Price : Too low to display
See your life safe in one place with WD's My Passport Essential SE USB drive. It offers maximum storage capacity for all your important files, videos, music, photos. With visual, automatic, continuous backup your data is backed up as soon as it's changed. Maximum capacity. Maximum style. - The world's most popular portable drive now features maximum capacity to store all your favorite videos, music, photos, and important files. Still sleek and compact, you can load it up and take it with you anywhere.
This review is from : Western Digital 750GB External Hard Drive WDBABM7500ABK
Serves an important nitch for my laptop. Ultra-quiet. . Purchased my model at a local discout store (Costco) rather than Amazon, but interestingly it was available for exactly the same price as Amazon at the time of the review.
INSTALLATION ON WINDOWS XP
Almost no useful instructions. A very skeletal picture diagram was provided, only sort of directing me to connect the provided cable between the drive and my computer USB port. HOWEVER, that in fact turned out to be was all that was needed for installation. The order of connection, whether the computer was turned on or off, software running or not, all trivia that other past device instructions have regulated -- these just didn't seem to matter. I took a deep breath and plugged away with computer already powered on. The remainder was done flawlessly by the drive and its software.
It was a bit confusing, however, that other than the usual Windows generated signals to confirm my computer recognized the presence of a new drive and had accepted it, there was no other obvious WD specific confirmation or software that opened.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USAGE
Those with enough computer use to have instincts about where to go next, I suspect would travel as I did, to the "My computer" link and see how it was listed. Here a bit more confusion appears because the drive was reported twice, as two separate drives, assigned two different drive letters. ONCE, AS A NEWLY ATTACHED HARD DRIVE (E:): in this location it has one folder that it will not allow you to open and otherwise behaves as a blank drive allowing the addition of files or whatever. SECOND, AS A REMOVABLE DRIVE (F:) which actually contained the additional label that this had something to do with their proprietary software -- "WD SmartWare" -- and apparently corresponds to what their website calls a VIRTUAL CD. Virtual Life forms however are not mentioned on any of the written material accompanying the Passport. The newly established Drives E and F showed they had different amounts of storage available suggesting the proprietary stuff clearly takes up some room (668 versus 697 GB). Thus I clicked on the one labelled WD Smartdrive and their software finally came to life.
(Subsequently I found another small tiny sheet of paper separate from the installation diagrams on which there are 3 micro-short paragraphs in English buried among several other languages. These would have instructed me to take the same actions I descibed above, plus provided a web-address for their user's manual. BTW, only after reaching WD online is there acknowledgement that semi-independent VIRTUAL lifeforms and behavior exist on your device.)
UPDATING CREATED A BIT MORE CONFUSION -- BUT STILL ULTIMATELY SURVIVABLE
Once their software opens, it immediately invites consideration of updates. Seemed prudent to do so before going to the effort to store or backup data. Thus, I followed the provided link which transported me to the WD SmartWare website and it identified that I needed both firmware and software updates. Fortunately, a bit more detailed instructions are shown on the website than in the packaging. However, when implimented on my laptop they still left gaps.
For example, I stopped my virus program as directed. It didn't say to close SmartWare from whence this whole thing was triggered. The FIRMWARE UPDATE installed but glitched somehow briefly on completion. The cursory instructions tell you to disconnect and reconnect your drive (by manually unplugging for 10 seconds). Done. But then the computer gave a Windows-generated error signal from the status bar that I was attempting to add a new device which was not installed properly. Indeed, it was no longer acknowledged either a HardDrive or a RemovableDrive under "My Computer". I did a complete reboot of the computer. The first time Windows intervened, claiming something threatened to damage my computer (a major warning screen with blue background and white "typeset" letters) and the computer shut itself off. I powered it back on and this time it rebooted normally, the Passport was fully accessible. The firmware update finished its authorization or whatever was needed after asking me to provide the password I had previously assigned during initial installation.
In contrast, the SOFTWARE UPDATE went smoothly without any further problems. My computer likewise seems to be fine without any abnormal operations or further lockups occurring.
BACKUP USING PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE AND STANDARD SETTINGS
This is automated essentially to the simplest point-and-click. Went smoothly without any significant hitches, except that it choose to skip rather than backup my Window's encrypted files (something I have noticed is not unusual, and happens with most other backup software I own except GHOST). It gave very clear notice of this omission, though I don't believe it explained why. However the why was easily recognized by me, because it did clearly list the file names for the 3 that were omitted -- a feature not always present on my other backup software that likewise declined these same 3 files.
If it was truly important to me to store all files, then I would need to use regular Windows or DOS copy commands to move these to the Passport Drive in their natural state as encrypted rather than as backup files.
Backup was relatively slow. For the first-time backup of approximately 68 GB of data it was clear I would need to leave the system running several hours (overnight in my case).
GENERAL OPERATION, SUPPORT & EXTERNAL FEATURES
Ultra-quiet. Unobtrusive. A very tiny pinpoint silver/blue dot illuminates when the drive is connected. Footprint is 4.25 X 3.25 and thickness about 0.75 inches. Essentially the footprint size matches that of a travel passport -- but thicker. A nice perk for portability was included; a well-padded and durably constructed black neoprene zippered case. The case has a small separate pocket for storing the short micro-USB 2.0 cable, also included. (The cable so far fits pretty snuggly and has not fallen out of the drive.) One could keep the Technical Support/Limited Waranty Guide here too, but it becomes a slightly cramped at this point. My model is shiny black and will constantly pickup lots of fingerprints.
It appears reasonably solid and tightly constructed. It is not meant to be opened by the end user; no obvious screws or snap open case components. Though very portable, I wouldn't want to expose it to dropping, being crushed under something heavy, or outdoor conditions with potential dust or moisture -- thus its not "rugged" for harsher travelling conditions. It's claims to have military-grade encryption (256), but this should not be mistaken for military grade in general. Its definitely does not sport military-grade hardware or case construction. Using a different storage case than the provided neoprene one, however, might extend its ruggedness.
WARRANTY AND SUPPORT
My model states it was produced in Thailand. WD provides direct phone numbers as well as e-mail addresses for customer support, but so far I have had no real need to use them. The only problems occurred with the firmware update and this resolved just by rebooting my computer a 2nd time. The instructions state in exceedingly fine print that 30 days of free telephone support are provided, countdown intiated on the day of your first telephone contact with them. Email-support reportedly carries through the full warranty which is 2 years in the US and Europe, CURIOUSLY 3 years in the Asia Pacific Region. Why???
SUMMARY
PROS
---- Small, lightweight, ultraquiet and minimal visual glare from the tiny light
---- Initial installation on Windows XP seamless and easy
---- Construction reasonably solid and with neoprene case should be reasonably safe when stored in a purse, briefcase or suitcase such that it is does not have heavy items placed directly over it.
CONS - NONE SIGNIFICANT FOR ME THUS FAR
---- Minor confusion regarding its double installation as two separate drives
---- Created initial worry about malfunction of the drive and my whole laptop during firmware update. Would have been much more worried if critical data or backups had already by stored on it -- or if my computer further malfunctioned. However, this was completely and rapidly solved by a simple computer reboot.
---- Although it is an industry-wide practice to advertise more capacity on the drive than is truly available to the end-user, I THINK IT IS A BIT DECEPTIVE TO CALL THESE 750 GB DRIVES WHEN NO MORE THAN 697 GB (or 668 with proprietary Virtual CD softwre) ARE ROUTINELY AVAILABLE. The descrepancy in stated versus usable space seems to GENERALLY climb with drive size and occurs with all the manufacturers I have purchased from. Nonetheless, the loss of 50 GB (or more) of advertised drive space is no small discrepancy. That is nearly the size of the entire laptop drive I wanted to backup. I realize that some of these 50+ GIGAbites may be devoted to the software for Virtual CD and backup -- but if so, it should be clearly stated on the outer package wrapping or the drive simply advertized as a 700 GB drive. That is a lot of space to tuck away as unusuable!!!!
Overall, I am pretty satisfied. Will report back later if further operational problems emerge.
Serves an important nitch for my laptop. Ultra-quiet. . Purchased my model at a local discout store (Costco) rather than Amazon, but interestingly it was available for exactly the same price as Amazon at the time of the review.
INSTALLATION ON WINDOWS XP
Almost no useful instructions. A very skeletal picture diagram was provided, only sort of directing me to connect the provided cable between the drive and my computer USB port. HOWEVER, that in fact turned out to be was all that was needed for installation. The order of connection, whether the computer was turned on or off, software running or not, all trivia that other past device instructions have regulated -- these just didn't seem to matter. I took a deep breath and plugged away with computer already powered on. The remainder was done flawlessly by the drive and its software.
It was a bit confusing, however, that other than the usual Windows generated signals to confirm my computer recognized the presence of a new drive and had accepted it, there was no other obvious WD specific confirmation or software that opened.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USAGE
Those with enough computer use to have instincts about where to go next, I suspect would travel as I did, to the "My computer" link and see how it was listed. Here a bit more confusion appears because the drive was reported twice, as two separate drives, assigned two different drive letters. ONCE, AS A NEWLY ATTACHED HARD DRIVE (E:): in this location it has one folder that it will not allow you to open and otherwise behaves as a blank drive allowing the addition of files or whatever. SECOND, AS A REMOVABLE DRIVE (F:) which actually contained the additional label that this had something to do with their proprietary software -- "WD SmartWare" -- and apparently corresponds to what their website calls a VIRTUAL CD. Virtual Life forms however are not mentioned on any of the written material accompanying the Passport. The newly established Drives E and F showed they had different amounts of storage available suggesting the proprietary stuff clearly takes up some room (668 versus 697 GB). Thus I clicked on the one labelled WD Smartdrive and their software finally came to life.
(Subsequently I found another small tiny sheet of paper separate from the installation diagrams on which there are 3 micro-short paragraphs in English buried among several other languages. These would have instructed me to take the same actions I descibed above, plus provided a web-address for their user's manual. BTW, only after reaching WD online is there acknowledgement that semi-independent VIRTUAL lifeforms and behavior exist on your device.)
UPDATING CREATED A BIT MORE CONFUSION -- BUT STILL ULTIMATELY SURVIVABLE
Once their software opens, it immediately invites consideration of updates. Seemed prudent to do so before going to the effort to store or backup data. Thus, I followed the provided link which transported me to the WD SmartWare website and it identified that I needed both firmware and software updates. Fortunately, a bit more detailed instructions are shown on the website than in the packaging. However, when implimented on my laptop they still left gaps.
For example, I stopped my virus program as directed. It didn't say to close SmartWare from whence this whole thing was triggered. The FIRMWARE UPDATE installed but glitched somehow briefly on completion. The cursory instructions tell you to disconnect and reconnect your drive (by manually unplugging for 10 seconds). Done. But then the computer gave a Windows-generated error signal from the status bar that I was attempting to add a new device which was not installed properly. Indeed, it was no longer acknowledged either a HardDrive or a RemovableDrive under "My Computer". I did a complete reboot of the computer. The first time Windows intervened, claiming something threatened to damage my computer (a major warning screen with blue background and white "typeset" letters) and the computer shut itself off. I powered it back on and this time it rebooted normally, the Passport was fully accessible. The firmware update finished its authorization or whatever was needed after asking me to provide the password I had previously assigned during initial installation.
In contrast, the SOFTWARE UPDATE went smoothly without any further problems. My computer likewise seems to be fine without any abnormal operations or further lockups occurring.
BACKUP USING PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE AND STANDARD SETTINGS
This is automated essentially to the simplest point-and-click. Went smoothly without any significant hitches, except that it choose to skip rather than backup my Window's encrypted files (something I have noticed is not unusual, and happens with most other backup software I own except GHOST). It gave very clear notice of this omission, though I don't believe it explained why. However the why was easily recognized by me, because it did clearly list the file names for the 3 that were omitted -- a feature not always present on my other backup software that likewise declined these same 3 files.
If it was truly important to me to store all files, then I would need to use regular Windows or DOS copy commands to move these to the Passport Drive in their natural state as encrypted rather than as backup files.
Backup was relatively slow. For the first-time backup of approximately 68 GB of data it was clear I would need to leave the system running several hours (overnight in my case).
GENERAL OPERATION, SUPPORT & EXTERNAL FEATURES
Ultra-quiet. Unobtrusive. A very tiny pinpoint silver/blue dot illuminates when the drive is connected. Footprint is 4.25 X 3.25 and thickness about 0.75 inches. Essentially the footprint size matches that of a travel passport -- but thicker. A nice perk for portability was included; a well-padded and durably constructed black neoprene zippered case. The case has a small separate pocket for storing the short micro-USB 2.0 cable, also included. (The cable so far fits pretty snuggly and has not fallen out of the drive.) One could keep the Technical Support/Limited Waranty Guide here too, but it becomes a slightly cramped at this point. My model is shiny black and will constantly pickup lots of fingerprints.
It appears reasonably solid and tightly constructed. It is not meant to be opened by the end user; no obvious screws or snap open case components. Though very portable, I wouldn't want to expose it to dropping, being crushed under something heavy, or outdoor conditions with potential dust or moisture -- thus its not "rugged" for harsher travelling conditions. It's claims to have military-grade encryption (256), but this should not be mistaken for military grade in general. Its definitely does not sport military-grade hardware or case construction. Using a different storage case than the provided neoprene one, however, might extend its ruggedness.
WARRANTY AND SUPPORT
My model states it was produced in Thailand. WD provides direct phone numbers as well as e-mail addresses for customer support, but so far I have had no real need to use them. The only problems occurred with the firmware update and this resolved just by rebooting my computer a 2nd time. The instructions state in exceedingly fine print that 30 days of free telephone support are provided, countdown intiated on the day of your first telephone contact with them. Email-support reportedly carries through the full warranty which is 2 years in the US and Europe, CURIOUSLY 3 years in the Asia Pacific Region. Why???
SUMMARY
PROS
---- Small, lightweight, ultraquiet and minimal visual glare from the tiny light
---- Initial installation on Windows XP seamless and easy
---- Construction reasonably solid and with neoprene case should be reasonably safe when stored in a purse, briefcase or suitcase such that it is does not have heavy items placed directly over it.
CONS - NONE SIGNIFICANT FOR ME THUS FAR
---- Minor confusion regarding its double installation as two separate drives
---- Created initial worry about malfunction of the drive and my whole laptop during firmware update. Would have been much more worried if critical data or backups had already by stored on it -- or if my computer further malfunctioned. However, this was completely and rapidly solved by a simple computer reboot.
---- Although it is an industry-wide practice to advertise more capacity on the drive than is truly available to the end-user, I THINK IT IS A BIT DECEPTIVE TO CALL THESE 750 GB DRIVES WHEN NO MORE THAN 697 GB (or 668 with proprietary Virtual CD softwre) ARE ROUTINELY AVAILABLE. The descrepancy in stated versus usable space seems to GENERALLY climb with drive size and occurs with all the manufacturers I have purchased from. Nonetheless, the loss of 50 GB (or more) of advertised drive space is no small discrepancy. That is nearly the size of the entire laptop drive I wanted to backup. I realize that some of these 50+ GIGAbites may be devoted to the software for Virtual CD and backup -- but if so, it should be clearly stated on the outer package wrapping or the drive simply advertized as a 700 GB drive. That is a lot of space to tuck away as unusuable!!!!
Overall, I am pretty satisfied. Will report back later if further operational problems emerge.
Western Digital 750GB External Hard Drive WDBABM7500ABK Reviews
very fast! . My item came before the estimated time, it came very fast and very well packaged thank you so much!! I haven't tried it yet but i know that it will be in great conditions.
very fast! . My item came before the estimated time, it came very fast and very well packaged thank you so much!! I haven't tried it yet but i know that it will be in great conditions.
Feature Western Digital 750GB External Hard Drive WDBABM7500ABK
- 750GB Maximun capacity in the palm of you hand
- Automatic, continuous backup
- Password protection and military-grade 256-bit hardware-based encryption
- Ultra-portanble design
- Powered directly from the USB port
Related Post
- Eagle Tech ET-CS2FSU3-BK 2.5-inch SATA to SuperSpeed USB 3.0 Portable
HDD Enclosure (5Gbps) - Toshiba Canvio 500 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive for Mac
E05A050MAU2XY (Radiant Silver) - Clickfree Automatic Backup C2N 1 TB USB 3.0 Network Ready Desktop
External Hard Drive, 1037N3 (Piano Black)
Product Details
EAN : 0718037773377UPC : 718037759135
MPN : WDBABM7500ABK
Brand : Western Digital
Weight : 1 pounds
Height : 1 inches
Length : 12 inches
Width : 8 inches
Binding : Electronics
Manufacturer : Western Digital
Model : WDBACX7500ABK
Publisher : Western Digital
SKU : zw2592
Studio : Western Digital
Where To Buy
You can buy Western Digital 750GB External Hard Drive WDBABM7500ABK on Amazon . Click here to Read More
