Pros: Small and light, very portable.

Cons: WD Smartware is atrocious. The USB cable will disconnect with the slightest movement. I have had countless torrents and downloads corrupted because of this. I cannot recommend an external hard drive with this design flaw.

Pros: Powered solely off of USB. Small size. Large storage capacity.

Cons: Cable is rather short.

Other Thoughts: This drive is the storage drive for my SheevaPlug. It works perfectly with it. Buy a longer cable.

Pros: When the cons below don't get in the way, the drive works just as any external drive should.

Cons: SmartWare - This software is useless and had been eating up about 100MB of my system memory before I was finally able to remove it.
Cable - Because the cable disconnects from the drive so easily, I have to first connect the cable to see where it's going to lay on my desk, then I can connect the drive. As long as I don't accidentally move the drive everything is fine. If you're in the middle of a large file transfer and the cable disconnects accidentally it's extremely frustrating! If WD is going to make a proprietary cable (as is the case with this drive), at least make it capable of locking, like the early iPod cables, also, make the cable more flexible so that positioning the hard drive is not contingent on how the cable is laying... all-in-all... horrible design.

Other Thoughts: Consider something else that is designed with a bit more common sense.

Pros: Very sleek looks, and smaller than other drives.

Cons: 1. I tried connecting this drive to four different PC's, and two notebooks. All of them gave me "USB Device Not Recognized". Turns out the Micro USB cable that comes with the drive was faulty. Googled this and other people are having the same problem. WD will replace the cable for free. I used a cable from my Blackberry and it worked.

2. Sometimes the drive would show up as both CD-ROM and Hard drive at the same time. Which from my understanding, is how it is intended to work. However, about 30% of the time it would only show up as a CD-ROM. Not sure if mine was defective or not.

3. WD Smartware may be useful to someone looking to schedule regular backups, but to me it was a nuisance. If you decide you don't like it. You have to download another piece of software to cripple it. There is no way to delete it all together. Once it was installed on my PC. It could not be completely uninstalled through Add\Remove programs.

Other Thoughts: I had an older version of this drive that died. The older version used MiniUSB, and had no software. I prefer the older model, and think that WD should offer a no frills version again. Until then, I recommend the Seagate ST905004EXA101-RK, but be careful ordering online. The ST905004EXA101-RK is portable USB powered, and the ST305004EXA101-RK is desktop and required AC\DC power supply.

Pros: Attractive design, small form, quiet, decent speeds, 465GB capacity

Cons: smartware may be a turnoff to some users, drive tends to unmount when system wakes from hibernate (Win7).

Other Thoughts: The fact that a firmware update is required to disable an unwanted software manager may be enough to turn off some users. For everyday use though, it's fairly unobtrusive and performs exactly as I expected.

Pros: 465GB of formatted usable space. Very small and light. Pretty quick for a USB drive.

Cons: Have to go to this site to remove the smartware software.

http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/updates/?family=wdsmartwareutilities

First you have to update the firmware, then you have to run the vcd utility to remove it. (hence the four stars, if it was smartware free then id give it 5 stars)

Other Thoughts: Some have complained about Usable space recovery and the usb cable being loose.

Smartware does not seem to take up any usable space on the drive when compared to other 500GB extrnal drives I own. It may be in the drives firmware, since you have to update the firmware to be able to remove it.

The usb cable that i have actually has little tiny locking clips on it which I have seen on other micro usb cables. So my unit locks very securely when its plugged in.

Pros: Small, quiet, the power saving mode is nice.

Cons: The USB-powered drive draws too much power. It needs to be plugged directly into an open port on the computer to function. It doesn't play nicely with USB hubs, and powered hubs seem hit or miss. I have one hub that uses 2 USB connections to the computer for power (which doesn't work), and one that uses a wall power connection (which does work), although it doesn't work with an extender in the wall-powered hub.

Other Thoughts: The software only backs up files in common places, (like My Documents, Desktop, etc.) and not system info, so it's no good for recovering from any sort of system crash. It also organizes your stuff in goofy directories, so if you want to get at something you'll have to use the software to get at it instead of explorer.

Pros: Standard reasons.
Size - fits in shirt pocket.
USB - Doesn't require external power
Portability

Cons: Cannot remove Smartware. You can hide the VCD but can't remove it. I'd much prefer to use the full capacity of the drive I paid for, rather than have dormant crapware that cannot be removed! I love my passport from about a year ago. I absolutely hate this drive because of Smartware.

WD was non-responsive when I asked if there were any special steps that allowed you to completely remove the VCD and recover the the storage. Nice!

Other Thoughts: Combining this experience with my recent experience of having a 2TB green drive fail (after 36 days - Just outside of NewEgg RMA), I must say that I am no longer a loyal WD customer. I will go with another brand for my next purchase.

Pros: Small, Fast, Large Capacity.

Cons: None.

Other Thoughts: This external is actually my 3rd. I started with a 250GB, then bought the 500GB versions of the passport, and will most likely get the 1TB passport if/when it is made. I've never had a problem with the drive itself so far as the operation goes, and the aesthetics are top notch. The usb cord is a little short, but that really works for 99% of my needs.

Pros: Small size, large capacity, easy storage solution

Cons: shiny black plastic picks up lint/dust like a magnet (oh well, right?)

Other Thoughts: Instructions left by another reviewer on where to find instructions and programs to get rid of annoying virtual program on drive worked perfectly. Took me <5 minutes to get rid of it, no problems encountered.
Micro USB is different, but not bad. Should be able to pick up a longer cable if you need it. Can't believe some people complain about having to carry one extra cable (that probably weighs 4 ounces!).

Pros: DEMAND that WD supplies a permanent fix for the Smartware rootkit bundled with their external drives. Unfortunately for WD, there is no way they can disprove that Smartware is not a rootkit (malicious or not). This isn't the first time a major organization/corporation has plagued end consumers with a customized rootkit within a product, that is virtually impossible to get rid of, without the intervention/assistance of said organization/corporation.

Smartware IS a ROOTKIT. If you do not know what a rootkit is, use some google-fu and look at the characteristics of what a rootkit is. Every aspect of Smartware is a rookit. I cant think of a single way that it is not.

Cons: - WD has to trick you into accepting it out-of-the-box just to even use the drive for the first time. It is almost like ransomware, except we have already paid the price. Requires/uses internet access with, or without your consent/knowledge. Who knows what its actually doing when your computer is idle. It is programmed in such a way as to avoid detection and removal (stealth). It is portable, hidden, virtual disk emulation at its finest. Drives infected with smartware actually report more usable (false) space than Smartware is occupying. Most any decent AV product that has the ability, actually detects the code within Smartware, and its resulting actions, as a rootkit upon drive insertion/software installation.

Other Thoughts: This is the basic list realized by me after the first 5 minutes with my new WD Passport Essential. I'm sure the list will continue to grow as Smartware is investigated further.

Currently there is no known safe (non-destructive) method to remove Smartware without voiding your drives warranty. Hiding the Smartware VCD is not sufficient nor acceptable, as it is still resident within the drive. Contact (by any available method) Western Digital & their associated affiliates and DEMAND that they provide an adequate, permanent removal tool for their engineered Smartware rootkit NOW!

If you support Smartware, you are part of the problem.

Pros: Small form factor, colors could be useful for some.

Cons: Installed software (that now seems WD has allowed to be removed after all of the uproar). Mico USB.

Other Thoughts: I am sure this drive is fine, but the micro USB was a no go since I have so many peripherals that use the Mini USB plug (Canon Cameras, various HDs, CF card reader, etc.). This may not be a worry for those who are just starting to buy drives, but it is a real bummer as I would have to keep one set of extra cables just for one drive. Something that I really don't want to worry/think about especially if I find myself on a photo shoot without the right cable. WD customer service says this is the new standard, but it is a pointless change in my opinion as many of us are so invested in the mini plug and there really doesn't seem to be much advantage to switching. It is still USB 2.0.

Pros: none

Cons: none

Other Thoughts: Unfortunately micro usb is not propriety, just not in widespread use yet. My Nokia 6565 uses micro usb. Have not purchased this drive yet. Has anyone tried just reformatting the drive to get rid of the WD apps. I use my own encryption software. So I would just reformat the entire drive to clear off the WD boot, virt cd stuff.

Pros: I have the older version -- no problems at all.

Cons: None.

Other Thoughts: I don' see the problem with the new one (other than possibly the cable issue). If you don't like the software that comes with it, why don't you just re-partition and re-format it? That seems simple enough.

Pros: WD has FIXED the Smartware autorun, you can now disable it after a firmware update. http://www.wdc.com/wdproducts/updates/?family=wdsmartwareutilities

Also the other issue is the MicroUSB cable - I received a free warranty replacement from WD and it works perfectly.

Cons: None, now.

Pros: Small, fast, capacity.

Cons: I always had great experiences with the WD Passport Drives. New version comes with connection cable that seems to be some type of proprietary USB2 cable - so if you misplace it, you can't just grab a more general one. The included cable is also quite short but more problematic is that it does not always stay seated. Connection seems quite loose and unstable. I bought 20 for work and am returning the 19 unopened ones.

Pros: I'd say: single USB connector, capacity and size. Unfortunately, each of the cons below is a showstopper.

Cons: 1. The 'bonus' software is intrusive and undestructable. MsConfig is not a solution for several reasons. For one, it may not be your home computer.
2. MicroUSB instead of MiniUSB. If it is your only external device, it doesn't matter THAT much.

Other Thoughts: Honestly, I can't imagine who will welcome these innovations. If WD is thinking that people will get used to them, there are always other brands. I am going to stick to the older model.

Pros: design matches my laptop

Cons: I was specifically looking for a drive powered solely by USB. Western Digital claims you can get an "optional power cable" for those pcs that have USB ports that limit power draw, as mine does. I asked Western Digital if this was a Y-cable that draws power from 2 USB ports, since I did not want to have to plug in an extra power brick, and was told yes, it has a Y-cable. Based on that information I ordered the drive. Unfortunately, Western Digital gave me the wrong information. Their same customer service rep subsequently told me me that no Y-cable is available for this drive. It apparently requires an extra power supply brick. I will be returning this drive.

Pros: This drive is dead silent, performs very well, and is a fast solid SUPER small portable USB drive. With 500GB it holds a TON of information ready to use on any machine you plug it into. Very nice!

Cons: The only con I can think of is that the included cable may be a bit too short for some people and it is a bit tricky to get it plugged in correctly. I also have written WDC about this problem and they have replied to my satisfaction and replaced my cables free of charge. I do hope that they fix this minor shortcoming in the near future for new customers.

Other Thoughts: This comment is for the customers who want to complain but don't know how to change simple settings within their computers. The "autorun" feature of this drive can be disabled by a simple setting tweak that takes 10 seconds if you are willing to read a few words first. Please before you destroy a product reputation first realize whether it is you or the product that is not working correctly. The SIMPLE fix for disabling the autorun feature is to go to your Start --> Run --> (type) "msconfig" (without the quotes) then click "Ok". Then choose the "Startup" tab and scroll down to the "WD Drive Manager" and "WD Smartware" and UNCHECK these items. Click "Apply" then "Ok". Then agree to a reboot. Simple and easy. No more autorun and no more virtual cd. I hope this helps customers better use this fine product. Also I do not work for WDC. I am simply trying to help the customers who seem to be in need of assistance. Best regards! :-)

Pros: Compact, lightweight, quiet, fair write speeds for a 5400rpm USB drive.

Cons: Software that autoruns when you plug in harddrive, no way that I know of to delete it. I'll be putting a call in to Western Digital soon to see if there is actually a way to remove it. One star off for the software.

Other Thoughts: The cable included in the retail package is a USB Micro, and is a VERY loose fit. It seems the tabs that hold it in don't extend enough. I called Western Digital, they sent me a replacement cable (no cost, free shipping) with proper tab extension. Now cable plugs into hard drive very solidly. Unit I own is actually the 320GB model, just cross-posting as the product is essentially the same.

Pros: NONE.

Cons: If you think... well I'll just remove the drive from the case and use it somewhere else. WRONG. The Micro USB connection is built into the circuit board for the drive itself. It is not a snap-on type adapter that you can remove.

Other Thoughts: I hope WD enjoys the profit they made off my purchase. I'm sticking with Seagate Free Agent externals. At least I can delete their garbage software off the drive. The only satisfaction I have received in owning this product was smashing it with a framing hammer.

Pros: Sleek looking paper weight

Cons: Uses a proprietary USB cable that is too short. Cannot remove the Smartware software that it comes with. Installs a virtual CD rom on any computer that you plug this into.

Other Thoughts: This is not like the other passport drives. Avoid this one.

Manufacturer Response:

WD Response:
We want to make sure you are happy with your purchase and are concerned about the issues you are experiencing. Please call our customer support department so that we can obtain further details to resolve your issues. You can find the number and hours of support at http://support.wdc.com/contact/index.asp?lang=en .

WD’s new My Passport drives connect to your PC or Mac using a standard 1.5 foot MicroUSB cable. MicroUSB is the new standard for connecting portable consumer electronics such as smartphones and digital cameras.

Pros: Quiet fast drive in a piano black case.

Cons: Ugh, mounts a virtual CD drive with software every time you connect. Also prompts for drivers. Need to go into Device Manager and Disable the virutal CD drive on every PC you use. This "added bonus feature" also slows down the hardware recognition. Why, oh why did WD have to mess with a good thing?

Other Thoughts: Uses the new style slimmer and wider USB mini connector. Maybe a casual user with only one of these drives cares about these problems, but if you're like me and you have many externals, this one is going to annoy you.