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Western Digital Passport Elite 250GB Portable USB Drive-Titanium
This review is from : Western Digital My Passport Elite 250 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive (Titanium)
Nice drive slow software with quirks . The drive itself is tiny, even though the online photos make it look big. Runs quiet & cool.
You pay extra for the Elite version of this product as the software runs continuously in the background, backing up files as they are modified. (However Time Machine on the Mac is easier to set up, more reliable, and more intuitive.)
It does work; however as other reviewers elsewhere have pointed out, it is incredibly slow. When choosing to encrypt backups, it takes several minutes to process a large file, and even small files are handled an average of one per second.
If you look at the folder structure of a backup, you can see why - it has placeholder files for each "real" filename (so the filenames are NOT encrypted), then the encrypted contents of the file are stored elsewhere in an odd-looking multi-level hidden directory structure.
Unencrypted backups are much quicker, and you can retrieve the files individually using Explorer, or use the one-click restore utility. As long as the software is running, it backs up continuously in real-time as files change, instead of hourly, and that process is almost instant. It does not make use of the file property's Archive flag. If the drive is unplugged, it queues the files (seemingly in a persistent storage area, as even after a logout it will write them once the drive is plugged back in).
WARNING: If the software is not running, a new or modified file will NEVER be backed up. If you log in as another user who doesn't have a backup plan active and modify a shared file, then log back in as the original user, the file will be missed!!
The software installation package is contained on the drive, and while you still need to install it, it does not require admin rights on your PC.
The drive is by default formatted as FAT32, so if you want permissions or files larger than 4GB, you need to reformat it as NTFS. Otherwise you will get an odd error "Volume is out of space" when it clearly isn't, once it reaches a 4GB file. Note that it will pause the backup at this stage, and not continue with the remainder of the files!
CAUTION: If you have files open (such as Outlook PST files), the software will skip them. As soon as you quit Outlook, it will notice the file was modified and back it up. I believe this means Registry entries are not backed up, which means it isn't possible to do a one-click straight restore after a HD crash, unlike Time Machine.
This product is appropriate for casual users on a home PC who want to ensure their documents, photos, etc. are backed up, and are not worried about Windows system files and do not have a multitude of application settings, because these can be recreated from installation CDs, and reconfigured by hand.
Mac users would want the cheaper version without the Elite software.
Nice drive slow software with quirks . The drive itself is tiny, even though the online photos make it look big. Runs quiet & cool.
You pay extra for the Elite version of this product as the software runs continuously in the background, backing up files as they are modified. (However Time Machine on the Mac is easier to set up, more reliable, and more intuitive.)
It does work; however as other reviewers elsewhere have pointed out, it is incredibly slow. When choosing to encrypt backups, it takes several minutes to process a large file, and even small files are handled an average of one per second.
If you look at the folder structure of a backup, you can see why - it has placeholder files for each "real" filename (so the filenames are NOT encrypted), then the encrypted contents of the file are stored elsewhere in an odd-looking multi-level hidden directory structure.
Unencrypted backups are much quicker, and you can retrieve the files individually using Explorer, or use the one-click restore utility. As long as the software is running, it backs up continuously in real-time as files change, instead of hourly, and that process is almost instant. It does not make use of the file property's Archive flag. If the drive is unplugged, it queues the files (seemingly in a persistent storage area, as even after a logout it will write them once the drive is plugged back in).
WARNING: If the software is not running, a new or modified file will NEVER be backed up. If you log in as another user who doesn't have a backup plan active and modify a shared file, then log back in as the original user, the file will be missed!!
The software installation package is contained on the drive, and while you still need to install it, it does not require admin rights on your PC.
The drive is by default formatted as FAT32, so if you want permissions or files larger than 4GB, you need to reformat it as NTFS. Otherwise you will get an odd error "Volume is out of space" when it clearly isn't, once it reaches a 4GB file. Note that it will pause the backup at this stage, and not continue with the remainder of the files!
CAUTION: If you have files open (such as Outlook PST files), the software will skip them. As soon as you quit Outlook, it will notice the file was modified and back it up. I believe this means Registry entries are not backed up, which means it isn't possible to do a one-click straight restore after a HD crash, unlike Time Machine.
This product is appropriate for casual users on a home PC who want to ensure their documents, photos, etc. are backed up, and are not worried about Windows system files and do not have a multitude of application settings, because these can be recreated from installation CDs, and reconfigured by hand.
Mac users would want the cheaper version without the Elite software.
Western Digital My Passport Elite 250 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive (Titanium) Reviews
Great little drive . I bought this drive to replace a WD MyBook 500GB external drive that failed within 19 months of the purchase date (it came supplied with a 1 year warranty). By the way, I'm not the only one to report the failure of the MyBook drives slightly after the warranty period's expiry--if you check out reviews of the product, chances are you'll find quite a few people who have experienced the same issue within a 14-19 month period.
This time I wanted a drive with a long warranty. This drive provides a 5 year warranty--which is great. I am happy with WD drives, I just don't like being left in the dust without a warranty. This particular drive features a great form-factor--it fits in my pocket along with my iPhone without any problems. It looks great, I like the silver color. The drive is being used with OSX so the capacity LED gauge serves little purpose for me (only supports Windows XP/Vista). Not requiring a power cable was a great design decision by WD. This drive serves as a TimeMachine backup drive, which for my two 80 GB drives, works well in respect to capacity. In terms of performance, I measured the time it took to transfer (backup) 1GB of assorted data and calculated that on average, the data moved at ~8MB/sec, which is worse than my old 7200RPM MyBook, but not bad. Since TimeMachine runs on a backup stealth schedule without any intervention on my behalf, I don't care how fast the data moves as long as it works.
Overall, highly recommended. Hope it lasts longer than my 500GB MyBook. If not, 5 year protection.
Great little drive . I bought this drive to replace a WD MyBook 500GB external drive that failed within 19 months of the purchase date (it came supplied with a 1 year warranty). By the way, I'm not the only one to report the failure of the MyBook drives slightly after the warranty period's expiry--if you check out reviews of the product, chances are you'll find quite a few people who have experienced the same issue within a 14-19 month period.
This time I wanted a drive with a long warranty. This drive provides a 5 year warranty--which is great. I am happy with WD drives, I just don't like being left in the dust without a warranty. This particular drive features a great form-factor--it fits in my pocket along with my iPhone without any problems. It looks great, I like the silver color. The drive is being used with OSX so the capacity LED gauge serves little purpose for me (only supports Windows XP/Vista). Not requiring a power cable was a great design decision by WD. This drive serves as a TimeMachine backup drive, which for my two 80 GB drives, works well in respect to capacity. In terms of performance, I measured the time it took to transfer (backup) 1GB of assorted data and calculated that on average, the data moved at ~8MB/sec, which is worse than my old 7200RPM MyBook, but not bad. Since TimeMachine runs on a backup stealth schedule without any intervention on my behalf, I don't care how fast the data moves as long as it works.
Overall, highly recommended. Hope it lasts longer than my 500GB MyBook. If not, 5 year protection.
Western Digital My Passport Elite 250 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive (Titanium) Opinions
Decent little but review your options first . Western digital sells the Passport Essential, Elite, and Studio. The essential has a 3 year warranty. The elite has a 5 year warranty. The Studio gives you firewire and USB connectivity.
In the real world, firewire for external hard drives is always faster. Ignore the 480 mb/s spec for USB 2.0.
Thing is, these drives are all priced fairly closely with each other. Why would you choose a lesser drive for the same price? Be very careful when you do the Amazon search, I thought I was looking for the 320GB elite and accidentally bought the 250GB. The restocking fee was so high, I just kept it.
Decent little but review your options first . Western digital sells the Passport Essential, Elite, and Studio. The essential has a 3 year warranty. The elite has a 5 year warranty. The Studio gives you firewire and USB connectivity.
In the real world, firewire for external hard drives is always faster. Ignore the 480 mb/s spec for USB 2.0.
Thing is, these drives are all priced fairly closely with each other. Why would you choose a lesser drive for the same price? Be very careful when you do the Amazon search, I thought I was looking for the 320GB elite and accidentally bought the 250GB. The restocking fee was so high, I just kept it.
All I wanted . Having both a regular My Passport and this elite, I'd definitely recommend the elite. It does all I need and even has a sliding cover that protects the connection port. The only downside is all of the software it comes with. Can be useful for some, but I found it easier to just wipe the drive and use it as a data backup.
Great hard drive . This is a great hard drive. This is the third passport that I have purchased in the last year and I have had great results.
BE AWARE - This drive does NOT contain the drawstring pouch that is advertised above. No big deal but if you are expecting a carrying pouch, order one.
BE AWARE - This drive does NOT contain the drawstring pouch that is advertised above. No big deal but if you are expecting a carrying pouch, order one.
western digitial external harddrive . i bought this for the five year warranty; its pretty easy to use where you click and drag your files into the hard drive. very small and compact size as well.
this comes with backup software that allows you to encrypt your files and syncs the hard drive with your computer and allows you to instantly and painlessly sync whenever it has it plugged in.
HOWEVER.
you can't directly access the files as if they were .mp3, .jpg, .wma, etc. this is solely used as a backup. which sucks. the above click and drag method i'd say is the most useful method imo except it makes you can't use the sync software with that. wompwompwompppppp... !
kind of slow as well for a PC; TECHNICALLY its fast like a lot more than downloading speeds. but if you have like what, 40 gb, i was waiting about 30-40 minutes regardless if i used the software or not.
this comes with backup software that allows you to encrypt your files and syncs the hard drive with your computer and allows you to instantly and painlessly sync whenever it has it plugged in.
HOWEVER.
you can't directly access the files as if they were .mp3, .jpg, .wma, etc. this is solely used as a backup. which sucks. the above click and drag method i'd say is the most useful method imo except it makes you can't use the sync software with that. wompwompwompppppp... !
kind of slow as well for a PC; TECHNICALLY its fast like a lot more than downloading speeds. but if you have like what, 40 gb, i was waiting about 30-40 minutes regardless if i used the software or not.
Returning It . Bought this because of product ratings and great sale price. Hate it. Runs slow. Software included won't back up program files. No documentation included in package for set up or download. Not a good buy for someone who isn't computer savy. Returning it and opting for the Maxtor One Touch.
The best portable Hard Drive today? But what makes 'em elite? . As someone who works with video productions, Hard Drives have become my life. They come in different shapes, sizes and price points, but hands down the Western Digital Passport line are a Godsend.
Their lightweight.
Their compact
Some styles (elite) come in brushed metal patterns, to combat unsightly fingerprint marks.
The elite versions also come with a cloth storage bag (think jewelry bag) and an on board indicator to determine how much space is left on the drive. Two cool features.
It's a must buy!
Note: For our techies out there, these drives run on a FAT32 partition by default, so if your dealing with larger files (like video) its best to repartition the drive to a NTFS configuration.
Their lightweight.
Their compact
Some styles (elite) come in brushed metal patterns, to combat unsightly fingerprint marks.
The elite versions also come with a cloth storage bag (think jewelry bag) and an on board indicator to determine how much space is left on the drive. Two cool features.
It's a must buy!
Note: For our techies out there, these drives run on a FAT32 partition by default, so if your dealing with larger files (like video) its best to repartition the drive to a NTFS configuration.
Better options for this price point . I've purchased and used many of these at my workplace. They are reliable but this product category is starting to feel like flash drives-- you're buying style and assuming a basic requirement of reliability. Right now, I find that Iomega portable drives are a bit more stylish and you definitely get more for your money per megabyte.
Cons Review
Be very careful here this product has difficulties waiting for you . While the form factor is great and the customer service rep is effective, the included software interfears with my os system (Vista Home Premium)in fatal fashion. Twice it has rendered my pc useless requiring me to contact my pc manufacturer (HP)for help. It turns out that WD software included in the purchase is not compatible with a 64bit os. WD knows this, but saids nothing in it's product promotion. They will download an update once you've crashed and found it necessary to contact their support reps. I'd rather that they make it clear what systems their product supports out of the box.
Product Image
Feature Western Digital My Passport Elite 250 GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive (Titanium)
- Box Content - My Passport Portable hard drive, USB 2.0 cable, Drawstring carrying bag, and Quick Install Guide
- Synchronized and secure - WD Sync synchronization and encryption software lets you take your critical data with you
- Remote access - Connect My Passport to any PC and run MioNet Key software to remotely access files, music, and photos from any of your computers with MioNet software installed
- Capacity Gauge - See at a glance how much space is available on your drive
- Search your drive, manage your photos, and simplify Web searches with included Google software
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External Hard Drive
Product Details
EAN : 0102646251287UPC : 102646251287
MPN : WDML2500TN
Brand : Western Digital
Weight : 1 pounds
Height : 2 inches
Length : 8 inches
Width : 6 inches
Binding : Personal Computers
Format : CD
Hardware Platform : Mac
Manufacturer : Western Digital
Model : WDML2500TN
Operating System : Windows
Platform : Windows
Publisher : Western Digital
SKU : DHWDML2500TN
Studio : Western Digital
Where To Buy
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