Proof against the old adage "You can't take it with you" – Western Digital's My Book Essential 320 GB portable hard drive lets you bring it all along. Light and rugged; carry thousands of songs or pictures. These drives are simple to use, about the size of a paperback book, and support USB 2.0 connection.
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. This drive includes Easy-to-use EMC Retrospect Express backup software for Windows and Mac, letting you save your critical data and take it with you. Plug your drive into any PC, edit files, read e-mail, and view photos.
Carry your important files between work and home or on the road – share files between computers – even between Macs and PCs. Keep your big video and presentations files from your laptop backed up here, in case of . . . "issues". Ready to work wherever you take it. So take it!
Smart DesignThe elegant case takes up less desktop space, stacks horizontally and allows two or more drives to stand neatly together like volumes on a shelf.
Intelligent Drive ManagementAutomatic power-up, Safe Shutdown and LED activity lights ensure easy use of the Western Digital My Book Essential WDG1U3200N.
Performance You Can UseThe Western Digital proprietary hard drive inside delivers super-fast, ultra-quiet and cool-running performance with a 320 GB capacity, 7200 RPM spindle speed.
USB 2.0 InterfaceThe Western Digital My Book Essential WDG1U3200N features a USB 2.0 interface for fast-speed and plug-and-play connectivity.
Free Google SoftwareSearch your drive, manage your photos, and simplify Web searches with included Google software.
Pros: Everyone this is an excellent external HD for those who want to backup or need that extra space without putting a hole in your wallet. People seem to not know for some reason but there is a power button right on the front of the HD, the button is the circle green light. You can turn it on and off anytime you want once its plugged into your computer. The HD itself is ready to go out of the box with 320gigs in FAT32 formatt. Its once after you formatt it to NTFS that you'll end up with about 300gigs. If you don't know why, google it. No heat issues, quiet, sturdy, and easy to use. Basically plug n play style. If you have any problems, I highly recommend you read the manual, has all the answer you need there. example, how to formatt a FAT32 to NTFS. etc etc. No CD required, once you plug the USB in, it installs all software for you automatically, the add-ons like google stuff are optional to install. Design looks cool, not as thin as the other HD i've seen, but cool nevertheless..
Cons: Nothing I can think of. I know some people were complaing about not being able to turn on the HD without plugging the USB into a computer, but why would you want it turned on if it wasn't? I think its a great security ability that the HD only turns on when its plugged in because it reduces any chance of leaving it on by accident, you know heat. Plus once its plugged into your computer, you can turn if off or on with the push button or use the program to turn it off. I prefer the program, it prompts you when you can turn it off and shuts off automatically. Just a much safer way of doing things. Also it turns off automatically when your computer shuts down. But I won't deal with that since my computer is on 24/7. Happy shopping!
Overall Review: Since its a WD I'm hoping its reliability is just as good as its user friendly design, I recommend it but I always say, research on your own frist before anything else.