Rating: - not bad
Great way to store stuff and take it to another computer. I wouldnt recommend playin files off this too much though.
Rating: - Solution for USB Power Surge warning on Laptops
I have a Dell Inspiron 5100 Laptop (older) and also experienced the USB Power Surge message when plugging in my new WD Passport 160GB Portable Hard Drive. I noticed that since it always wanted to run an Auto-Scan or Auto-Play as soon as it was plugged in I decided to click Cancel and found that it would not turn off my USB Port after doing this. I then decided to try disabling Auto-Scan or Auto-Play for my USB Drives (I don't need that kind of help, like most of us to find our data. Windows Explorer or My Computer is sufficient). I researched the Internet and found a registry change for Windows XP Home Edition that will disable it permanately if you choose. If you choose not to make the registry change, then you can simply hold your left shift key when plugging in the drive until you hear the hardware detected alert then release the key. This prevents Auto-Scan or Auto-Play from running.
Rating: - Beware!!! Doesn't work with Mac Powerbooks 15" or 17"
Although many fellow reviewers praise this item, mac users should be wary. This will not work on a Mac Powerbook G4, 15" or 17". It draws it's power from the USB port and apparently the powerbook doesn't have enough power. Western Digital is aware of this but their packaging says that it supports Mac OS X 10.1.5+ this isn't true. It only works on some mac's. After many complaints the company is SELLING a USB booster for $9.99 with a $7.00 shipping fee!!
If you want this drive and you have a Mac, be sure to figure in the added cost before making a decision to buy it. Very Disappointing.
You can view more information at the Western Digital Website.
Rating: - I really like this drive
I use this with a Macbook and it just works. I have not had any of the power problems that some reviews have mentioned and I am only plugging it into one USB port. I have two of these and I use them to clone my internal hard drives on my Macbook and my wife's Macbook Pro. Both have performed very well. You do give up a little speed on backups but for its purpose it works very well.
Western Digital 160GB 2.5-inch Passport USB Portable Hard Drive Reviews
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