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Seagate Showcase ST31000SCA101-RK : Review

Posted to Hard Drives 2009-10-21

Seagate Showcase ST31000SCA101-RK: Review

If you are looking for a high-capacity hard drive that is specifically designed for DVRs, then look no further than the Seagate Showcase ST31000SCA101-RK external hard drive. Although it is slightly pricier than standard hard drives, it has been streamlined with DVRs in mind. This model not only streams video better than a typical hard drive, but it also provides a quiet operating environment while preserving ergonomics at the same time.

The Seagate Showcase measures 6" x 2.5" x 8" and weighs approximately 2.5 lbs. This model is not a side-standing hard drive (like many other Seagate drives), but rather it sits flat like a box (optional vertical stand included. The size is great, especially for entertainment centers that do not have height-room for tall hard drives. Hard drive capacity is also impressive at one terabyte of space, but there are two terabyte models that are becoming popular on the market. This drive will hold up to 200 hours of high-definition or 1,000 hours of standard definition TV. Although the capacity and versatility is impressive, performance is only average. You may want to consider purchasing a regular drive cheaper.

Rating:

3.4 out of 5

Value

It is unclear how the Seagate Showcase performs better than other hard drives when using with DVRs, so the price does not seem justified. For the price of this model, you can buy a two terabyte drive. This hard drive does not come with any exceptional features either (other than great power management), so it is puzzling that the price tag is too high. If you would feel better operating your DVR with a DVR-specific hard drive attached, by all means consider this one. Otherwise, shop around.

Ergonomics

Despite having average performance and an expensive price, the Seagate Showcase is definitely ergonomic. It is a perfect fit for nearly any entertainment center, especially since it can be set either horizontally or vertically (stand included). Most Seagate hard drives stand vertically, so the horizontal option is nice when you need a "box" form on the shelf. The sleek, silver and black coating is also very appealing and will likely match your DVR and other accessories well.

Summary

Although it's exciting to see a large-capacity, DVR-specific hard drive enter the market, consumers may find that this model disappoints when compared to price. The performance is nothing less than other 7200RPM eSATA/USB 2.0 drives, but many users will find that they can save money or get more for their money by choosing a different model. It won't be long before a two terabyte, DVR-specific drive enters the market, so it may be wise to wait when considering this model. Overall, the 1TB Seagate Showcase is a great external drive, but it's too expensive for the capacity and performance it provides.

Pros

Specifically built for use with DVRs but not much difference
1TB capacity allows 200 hours HD or 1,000 hours standard
Operates quietly and efficiently with good power management
Horizontal or vertical positions allow for space-friendly ergonomics

Cons

Overpriced- you can get a 2TB hard drive for close to the same price