There is no information available about the read and write speeds of Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable at its maximum storage capacity. However, according to a product review on CNET, in testing with USB 3.0, it registered a sustained copy speed of more than 120MBps for writing and almost 130MBps for reading, which are among the fastest for hard-drive-based portable drives.
Based on 5 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Compatibility

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive is highly compatible, versatile, and reliable, making it a suitable storage solution for a variety of needs.

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive is highly compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, and can be easily reformatted for use with either system. It is also plug-and-play, requiring no additional software or drivers for compatibility.

There are no specific limitations on the file types or sizes that can be stored on the hard drive, as long as the file system is supported by the host device. Additionally, the hard drive is suitable for use with gaming consoles and media players, making it a versatile storage solution for a variety of needs.

Overall, the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable is a reliable and flexible external hard drive that can meet the needs of a wide range of users.

Is the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems?

Yes, according to a product review on CNET, the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable can be used with both Windows and Mac operating systems. Out of the box, the drive is preformatted in the NTFS file system so it works right away with a Windows computer. However, if you want to use it with a Mac, you can easily reformat it into HFS+ in just a few seconds. Additionally, if you want to use the Seagate Expansion interchangeably in a mixed Windows and Mac environment, you can format it using the exFAT file system.
Based on 4 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable require any specific software or drivers to be installed for compatibility?

No, it doesn't require any specific software or drivers to be installed for compatibility. It is plug-and-play, meaning that it can be used right away without any additional software. According to a product review on CNET, the Expansion is preformatted in the NTFS file system so it works right away with a Windows computer, and if you want to use it interchangeably in a mixed Windows and Mac environment, you can also format it using the exFAT file system.
Based on 6 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any limitations on the file types or sizes that can be stored on the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive?

There are no specific limitations on the file types or sizes that can be stored on the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive. As long as the file system is supported by the host device, the hard drive should be able to store the files without any issues. However, it is always a good idea to check the compatibility of the file system and the host device before storing large files or transferring data.
Based on 4 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Can the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable be used with gaming consoles or devices?

Yes, according to a product review on CNET, the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive is especially good for a non-computer host, such as a game console or media player. In fact, the drive will also work with other popular hosts, such as game consoles or media players. The reviewer even tested it with the Xbox One and it worked very well. The drive was recognized quickly and could be used to save games and apps, as well as to store media for playback.
Based on 5 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Speed

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive has a fast read and write speed of around 107.2MB/s and 104.5MB/s respectively, with USB 3.0, making it a reliable choice for storing and transferring large files.

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive has a fast read and write speed of around 107.2MB/s and 104.5MB/s respectively, with USB 3.0. The Blackmagic Disk Speed test recorded a write speed of 177MB/s and a read speed of 178MB/s. However, the speed may vary based on factors such as the computer's hardware and the size and type of files being transferred.

The drive does not have any additional features that may affect its speed, such as caching or encryption. It works well with different types of hosts, such as game consoles, and can also be used interchangeably in a mixed Windows and Mac environment. The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive is a good choice for those who need a fast and reliable external hard drive for storing and transferring large files. It is also suitable for use with game consoles and media players.

What is the maximum read and write speed of the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable?

According to product reviews on CNET and goughlui.com, the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive has a sustained copy speed of more than 120MBps for writing and almost 130MBps for reading with USB 3.0. The Blackmagic Disk Speed test recorded a write speed of 177MB/s and a read speed of 178MB/s. However, it's important to note that these speeds may vary based on factors such as the computer's hardware and the size and type of files being transferred.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the read and write speeds of the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive and are there any factors that may affect these speeds, such as file size or type?

According to reviews from CNET and goughlui.com, the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive has a read speed of around 107.2MB/s and a write speed of around 104.5MB/s. These speeds are based on sequential transfers and may vary depending on the file size and type. Generally, larger files tend to have faster transfer rates than smaller files, and certain file types, such as compressed files, may take longer to transfer. However, these factors are unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall performance of the drive.
Based on 11 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable have any additional features that may affect its speed, such as caching or encryption?

Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive doesn't have any additional features that may affect its speed, such as caching or encryption. According to the product review on CNET, the portable drives that are faster generally have special performance-boosting features, such as RAID-0 or use a solid-state internal drive, which the Expansion does not.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any differences in speed when using the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable on different devices or operating systems?

According to the product review on CNET, the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive works well with different types of hosts, such as game consoles, and can also be used interchangeably in a mixed Windows and Mac environment. If you want to use it with a Mac, you can easily reformat it into HFS+. And if you want to use it with a game console or media player, just make sure you first format it into the supported file system. The drive was recognized quickly and worked well with the Xbox One according to the same review. So, there may be differences in speed depending on the device or operating system used, but the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive seems to work well with a variety of hosts.
Based on 8 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Durability

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive is not designed for durability and has a history of premature failure, making it a less reliable option compared to other rugged external hard drives.

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive is made of well-vented plastic material, but it is not advertised as a shock-resistant external hard drive and there is no information available to suggest that it is designed to withstand drops. There are no additional features that contribute to its durability, such as water resistance or dust protection.

However, there have been several reports of durability issues with premature failure being a major issue, with many customers experiencing disk failure after only a few weeks or months of use. The warranty for the product is three years, but it only covers the product and not data recovery. Overall, the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable may not be the best option for those looking for a durable external hard drive, and other options specifically designed for durability, such as the Silicon Power Rugged Armor A60 or the LaCie Rugged Mini, may be more suitable for users who need a more robust and reliable external hard drive.

What materials are used in the construction of the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable?

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive is made of well-vented plastic material according to a product review on AI.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive designed to be shock-resistant and able to withstand drops?

Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable is not advertised as a shock-resistant external hard drive, and there is no information available to suggest that it is designed to withstand drops. If you're looking for an external hard drive with shock-resistant features, you may want to consider other options that are specifically designed for durability, such as the Silicon Power Rugged Armor A60 or the LaCie Rugged Mini.

Does the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable have any additional features that contribute to its durability, such as water resistance or dust protection?

Sorry, I can only provide information about Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable's features mentioned on the product profile page. According to the information available, there is no mention of water resistance or dust protection features.

Are there any reported issues with the durability of Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable?

Yes, there have been several reports of durability issues with Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drives. According to reviews on ProductReview.com.au and goughlui.com, premature failure is a major issue, with many customers experiencing disk failure after only a few weeks or months of use. The typical failure found in these HDDs is relatively severe, with highly degraded disks containing bad sectors and complex firmware faults. Additionally, the head-assembly of the HDDs frequently fails.
Based on 6 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the warranty and customer support offered for the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable in regards to durability?

According to a product review on goughlui.com, the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive comes with a three-year warranty for Australia. However, according to a review on ProductReview.com.au, the warranty only covers the product and not data recovery. The customer support offered by Seagate for durability issues is not specified in the sources available in ReviewFinder database.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive offers fast and reliable data transfer and storage with USB 3.0 connectivity and backward compatibility with USB 2.0 devices, but does not support USB-C or Thunderbolt.

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive features a standard Micro-USB 3.0 port that supports USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connectivity. It is compatible with USB 3.0 and provides plug-and-play simplicity with the included 18-inch USB 3.0 cable. The drive also works with USB 2.0 at around 30MBps, which is as fast as the USB 2.0 standard can offer.

However, it does not support USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity. The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive is ideal for users who need a fast and reliable external hard drive for data transfer and storage. It is also suitable for those who require backward compatibility with USB 2.0 devices.

What types of ports are supported by the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable?

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive features a standard Micro-USB 3.0 port that supports USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connectivity. According to a product review on CNET, the drive also works with USB 2.0 at around 30MBps, which is as fast as the USB 2.0 standard can offer.
Based on 3 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable compatible with USB 3.0?

Yes, the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive is compatible with USB 3.0 and provides plug-and-play simplicity with the included 18-inch USB 3.0 cable. According to a product review on CNET, the drive registered a sustained copy speed of more than 120MBps for writing and almost 130MBps for reading with USB 3.0, which were among the fastest speeds among hard-drive-based portable drives.
Based on 4 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable support USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity?

Sorry, the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive does not support USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity. According to a product review on AI, it connects to your Mac or PC using USB 3.1. On the rear of the drive is a common barrel connector used for the included power supply and USB Micro-B port.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the supported ports for the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable and what are the transfer speeds for each port?

Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive has a USB 3.0 port, which can transfer data at speeds of up to 5Gbps. It is also backward compatible with USB 2.0, which has a maximum transfer speed of 480Mbps. According to a product review on CNET, the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive registered a sustained copy speed of more than 120MBps for writing and almost 130MBps for reading over USB 3.0, making it one of the fastest hard-drive-based portable drives.
Based on 2 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Design

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive has a simple design, fast performance, and is ideal for those who need a reliable and versatile option for storing and transferring large files.

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive has a simple and straightforward design with a well-vented plastic body that is slightly larger than the 3.5-inch hard drive inside. It features a faceted design with angled lines along the plastic body and hidden vents on the top, rear, and bottom.

The drive comes in an orange and white box and is small enough to be easily carried around in a purse or back pocket. The lack of sophisticated features on the Expansion has its own advantages as it allows the drive to remain simple and work well with different types of hosts, such as game consoles.

The Expansion also has a low-power internal drive that delivers fast performance, registering a sustained copy speed of more than 120MBps for writing and almost 130MBps for reading. The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable comes with a USB 3.0 cable that provides plug-and-play simplicity, making it ideal for transferring large files quickly.

It can also be formatted using the exFAT file system for use in a mixed Windows and Mac environment. Overall, the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive is a great option for those who need a simple and reliable external hard drive for storing and transferring large files.

It is particularly useful for those who need to use it with different types of hosts, such as game consoles or media players.

What are the dimensions and weight of the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive?

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive measures 4.8 inches by 3.2 inches by 0.6 inch (12.2 by 8.1 by 1.52cm) and weighs about 0.38 pounds (0.17kg), according to CNET's product review.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the color scheme and design aesthetic of the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive?

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable external hard drive comes in an orange and white box, and the drive shell itself features a faceted design according to the product review on goughlui.com. The enclosure has a striped appearance with angled lines along the plastic body and hidden vents on the top, rear, and bottom.
Based on 4 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the design features or elements that make Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable unique compared to other external hard drives?

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable External Hard Drive has a simple and straightforward design, with a well-vented plastic body that is just slightly larger than the 3.5-inch hard drive inside. It is small enough to be easily carried around in a purse or back pocket. According to CNET's review, the lack of sophisticated features on the Expansion has its own advantages as it allows the drive to remain simple and work well with different types of hosts, such as game consoles, something a password-protected drive can't do. The Expansion also has a low-power internal drive that surprisingly delivers fast performance, registering a sustained copy speed of more than 120MBps for writing and almost 130MBps for reading.
Based on 8 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What type of connectivity options does the Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable offer for connecting to a computer or gaming console, and how does this impact its design?

The Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable comes with a USB 3.0 cable that provides plug-and-play simplicity. This means that you can easily connect it to your computer or gaming console without the need for any additional software. The USB 3.0 connectivity option offers fast transfer speeds, making it ideal for transferring large files quickly. Additionally, if you want to use the Seagate Expansion interchangeably in a mixed Windows and Mac environment, you can also format it using the exFAT file system. According to CNET, the drive will also work with other popular hosts, such as game consoles or media players.
Based on 8 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 4 expert reviews of Seagate Expansion Desktop Portable.

Expert reviews [4]

65
Total expert reviews: 4
  • with a score: 3
  • without a score: 1
Highest score by CNET
81
Average score based on 4 reviews
65
Lowest score by ProductReview.com.au
54

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.