SimpleTech Mini 320gbFW/USB external drive freezes system

This is the second unit I've attempted to use with my iMac, with the same results. I'll format it with 3 partitions, using GUID, and Extended Journaling. I'll start consolidating my iTunes Library to one of the volumes, then about a third of the way along, it will freeze, "beachball" for about 20 minutes, then iTunes will say the disk can not be read or written to. After which, the entire Finder will beachball, and I'll be unable to unmount or restart as long as this thing is connected. This occurs using both USB and FW connections. If I drag and drop files directly, it'll work for about 10 minutes before the same thing will happen...files won't open, and the beachball...always the beachball. I've formatted this thing repeatedly, using Leopard and Tiger versions of Disk Utility. Please help... the place I bought this thing from won't accept refunds...only exchanges, and I've already exchanged it once! SimpleTech is no help...no drivers, or firmware updates to be seen. The support guy merely says to keep formatting it.

I just believe in backing up and punting, so to speak, when all else has failed.
If one partition works, then that would at least prove that the drive and Mac are working together and correctly.
Luck-
-DP

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Welcome to Apple Discussions.
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SimpleTech Mini 320gbFW/USB external drive freezes system

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