User Reviews

1. Review Date: 2009-11-24

   Drive itself is ok. But...
   1. USB cable is way too short and plug is a non standard one,
   2. There's no USB socket protection (e.g. rubber cap, like in my old WD Passport 120GB), so it'll become dirty with time
   3. You cannot disable virtual CD.
   
   
   User: Mikolaj Rydzewski
   Rating:
   Summary: Annoying features
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

2. Review Date: 2009-11-24

   This device is a great external HDD.
   When you connect the device via USB 2.0, WD software launches; This software can be used to lock / unlock your files so that your valuable data is protected against unauthorized access. You can also use the device to backup your Windows/Mac system. (I haven't tried Linux system.) It is easy to partition the disk using Windows/Mac disk tools. You can even used it for Time Machine for the Mac OS X system after proper re-formatting.
   
   It has a beautiful design, easy-to-understand lights in front. And comes with a USB dock if you purchase the Elite version - actually that comes with an additional LED in the front for disk usage.
   
   The only problem that I found so far is its micro-USB connector. The connection is not so firm, so after mounting it for 30 times, it started to have loose connection. And sometimes have problem connecting the device to the system. It is okay when you don't move around your devices after connecting them. However, I found this not so pleasant when I was performing backup, and wanted to shift my laptop slightly because during moving the external HDD was disconnected from the device and the backup process was ruined.
   
   It was still okay for me because I have a USB-dock which makes the connection much firm, but since I don't want to carry the dock all the time, I try to use this HDD with gentle care because of the loose connection.
   
   My suggestion: If you are not planning to use it while you're moving like in an airplane, train, etc. it will cause not so much problem. If you are worried about the connection problem, maybe the dock will help you. Other than that, it is definitely a great device!
   
   User: xosh
   Rating:
   Summary: Nice device with one problem...
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

3. Review Date: 2009-11-24

   PROS:
   - Very small footprint
   - Extremely lightweight
   - Beautiful finish
   
   CONS:
   - Glossy finish is a fingerprint magnet (a questionable design decision for something users will handle frequently)
   - Fragile USB connector breaks connection at the slightest touch
   - Hardware-hidden, unremovable partition containing SES software
   
   DETAILS:
   A tiny portion of the drive's usable space has been set aside for the onboard backup and encryption software (SES). Wouldn't be a problem if we could just wipe out this partition, but it's hidden via the drive's firmware, therefore inaccessible; it can never be removed or deleted.
   
   Windows will detect this secret partition as a new virtual CD-ROM device every single time you plug in the drive, and pester you with the "Found New Hardware" wizard, unless you install the unwanted drivers (unforgivable just on principle, to say nothing of contributing another layer of useless drivers to the house of cards we call Windows).
   
   Contrary to a previous reviewer's comments, removing the drive letter of the virtual CD-ROM drive does not eliminate the wizard pestering. (Windows doesn't care if the virtual device has a drive letter or not; it simply recognizes the new device each time the drive comes alive and doesn't know what to do with it, hence the nagging.)
   
   A tolerable drive for grandma or the kids, but an abomination for the rest of us who know better. Mine's going back, hopefully to find new life as something more useful, like a hockey puck.
   
   User: Aaron Merriman
   Rating:
   Summary: Drive includes hidden, unremovable bloatware
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

4. Review Date: 2009-11-24

   This is the best.....as I do paint shop pro things and I need tons of storage also for my power point shows...graphics take space so this is my storage....I have two to be exact and my computer has nothing on it.....will last forever due to the external hard drive..
   
   User: M. Smith
   Rating:
   Summary: WD passport essential
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

5. Review Date: 2009-11-24

   I have been using the 640GB version of the drive and I am very happy with it. It's compact, light, and thinner than the previous edition.
   
   I actually prefer the micro USB cable since Micro USB cables have a locking device and they are made to be more durable than the Mini USB cables. I dropped the drive off my desk and thanks to the cable's locking mechanism my MacBook Pro didn't even realize anything had happened.
   
   Although I am not a fan of the SmartWare included with the drive, a web search for: Western Digital Virtual CD Manager, gave me links to disable the VCD. The software was easy to use on my mac and I had my drive back to simple and single drive in a matter of minutes.
   
   I found the drive to be of equal performance with my other 2.5" USB drives and I will be ordering another one of these once this drive is filled.
   
   User: P. Guimaraes
   Rating:
   Summary: Great Drive - Simple - Standard - Elegant
   Helpful Votes: 0
   Total Votes: 0
   

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Editorial Reviews

The world’s most popular portable drive is now smaller than ever. And it’s smarter than ever with automatic, continuous backup software and password protection. Choose your favorite fun color to look smart and stylish.

Our smallest portable ever. We designed a smaller, high-quality, integrated USB hard drive inside a stylish package. With a variety of fun colors, there's sure to be one to suit your style.	See your life safe in one place. WD SmartWare software - A visual control center with a single screen view of all your data. From it you can back up, retrieve, and secure your files.	Password protection. An extra level of security with password protection and 256-bit hardware-based encryption.

Features at a glance Automatic, continous backup Visual backup control center Hardware encryption, password protection WD SmartWare software 2-years limited warranty

Our smallest portable drive ever - We're experts in portable storage, so we designed a smaller, high-quality, integrated USB hard drive inside a stylish package. With a variety of fun colors, there's sure to be one to suit your style.

WD SmartWare™ - A control center for your drive that gives you the power to:

-- Protect your data automatically - Relax, your data is secure. Automatic, continuous backup will instantly make a second copy whenever you add or change a file.

-- See your backup as it happens - Seeing is believing. Visual backup displays your content in categories and shows the progress of your backup.

-- Bring back lost files effortlessly - Retrieve your valuable data to its original location whether you’ve lost all your data or just overwritten an important file.

-- Take control - Customize your backup, set drive security, run diagnostics, manage the power settings, and more from the WD SmartWare control center.

Find out more about WD SmartWare™

Drive lock - Gain peace of mind knowing that your data is protected from unauthorized access or theft with password protection and 256-bit hardware-based encryption.

Ready to plug-and-play with Windows PC's - if you're a Mac user, check out our Mac version of this product.

USB 2.0 interface - Powered directly from the USB port on your PC. No separate power supply is needed*.
* An optional cable is available for the few computers that limit power from the USB port.

Planet friendly - We designed a small box from recycled materials to minimize waste. We encourage you to recycle it.

Ideal For

• Protecting your data with automatic, continous backup
• Retrieving lost data effortlessly
• Adding extra storage space for photos, videos and music
• Securing private or sensitive data

Compatibility

Formatted NTFS
Windows® XP, Windows Vista®, Windows 7
Mac OS® X Tiger®, Leopard®, Snow Leopard™ (requires reformatting)

Note: Compatibility may vary depending on user's hardware configuration and operating system.

What's in the box

Ultra-portable hard drive, WD SmartWare software, USB cable, Quick Install Guide.

Backup software you'll really use � WD SmartWare Five great reasons to love it:
1. It's easy - Data backup can be a chore, but it's your family photos, your movies, your music - your life - and it's important to protect it. So we made this software extra easy because we really want you to use it.
2. You can see your life safe in one place - See your content displayed in easy to understand categories like movies and photos. Watch the progress of your backup as it happens with the instant-feedback color bars. Now you can truly be sure that all your stuff is backed up. A unique visual interface lets you see the drives connected to your computer. WD SmartWare will automatically scan your computer and find all of your personal files, including e-mail. Content category gauges show how much information you have to be backed up in each category. You can even mouse over a category to see a file count. Simply click Run Backup and WD SmartWare will automatically start backing up your files. As your backup is running the category gauges will change color showing you the backup as it happens. When finished, you’ll see a status screen and information about your backup. You only have to do this once. After the first backup your files will be backed up automatically every time you change or add a file.
	3. It's always on the job - WD SmartWare is always watching your computer, so when you change a file and save it, create new files, add new pictures, movies, or songs, WD SmartWare will instantly back them up.
4. You can bring back lost files effortlessly - If you ever accidentally delete an important file, or need to get an earlier version of a file, you can find and retrieve it in seconds with this easy-to-use interface. Restore files and folders by categories – photos, music, video, for example. Find a lost file with the search function. Go back in time to retrieve an older version of a file.
5. You're in control - WD SmartWare software is also a control center for your external drives. From it you can: Customize your backup Set drive security Run diagnostics Manage the power settings, and more...