Western Digital 320 GB Passport 2.5" USB 2.0 Hard Drive
by Western Digital
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List Price: Our Price: $139.99 You Save: $60.00 (30%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Category: CE See more product details |
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Western Digital 320 GB Passport 2.5" USB 2.0 Hard Drive
Customer Review: Excellent Mobile Storage
Summary: 5 Stars
I have owned several Western Digital Passport drives and a few other mobile drive brands. This drive is great for backups, as you can hook it up fast without a power supply and store it anywhere. Put it in your briefcase, put it in your safe, take it with you anywhere and keep a copy of your data. It is almost pocket-size and the only thing you have to keep with you is a short USB cable. Some people consider the short cable that's included to be too short, but it's mobile!
Some owners have commented on needing a power adapter or extra usb cable for it, but I've never had that issue. I've used it on multiple desktops and multiple laptops with no issues at all, but you'll have to try it on your own system.
The surface of the Passports (shiny, black material) can be easy to scratch if you throw it around or keep it in your bag with other items. That would be my only complaint, but it doesn't really bother to me.
The speed is very responsive. I've used it on an XP and Vista machine and both have copied data to it fairly quick. I haven't performed tests on it, but it always gets the job done for me. The 320GB version is a great upgrade on the previous Passport models.
Customer Review: My Second Passport
Summary: 5 Stars
My original passport was a 160GB hard drive and I thought I wouldn't need another but scarcely a year later I wound up getting this 320GB and I have to say it was the perfect size. It quickly became not only a place to back up files but as a second hard drive.
The enclosure is tough sleek and pretty, although if you put it into your book bag, the shiny plastic will scratch. The enclosure seems sturdy, it has a USB 2.0 interface and draws power directly from USB so no need for a power supply.
I wound up putting a sticker on it to tell the difference between my 160GB and my 320GB. The 160GB drive became a pure backup drive.
I have to admit that when the Western Digital My Passport Essential 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive WDME5000TN (Midnight Black) drive came out, I wound up upgrading to that drive.
However, for the price - this 320GB drive is fantastic and I can't recommend it enough. If you don't have a passport, you should seriously consider getting one to back up your data.
Customer Review: These devices are more than just for storage...
Summary: 5 Stars
I am not going into details on this specific drive as many people have already. I want to add a whole new dimension to these USB powered drives that many of you may not be aware.
Because of their great portability feature, you can install an operating system and programs called Portable Apps, www.portableapps.com. The programs are free and provide you with a wide array of on-the-go programs, much similar to those from Microsoft and others in your typical pc. By installing these programs, you can actually be able to use your portable drive in anyone's computer, use the programs to do your work, and leave-- and the beauty is that you don't need to have to install anything in other's computer. By the time you are done, there is no trace of you doing the work on that person's computer.
This is the future of how a person can go back and forth from the office without the need to carry his/her laptop. Such drive allows a far more flexible means to carry large amount of data with programs built-in to allow a person like me to move those works around easily.
Customer Review: A cool travel HDD
Summary: 5 Stars
It is really a cool external hard-disk. Forget carrying all the power cables for the external HDD when you go out. It is really compact and just works when you connect this to the USB. The performance is excellent even though it is 5400 RPM. I see things getting copied quickly.
Thumb rule, if you got to travel a lot with your personal or whatever data required, this would be a best bet. If you are going to keep it in your house forever, then you can think of buying other external HDD as you can buy more storage for the same price that you are paying for this.
It is simple, nice and very very easy to carry. It very well fits in your packet.
NOTE: Before the first use, make you sure, you are FORMATTING to NTFS to hold a tons of folders and huge files. The default that it comes in is as FAT.
Customer Review: Great portable backup option
Summary: 5 Stars
I was pleasantly surprised by this drive.
First impression: Man, this thing is small. It's about the size of a large deck of cards or an original ipod.
Also, it runs exclusively off USB, so no AC adapter. Some older laptops can't power it but first try the included (short) USB cable and if it still doesn't get enough power, buy a Y USB cable that runs off two USB ports.
While not the faster HD at 5400RPM and 12ms seek time. It will only be used for storage and not much for read/write during application use.
If any of you need a small form factor external HD, you might want to check these passport drives out. I've always been a bigger Seagate fan for my desktops, but the offerings from Seagate and Maxtor in this category didn't really compete for me.