Western Digital 320 GB Passport 2.5" USB 2.0 Hard Drive by Western Digital
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Digital camera reviews of Western Digital 320 GB Passport 2.5" USB 2.0 Hard Drive
Digital camera Review: WD HD 320GB
Summary: 5 Stars
Very convenient for the traveler. Compact and lots of space for video and images, as well as for encrypted back up of your computer's documents and folder (easy to use backup software included)
Digital camera Review: Western Digital 320GB PASSPORT USB HARD DRIVE
Summary: 1 Stars
Awful product! I originally bought one and it stopped working after about two days. Went back to the store and wanted to exchange it for another but they didn't have one in stock...so I got a refund. Went to another retailer and bought the same drive there. Got it home, tried to get it to work and...NOTHING! Tried it on three separate machines: two PCs and a MAC and the same thing. Poor quality control and weak build construction. How else can you explain two drives from two different stores failing?Digital camera Review: Western Digital Passport 320 GB - Nice Looking Portable External HD
Summary: 4 Stars
Western Digital 320 GB Passport 2.5" USB 2.0 Hard Drive
The 320 GB passport is the largest one available and has a lot going for it. I own several portable hard drives in the Western Digital passport lineup and so far so good. I couldn't be happier. Some smaller sizes are priced more attractively. Passport hard drives also come in a new and slightly thicker essentials version. They are very similar other than the slightly different form factor. Both are great for mobile backups of data, but both are also slower to copy large backups than their A/C powered MyBook big-brothers.
Pros
+ Largest current capacity available in this line of products
+ Nice portable form factor that easily connects via USB
+ USB powered, no A/C required, which is great for portability
+ Works well on Windows Vista, XP and Mac OS X
+ Easy to set up disk encryption for security and privacy
+ Nice looks, in my opinion better looking than the new essentials version
+ Turns on and off with your computer or easily ejected via system tray
+ Easy plug-and-play installation
+ Integrates nicely with my growing stable of WD MyBook drives
+ Included software may be useful for some novices
+ 320 GB capacity is just about right for most users
Cons
- Somewhat slow file transfer speeds for larger backups
- Included software not useful for power users
- Shiny body attracts scratch, fingerprints and dust
- Have to spend your cash to get a case that should have been included
- At this price less of a value than the 250GB passport
There's also a newer version that isn't out on Amazon yet and an Elite version.
The Looks
The drive has a nice shiny exterior with an offset shape with a blue activity light. The case can scratch in transit and the surface also attracts fingerprints and dust. But the look is still nice and you can easily purchase a case or holder for the drive if it bothers you. Most versions don't ship with the included case, but you can pick it up for $10 or $15. CaseLogic Small External Hard Drive Case (Black)
The Features
I had no problem connecting this drive to any computer, including Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X. Keep in mind this is a USB 2.0 device so ancient computers may not yield the same results.
Transfer speeds are ok but definitely slower than the A/C powered MyBooks. This guy is still limited by the 480 Mps connection speed of USB 2.0, but performs somewhat slower than this when performing large backups. The USB2.0 speed rating can not really be achieved in production and you will get a fraction of that. But it's a trade-off that's worth it since it's USB-powered.
The software utilities included with this device will be most useful for beginners. I tested the backup software in particular but found it to be slow and impractical. I mean REALLY slow. It works, but cutting and pasting is better. Take my advice: don't use these utilities and just do cut and paste backups and saves to this drive.
Reliability
I've had good luck with the passport line of drives. They seem to have lower failure rates than many MyBook drives, though I also own those and haven't had issues their either. Maybe my gentle care has helped me to get lucky with these guys so far. Maybe it's because these drives are generally off when in transit. Regardless, these guys have held up fine.
Conclusion
This drive is great or those who want a portable drive for backups on the run. You can get this 250GB WD Passport Portable Hard Drive 250 GB/Go version for around $100, versus the $150 charged for the 320 GB. That makes the 250 GB unit a better value than the 320 GB on a $ price per GB basis. Still, some will need the 320GB capacity in one drive. Other than price and capacity there is no real difference between them. If you're like me, once you try these you will end up getting several of them anyway. Get one soon!
Enjoy!
Digital camera Review: Western Digital Passport Drive Great for Mobile Mac Users
Summary: 5 Stars
This passport drive is ideal for MacBook Air users wanting to use Time Machine for back up. It is an excellent USB Bus Powered drive that has plenty of storage for the mobile Mac User. I have been nothing but pleased with this drive and have been recommending them to my clients and friends. I was hesitant to buy a USB only drive since most of my Macs preference for Firewire drives. However, this has been a solid drive and an excellent experience. I would heartily recommend you pick up at least one.
Doug Hanley
MacTEK Consulting & Training
Digital camera Review: Western Digital Portable hard drive
Summary: 4 Stars
Western Digital Portable hard drive work perfectly well.
I always used the Lacie Brand but this changed, I am more than impressed with and very happy.