Western Digital WDXMS1200TN Passport 120 GB USB 2.0 2.5-Inch Portable Hard Drive Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I read scores of user reviews, on this site and others, then bought a competing product and immediately wished I hadn't. Given my previous experience, I gritted my teeth and ordered this little gem (yes, there were some detractors).

I used this drive as a convenience tool and "security blanket" while on a 9-day trip to New England to find dead relatives (OK, family history research).The point of the tool was to move files from four different digital cameras (did I mention I was traveling with my brother and his gear), to two different laptops (Dell, running W2000 Pro; Mac laptop running OS X).And to cross-back-up folders on both laptops once content was uploaded to them.It sounds more confusing and complicated that it actually was.

I must say, the WD Passport gave me everything I'd expected.The old Dell I was using had a USB 1.x interface, so that was SLOW (not the Passport's fault).However, with the Mac, and with my USB 2.0 systems at home--- blazing fast.

If you use a laptop, be prepared to carry along a powered USB hub.As advertised, a lot of laptops don't generate enough power through their USB jacks to run the Passport.This was especially true of the older Dell I was using; the Mac powered the drive fine without assistance.But that was a minor irritant, given the overall performance of this drive.

Would I repeat this purchase?In a heartbeat.

***UPDATE*** [23 July 2009] I've taken this drive on 10-15 multi-day trips.I use it as a triple-backup system for digital photographs and digital scans.It continues to perform flawlessly.

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Product Description:
Pack up your office files and take them home. Carry thousands of songs or pictures. These drives are simple to use, light and easy to carry, and require no power adapter - they are powered directly through the USB cable. Installation is a snap because you don't really 'install' this drive; you just plug it in and it's ready to use. There is no CD to install; the included software loads from the drive the first time you plug it in. Powered by the USB bus, so no separate power supply needed. This ultra-portable drive fits easily in your pocket or purse, weighs only a few ounces and holds tons of valuable data.