Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Seagate’s portable storage device automatically syncs files to Amazon Drive

This week, Seagate revealed an external storage device called the Seagate Duet. It’s the result of a collaboration between Seagate and Amazon to provide a portable storage solution specifically for Amazon Drive customers. Even more, the external drive includes a free year of Amazon Drive Unlimited Storage for new Amazon Drive customers in the United States, a service that typically costs $60 per year.

Amazon is taking pre-orders for the Seagate Duet external drive now for $100. Slated to be released on December 10, it provides 1TB of storage that automatically syncs to the Amazon Drive cloud storage service. Keep in mind that the free version of Amazon Drive only provides 5GB of online space, so users will need the yearly subscription to take full advantage of the Seagate Duet’s full syncing potential.

Recommended Videos

There’s little to go by in regard to the actual hardware details of the new drive in Amazon’s product listing. However, it appears to be a rebranded version of Seagate’s Backup Plus Slim portable hard drive, which connects via a USB 3.0 port (USB 2.0 too), and works with both Windows PCs and Macs, the latter of which need the included NTFS driver.

Here are the specs we managed to scrape up:

Model number: STFX1000400
Capacity: 1TB
Interface: USB 3.0
Number of hard drive platters: 2
Speed: 5,400 RPM
Size: 4.47”(L) x 2.99”(W) x 0,38”(D)
Weight: 0.33 pounds
Transfer rate: Up to 220MB per second

The drive uses perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) technology to store data on its two spinning magnetic discs (platters). This type of data recording provides more storage density than the traditional “longitudinal” recording. Imagine each magnetic disc as an optical disc or a vinyl record with thousands of invisible tracks storing millions of bits on each track. The perpendicular recording method places data bits pointed up or down perpendicular to the disk surface whereas the longitudinal method places the bits “circumferentially” along the track direct.

Once customers connect the new Seagate Duet drive to their Windows PC or Mac, the device automatically pulls up their Amazon account. After the login process, it will then begin syncing photos, music, pictures, and other personal data the user already has stored in Amazon’s cloud. At the same time, all files saved/moved to the external drive are automatically copied to Amazon Drive as well. What’s great with this solution is that media and files placed into the Amazon Drive app for smartphones and tablets will end up on the external drive too.

“Accessing stored files, photos, and videos while away from the Seagate Duet drive is also easy using the Amazon Drive mobile app,” Seagate said. “This phone and tablet app gives access to photos and videos saved on the Seagate Duet drive and in the cloud. This way, it’s possible to relive the best moments with loved ones wherever and whenever.”

Customers who pre-order the Seagate Duet drive now from Amazon will receive free shipping. Gift-wrapping is also available for those who want to throw it under the Christmas tree later this month.

Pre-order from Amazon

Kevin Parrish
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
Don’t miss this chance to buy a MacBook Air at $200 off
The MacBook Air on a table in front of a window.

For those who have always wanted to get one of Apple's MacBooks but can't stomach the price tag, here's your chance to buy one for a relatively affordable price. Best Buy has slashed the price of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3 to only $699, for savings of $200 on its sticker price of $899. You need to act fast though, as there's always high demand for MacBook deals. The stocks that are up for sale may already be gone as soon as tomorrow.

Why you should buy the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air M3

Read more
This HP Chromebook is under half-price today — just $190
The HP Chromebook 14 laptop on a white background.

You should turn your attention towards Chromebook deals if you want to buy a new laptop on a tight budget, and we've found an offer that you won't want to miss. From its original price of $410, the HP Chromebook 14 is down to just $190 for savings of $220 from Walmart. You won't always have the chance to get this device for less than half-price though -- in fact, the opportunity may be gone as soon as tomorrow. If you want to take advantage of the discount, you need to buy the Chromebook right now.

Why you should buy the HP Chromebook 14

Read more
Avast’s most complete antivirus plan is 70% off right now
Couple making selfie inside car with open window.

Avast has been popping off with incredible deals this month. The antivirus company recently offered 70% off its Premium tier of virus protection. For the next 30 days, Avast is extending that offer to its Ultimate tier of protection. That means you can protect one device with Avast Ultimate for $33 for a year, down from its usual $110. If you want to cover 10 devices, you'll only pay $42 instead of $140.

Let's dive into what Avast Ultimate offers and why you might want it over the free tier or the Premium plan. This deal is live now, and will stick around for the next four weeks.

Read more