Seagate NAS drive - can I use it as a USB-only drive?

[AnitaPeterson]

Hi folks,

Last week, while visiting my local Staples, I came across a 2 TB Seagate external drive on clearance - like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-FreeAg.../dp/B003STVG80

I snatched it, thinking that for $60, I can't go wrong with a 2 TB HDD - you can't even find a bare drive for that much.

Lo and behold, I opened the package last night, and I realized that the base only has an Ethernet port and a female USB A slot... In other words, unless I use Ethernet, I can't connect it to any computer.

As it happens, though, I have a USB A (male) to USB A (male) cable in my spare parts box, like this one: http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=103&cp_id=10303&cs_id=1030303&p_id=5441&seq=1&format=2

Could I use that cable to connect the HDD to a computer? I figured I should ask you guys first, instead of just trying it, because others might have encountered this situation before... 😀

 

[jimpz]

NAS is Network Attached Storage, & it probably has it's own built in software to run it.

 

[razel]

USB A, no. That is designed for you to attach a printer as stated on the box.

Luckily you got the GoFlex series. Those use a USM interface which is just very recessed SATA data/power connector. You probably noticed that when you 'assembled' it, you saw regular SATA off the base. If you are lucky that your SATA data/power cables you connect are flush enough then you can connect it straight SATA inside your computer.

Otherwise they do sell GoFlex USB 2.0, 3.0 adapters.

By the way, $60 for 2TB with a NAS server that you can connect any standard hard drive is a steal!

 

[AnitaPeterson]

Yeah, I saw the standard ports, it's a pity I can't get to use it as an external drive without modifications... Sadly, currently I don't even need network storage... but who knows, it might come in handy at some point...