USB 2.0 has been a widely accepted standard for around 10 years. It is time to get something faster, and USB 3.0 is it. The USB 3.0 specifications were finalized late 2007, however it is just now starting to show up on a limited number of devices. The specification raises the theoretical speed from 48MB/s to around 480MB/s, and it is expected to be around 400MB/s when it is fully implemented (compared to the average USB 2.0 speed of 30MB/s - 35MB/s).

Seagate constantly updates their hard drive designs with the latest technology, and with USB 3.0 starting to hit the market, Seagate has released the 500GB BlackArmor PS110 USB 3.0 portable drive. The sample provided for review came bundled in their "Performance Kit", which includes everything you might need to get this USB 3.0 drive working on a laptop with an available Express Card slot.



Before taking a closer look at the BlackArmor PS110 500GB USB 3.0 portable drive, let's take a look at some published information on it as taken from the official product page on the Seagate website.

Features:

The Seagate BlackArmor PS 110 portable drive USB 3.0 kit makes quick work of even the biggest files, so you can transfer or back up your videos and other critical files without waiting forever. In fact, you can transfer a 25GB HD movie in just 4.2 minutes, compared to 13.9 minutes with a USB 2.0 drive.

» Transfers files fast thanks to a 7200 RPM BlackArmor PS 110 portable drive and USB 3.0 connectivity

» Lets you carry and transfer your biggest files and back up your PC on the go because of its slim form factor

» Includes a complete USB 3.0 laptop upgrade kit with a PC card adapter and all the cables you need

» Ensures reverse compatibility with USB 2.0

» Automatically backs up your entire system including files, programs, operating system and settings

» Protects backed up files with AES 256-bit encryption

» Restores your filesâ€"even your entire systemâ€"to a previous point in time with included SafetyDrill+â„¢ recovery software (Bare Metal Restore)

» Features a “Try & Decideâ€� tool that lets you try out new programs and different system settings before making them liveâ€"without affecting your system, or endangering your files

Specifications:

» Model Number ST905003BPA1ES-RK
» Interface USB 3.0
» Capacity 500GB
» Height 12.5mm (0.49 in)
» Width 80mm (3.15 in)
» Length 130mm (5.12 in)
» Weight (typical) 178g (.39 lb)
» Shipping Weight .36kg (0.794 lb)
» Spindle Speed 7200 RPM