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CNET editors' rating:
3.5 stars
Very good
Detailed editors' rating - Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 33 reviews
- See all user reviews
Product summary
The good: Compact; bus-powered; quick at reading and writing; includes sync and encryption software; comes with a zippered, hard carrying case.
The bad: Sync software works with only Windows XP and 2000; phone support may eventually become expensive.
The bottom line: Western Digital's Passport Portable External Hard Drive lets you take a lot of data on the road for a low price.
Specifications: Compatibility: PC, Mac; Connector type: Mini-USB Type B; Hard drive size: 160 GB; See full specs
Price range: $101.99 - $242.81
See all products in the Western Digital Passport USB Portable Drive series
CNET editors' review
- Reviewed on: 09/08/2006
- Released on: 06/01/2006
Western Digital preloads some software on the drive, including Google's desktop software, WD Sync synchronization-and-encryption software, and an electronic version of the included quick-start guide. Unfortunately, the sync-and-encrypt software works with only Windows 2000 and XP operating systems, so Mac users will have to find and install their own software. The drive also comes with a zippered, hard case that's just roomy enough for the drive and the cable, convenient for anyone on the go.
- Drive type: Portable hard drive
- Capacities: 60GB, 80GB, 100GB, 120GB (5,400rpm)
- Capacity of test unit: 120GB
- Cache: 2MB
- Dimension: 5.68 inches by 3.5 inches by 0.83 in inch (LWH); 0.6 pound
- Notable design features: None
- Connection options: USB 2.0
- OSs supported: Windows 98 SE/Me/2000/XP; Mac OS 9.2.2 or Mac OS X 10.1.5+
- Software included (on drive): WD Sync synchronization-and-encryption software
- Any additional features: Zippered, hard carrying case
- Service/support: One-year warranty; phone support: free for 30 days from first call, $14.95 per incident after 30 days, toll-free, available Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., CT; Web site has knowledge base, downloads, and an e-mail support form.
On CNET Labs' test bench, the Passport didn't disappoint us with its speeds. The Passport took about 20 minutes to write our 10GB test folder to its disks. This is comparable to other portable hard drives, such as the Apricorn Aegis Mini (19.2 minutes). The reading test yielded even better results. The drive needed only 8.7 minutes to copy the 10GB folder back to our test machine. This is about as good as it gets for a USB 2.0 external hard drive.
Overall, the Western Digital Passport is a great little drive to carry with you. It's small enough to fit anywhere in your luggage, yet roomy enough to hold all of your documents plus maybe even all of your music collection. And at $200 for the 120GB unit, it won't break the bank, either.
- See more CNET content tagged:
- Western Digital,
- portable hard drive,
- Apricorn,
- external hard drive,
- USB 2.0
User reviews
- Average user rating: 2.5 stars out of 33 reviews
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 33 user reviewsSee all 33 user reviews
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20 out of 20 people found this review helpful
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7 out of 7 people found this review helpful
"Doesn't work in front USB ports, doesn't work in laptops, very short cord"
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6 out of 6 people found this review helpful
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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2 out of 3 people found this review helpful
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Where to buy
Western Digital Passport USB Portable Hard Drive (160GB, black):
$101.99 - $242.81
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
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Amazon.com
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$199.99 | See Site |
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Next Warehouse
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$242.81 | No | Not yet rated |
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TheNerds.net
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$101.99 | Yes |
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$102.00 | No | Not yet rated |
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