ClickFree Computer Backup

Heather’s Take

So, if you read my personal blog, you know I was laid off a month and a half ago. Yeah, suck, whatever. What you DON’T know is that literally a week before I got laid off, Meghan and I were asked to review the ClickFree computer backup device. I thought, hmmm, this is great, because I have a lot of stuff on my work computer that probably shouldn’t be there, and wouldn’t it be terrible if something happened to it? I took it to work with me on a Monday, and I was laid off three days later. All I could think was THANK GOODNESS I backed up all my stuff!

Yeah, yeah, don’t tell me that all my personal stuff on my work computer was why I got laid off. I THOUGHT OF THAT ALREADY, OK?!

Anyway. Because I didn’t have an “administrator” level on my work computer, the ClickFree didn’t work automatically. But that was okay, as I could still drag and drop things onto the drive. It works just like an external hard drive. So that’s how you get around that whole “personal stuff on your work computer” dilema.

Hmm. This review has taken a strange turn.

The best part about the ClickFree is that it works on more than one computer. I plugged it into my home computer, and a little window popped up that said (to paraphrase) “Do you want the super awesome ClickFree to back up your computer so you don’t have a major hissy-fit meltdown like Meghan did when her computer crashed?” I clicked the “YES” button, and that was it. All my pictures of Madeline, my important addresses, my downloaded songs from iTunes, etc, are all safely protected on my ClickFree! Now I have to back up The Husband’s computer. He’s prone to hissy fits, too.

Oh, my rating? No doubt I give this Rating:

Meghan’s Take

There are few things in our lives today that almost EVERYONE is in need of. Food, water, clothing and wine, are just a few that pop into my head. Another one that you might not immediately think of is a quick, easy way to back up the information stored on your computer.

I know I’d never really thought about it before. Until disaster struck and my computer died. If you read my personal blog you may remember that episode. Anyway, it was poor timing to realize AFTER my computer died that I hadn’t had ANYTHING backed up. No photos of the boys, ITunes music, emails…NADA. Zilch. A few expletives may have been uttered. Again, if you read my personal blog, you may know that it was probably more than a few. But whatever.

The point is that I didn’t have anything backed up and I panicked. Luckily, my trusty computer repair guy was able to back everything up after the fact and return my computer to brand new condition (except for the milk spatters and cheerio crumbs in the keyboard). But, his backup cost me $150.00 and it was only temporary. As in, as soon as he re-loaded all my stuff onto my computer he deleted it from his back up device thingy. Which left me asking for trouble again.

And then ClickFree walked into my life. Suddenly the clouds parted and the sun was shining. I have the 160GB HD801 and I LOVE it. All you do is attach the USB cable, plug it into your computer, prompt it to begin the back up process, and then sit back and relax knowing that your important documents are all being magically transferred over.

There’s probably not really anything magical about it, but it seems that way to a non-techie like me.

If you’re looking for a gift for someone (or yourself) whose computer is their lifeline, this is a GREAT choice. Even if you need something for a set of grandparents or parents who have a million photos stored on their computer but NO IDEA how to go about backing them up, this is the piece of equipment for you. Or them, as the case may be. I really can’t tell you enough how easy to use it is and how much peace of mind it has given me. Now I just have to make sure my boys keep their grubby little hands off of it!

I’d give the ClickFree a 1,000 star rating if I could, but since I’m limited to 5, it gets a FLAMING HOT INFERNO Rating:

***Updated 12/10/08 – SO, we both have PC’s so we didn’t stop to think about whether it’s Mac compatible or not.  And the answer is “not.”  Sorry, Mac users!

***Updated AGAIN – Just got more info from Click Free. They’ve launched some great new products, AND they’re now Mac compatible!

· Clickfree 1 Terabyte Backup Drive ($229.99) which stores 220,000 songs, 440,000 photos and over 2 million documents automatically – just plug and play.
· Clickfree Transformer USB Cable ($59.99), a revolutionary new storage device that turns any external hard drive – no matter the size or manufacturer – into a totally clickfree drive for quick, easy and reliable backup.
· DataGuard Clickfree DVDs (5 pack for $19.99) that is perfect for single use scenarios where data needs to be backed up for archival purposes. The TripleGuard protection feature provides extra security from scratches, blemishes and dust.
· Total Backup Clickfree DVDs (4 pack for $14.99) expand the DVD back up extension to backup over 400 file types covering office, e-mail, photo and music applications.
· Additional new features including Mac compatibility and support; ability to restore data by category and to its original locations; ability to migrate data from one PC to another; instant uploading of photos to Facebook, MySpace, etc.; integrated music player; thumbnail view for video; password protection; backup reminder notifications

The Best Part

The best part is that ClickFree is offering the readers of Hot Mom Reviews $25 off a ClickFree device! So even though it’s TOTALLY (more) than worth the $125 or so bucks (depending on what size you buy) they charge for it, you’re going to get it for less! And?! They offer free shipping on orders over $99! Say WHAT?!

Here’s what you have to do to purchase a ClickFree computer back up of your very own (or for someone else):

Go to www.goclickfree.com

Click on “Shop”

Click on “ClickFree Store”

On the Left Hand Side, under Products, click on “Portable Backup Drive”

Choose which one(s) you want and add it to your cart

Enter the coupon code: cfr3301

And VOILA, you saved $25.00 AND all the important stuff on your computer! It’s a win/win!

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