One of the problems with some newer external drives, often marketed as backup solutions, is the software they offer for backup, particularly, the terms the end user must agree to in order to use the software. Somehow, I've yet to see a review that mentions these caveats when it comes to Seagate or WD.
I've never owned a seagate external drive, but from what I understand, their backup software EULA, which must be agreed to in order to use, isn't much different from WD's (if that's incorrect, please let me know). I recently RMA'd a 2Tb WD My Book before using it, precisely because I found the EULA contents of their backup smartware to be quite unreasonable. The smartware will indeed automatically backup files, sys images, etc. What users who are particularly quick to click on agree boxes may not know, however, is that in using this software, they're sharing info with the manufacturer they may have otherwise chosen not to, had they taken the time to read the agreement.
Perusing the smartware EULA, the legalese makes it plain the end user must agree to share all info on their system to be backed up to their external drive, including potentially sensitive personal info (everything from phone #'s, CC #'s, contact/friend info, browsing preferences/history, shopping and travel habits, you name it, with WD. The EU's profile is updated regularly, based upon how often info is backed up on drive, as I recall.
A numbered list in the EULA privacy section explains how the company will use the end user's private info, the very last entry of which, finally, says: "however the company deems appropriate". This seems counter-intuitive, to say the least, for a product marketed as a backup solution. Profitable for WD maybe, though not so much for the end user (unless endless spam, unsolicited calls, etc, is something desired by the end user). In effect, users agree to "phone home" to the manufacturer regularly, adding to an ever growing profile of private info which the company profits from in any way they, in their own words, "deem appropriate".
While the drive can be formatted, thus removing the smartware file found on it, allowing you to use it as a regular blank drive, there are other external drives available which offer far better quality construction, e.g one that at least has an aluminum enclosure. I found there are far better options available for my needs, and I'd say the same for those considering the product reviewed in this article. For an 8 TB solution, you'd likely do better going with a NAS. Or, in any case, a better quality external drive, with separately purchased backup software if need be, which allows you to control your own system info, and keep it as, well, yours. Just my 2c.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram