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Description

With automatic continuous backup, password protection capability and 256-bit encryption for improved data security, this ultraportable external hard drive makes it easy to take your favorite media and important data with you safely on the go.


What's Included

  • Western Digital My Passport Elite 320GB External USB 2.0 Portable Hard Drive
  • Grab-and-go USB dock, USB cable
  • Software: WD SmartWare
  • Owner's manual

Product Features

  • 320GB maximum storage capacity
    For expanded storage for your files. Built-in, illuminated capacity gauge lets you know how much space remains available on the drive.
  • High-speed USB 2.0 interface
    For an ultrafast connection to your laptop or desktop. Grab-and-go USB dock makes it easy to connect the drive to your computer.
  • Automatic continuous backup
    Via the included WD SmartWare backup software to help prevent data loss.
  • Password protection capability and 256-bit encryption
    Help safeguard your data from prying eyes and virtual intruders.
  • Compact size
    Measures just 4.3" long and weighs just 6.2 oz. for portability.
  • PC and Mac compatible
    NTFS formatted for use with your existing PC (requires reformatting for use with Mac OS X Tiger, Leopard and Snow Leopard).

Reviews (3)

5 star:
 
 (0)
4 star:
 
 (0)
3 star:
 
 (1)
2 star:
 
 (1)
1 star:
 
 (1)

Most Helpful Negative Review:

I Regret Buying This2 star rating
by Eric20000 from Chicago on December 23, 2009 at Best Buy
"At first, I was thrilled with this purchase. I plugged it right in, it showed me how much space I've used up on my PC and broke it down by category (videos, pictures, etc). The first thing I did was attempt a backup, which froze at about 90% complete after I had waited hours. I ended up having to cancel the backup and erase the entire drive, then used Windows to create my backup which worked just fine. So from here on out, I will be using the Backup software on Windows, not the "SmartWare" that comes with the hard drive to do my backing up.

Other gripes about the software... When you boot up your computer, it gives you an icon on your taskbar WITH NO OPTION TO REMOVE IT. I don't want to have WD on the bottom corner of my screen when I don't even have the thing plugged in. The only way to get rid of it was using the task manager, where I found TWO separate processes running for WD to keep this little tray icon going, each using about 5mb of RAM. What a waste. In addition to that, opening up the main software will use up 70-80mb of RAM or 100-110mb when you have your drive plugged in. It's so SLOW! Since when is a tiny hard drive supposed to be draining my resources when I'm not even transferring things onto it? And why can't they provide an option not to start up the tray icon so I don't have to go through the task manager to get rid of the stupid thing?

Even with the hardware, there have already been 3 different times where the cord accidentally came out of the hard drive because the plug is so small that the thing slips right out. You have to be careful not to move your hard drive at all because the slightest tug at all will disconnect you just like that. Personally, I'm using this on a laptop so I'm rarely sitting at a desk. If I had it on a table or a desk, I'd feel less concerned, but using it in bed, on the couch, or other more comfortable places makes me worry about a sudden movement causing a disconnection. The dock is pretty useless too in these types of places as it won't stand up unless it's on a hard surface. Lastly, I don't believe the lights on the side light up properly. They are supposed to indicate how much space is used up as it does in the picture here, but on mine, only one light is lit and it has been this way before and after I put my stuff on the thing. Clearly, that can't be right. These lights don't serve me much good if I can't even figure out if it's trying to tell me its full or empty just by looking at it, because really, I have no idea! The only way to really tell is by looking at the drive on the computer.

Overall, this product has been highly disappointing. I would definitely buy something else. It works for putting files on it, but the software sucks, the plug comes out, and the lights don't work properly on mine. I won't even use the built-in backup feature again because of how much time it wasted me on the first attempt. AVOID!"
1 person found this review helpful.

Reviews sorted by helpfulness:

  • DO NOT BUY1 star rating
    by scturtle from NC on January 29, 2010 at Best Buy
    "First portable hard drive purchase I got it to store music on from my laptop. Plugged it in and it would not work. I called WD support and they told me it probably won't work because I am using it on a laptop offered to send me some kind of cables but I refused. This product was recommended to me by the computer guy in the store knowing it was for use on a laptop. Flimsy connections too, probably won't hold up great. But at least I will never know I am going to return this now!!! Almost afraid to purchase another now :-(."
  • I Regret Buying This2 star rating
    by Eric20000 from Chicago on December 23, 2009 at Best Buy
    "At first, I was thrilled with this purchase. I plugged it right in, it showed me how much space I've used up on my PC and broke it down by category (videos, pictures, etc). The first thing I did was attempt a backup, which froze at about 90% complete after I had waited hours. I ended up having to cancel the backup and erase the entire drive, then used Windows to create my backup which worked just fine. So from here on out, I will be using the Backup software on Windows, not the "SmartWare" that comes with the hard drive to do my backing up.

    Other gripes about the software... When you boot up your computer, it gives you an icon on your taskbar WITH NO OPTION TO REMOVE IT. I don't want to have WD on the bottom corner of my screen when I don't even have the thing plugged in. The only way to get rid of it was using the task manager, where I found TWO separate processes running for WD to keep this little tray icon going, each using about 5mb of RAM. What a waste. In addition to that, opening up the main software will use up 70-80mb of RAM or 100-110mb when you have your drive plugged in. It's so SLOW! Since when is a tiny hard drive supposed to be draining my resources when I'm not even transferring things onto it? And why can't they provide an option not to start up the tray icon so I don't have to go through the task manager to get rid of the stupid thing?

    Even with the hardware, there have already been 3 different times where the cord accidentally came out of the hard drive because the plug is so small that the thing slips right out. You have to be careful not to move your hard drive at all because the slightest tug at all will disconnect you just like that. Personally, I'm using this on a laptop so I'm rarely sitting at a desk. If I had it on a table or a desk, I'd feel less concerned, but using it in bed, on the couch, or other more comfortable places makes me worry about a sudden movement causing a disconnection. The dock is pretty useless too in these types of places as it won't stand up unless it's on a hard surface. Lastly, I don't believe the lights on the side light up properly. They are supposed to indicate how much space is used up as it does in the picture here, but on mine, only one light is lit and it has been this way before and after I put my stuff on the thing. Clearly, that can't be right. These lights don't serve me much good if I can't even figure out if it's trying to tell me its full or empty just by looking at it, because really, I have no idea! The only way to really tell is by looking at the drive on the computer.

    Overall, this product has been highly disappointing. I would definitely buy something else. It works for putting files on it, but the software sucks, the plug comes out, and the lights don't work properly on mine. I won't even use the built-in backup feature again because of how much time it wasted me on the first attempt. AVOID!    "
    1 person found this review helpful.
  • For computer Wizards only!3 star rating
    by yamride from Roa,VA on December 20, 2009 at Best Buy
    "If you buy this drive to install yourself and are not considerably "computer savvy", you will either need GEEK SQUAD to install and set up for you or return it for your money back. Thankfully I had my brother do it for me, who is a Systems Analyst ,and even he had trouble with the installation. Also having issues with safe disconnect that have not been resolved yet."

Specifications

  • Warranty Terms - Parts
    3 years limited
  • Warranty Terms - Labor
    3 years limited
  • Product Height
    4.3"
  • Product Width
    3.2"
  • Product Weight
    6.2 oz.
  • Product Depth
    0.6"
  • Internal or External
    External
  • Drive Capacity
    320GB
  • Drive Connectivity
    USB 2.0
  • Security
    Software
  • System Requirements
    Windows XP, Vista or 7; Mac OS X Tiger, Leopard or Snow Leopard