Monday, September 11, 2006
Western Digital Passport 100 GB USB Portable Hard Drive
Posted by Chris Gohlke in "HARDWARE" @ 03:00 PM
"The latest version of the Western Digital Passport Portable External Hard Drive lives up to its name: it's about the same size as a passport. We were surprised at its light weight, too, given its solid design, but we expect as much from a portable drive. Setting up the Passport was a no-brainer. The drive comes with a single standard mini USB cable for both data and power, as the drive is bus-powered, a nice touch for portable drive. All we had to do is plug in the drive to our PC, and we were up and running. 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."
If you just can't manage to cram all the data you need to carry around on a USB key, then this is the product for you. I've used my hard disk based MP3 player many a time to facilitate large sneaker-net data transfers and this seems to feed right to that market. While slightly larger than most MP3 players, this drive crams in 100 GB and comes in at just a bit over $1 a GB at $130.
If you just can't manage to cram all the data you need to carry around on a USB key, then this is the product for you. I've used my hard disk based MP3 player many a time to facilitate large sneaker-net data transfers and this seems to feed right to that market. While slightly larger than most MP3 players, this drive crams in 100 GB and comes in at just a bit over $1 a GB at $130.
