Rating: - Western Digital 160 GB USB 2.0 Passport 2.5"
I used this Hard Drive for one week and I had to return it. They sent a new Hard Drive to me immediately
Rating: - Excellent Price in a Compact Package
This hard drive is worthy of consideration given its compact size, capacity and ease of set up. I have 3 external hard drives, all of which need an AC adapter. Given that the weight of those are quite heavy and the inconvenience of needing a plug, I needed an alternative.
I attached the USB cable to the laptop and the drive, and that was it. Before saving any data, you might as well format it to NTFS, since FAT32 is the default (files greater than 4 GB minus 2 bytes won't transfer on FAT32)
Just right click with the new hard drive highlighted and click "Format" with NTFS selected and you're off to archiving your data. Even more importantly is the ability to back up data on the laptop and have some convenient method of restoring the information.
Powered through the USB cable, this convenient package eliminates the need for an additional power outlet. This is especially useful for the traveling user where all you may get is a plug for the laptop. This unit is quiet and I barely hear it which limits any distraction from the 'plug in units' that I own.
The case is about the size of a 30 GB video ipod with a glossy black finish. My only grip is the 8 inch cable that accompanies it but it is hardly a showstopper.
Your other brand considerations are the Smart disk Firelite which is the pioneer of the portable high capacity HDs and the Seagate double USB corded hard drives.
Wolverine Data Portable Series 120GB External Hard Drive USB 2.0 ( 2120 )
SmartDisk FireLite - Hard drive - 100 GB - external - Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB -
For cost, capacity, styling and size, this one has absolutely NO comparison.
Any case that can hold a Nintendo DS will hold this drive. Here are some examples:
Nintendo DS Lite Carrying Case
Nintendo DS Lite Ultimate Leather Case
Two thumbs up.
Rating: - NTFS for the drive
After reading the reviews on this website I was a little apprehensive about buying this drive, but I'm glad I bought it.
The drive comes installed with a FAT32 file system. FAT32 has a 2GB file size limit. This can be very limiting for backing up large files. However, I was able to format the drive easily to NTFS using the format command on the Windows XP.
The drive works fine after formatting. It is very light and portable and very quiet.
I just wish it came with a case.
Rating: - Works great for me
Buying this, I was a little skeptical since there were so many people with complaints...but why not?
So far I haven't had any problems, I pluged it in to my Dell Inspirion 9300 (about 2 yrs old) and it started up like a champ. I did try all six usb ports and they all work so no problems with the power issues that other people have had.
I've also plugged it into another laptop and desktop and all of them recognized and powered the drive with out any problems at all.
It writes fast and transfers fast for a 5400rpm hard drive, so I can't complain about that. It also looks great and is small enough to throw in my backpack for travel. I did get the logitech case to go with it to help prevent any unnessary wear/tear.
I also own a WD Pro Edition 500gb hard drive and haven't had any problems at all. So all those complaining about the cheap quality of WD, either they don't know what they're talking about or had one bad experience. WD has always been a reliable company...
And for that person out there complaining about his hard drive not working after he dropped it from chest height...what did you expect? I looked all over the WD warranty and stupidity isn't covered by them. I dare you to drop any computer, XBox, PS2, PSP, TV (get the idea yet?) from chest height and see if it works. Unless you're only 6-9in tall, I'm not suprised that it stopped working. Don't blame the company...
All in all, depending on how old your computer is or what gen your WD Passport is, I think it works just fine.
Western Digital 160GB 2.5-inch Passport USB Portable Hard Drive Reviews
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