(Old Model) WD My Passport Ultra 1TB Portable External USB 3.0 Hard Drive with Auto Backup, Red

I did not download, nor use, the WD software that came with this drive. WD has a good reputation, and I suspect the SW provided would be worth using. But this drive was purchased for one function. This drive was recognized by the USB3 port on my desktop loaded with Windows 7 64 Bit. I bought this drive primarily to run periodic SYSTEM IMAGEs as a back-up to the software and files loaded on the internal Hard Drive. Unlike my other 1 TB WD external drive (not a My Passport version), it runs off the USB Power and does not require a separate power supply. Yeah! Windows 7 recognized the drive immediately and loaded the drivers. Works like a champ. And the USB 3.0 high speed transfer rate makes System Image backups lightning quick (compared to my other USB 2.0 external drives). I got the RED version because it was priced lower than the silver/black siblings on Amazon. Worth every cent spent. PS: I also used this drive on my HP Laptop as well using an USB 2.0 port for a back-up of my System Image (WIN 7). It ran using the USB 2 power without an issue, although the data transfer rate was considerably slower as expected.

This is a nicely built and well designed external hard drive. However, the users manual is too complex and the software WD Software is difficult to follow - so be careful to review it carefully. It keeps track of your initial backup and updated file if you use the WD Smartware software in the correct way. I found that I was not scrolling down far enough on the WD Smartware Software screen and so I wasn't using the Backup options correctly. I found that my best bet was to backup only daily at a specific time and to then click on the clock icon at the bottom of the backup tab and choose "backup now". You don't have to do this, but I found it best for me to avoid confusion and also because I do casual backups from time-to-time and don't need continuous backups. It can be used on more that one PC/Laptop and keeps the files separately identified - that's another reason for me not doing a continuous backup option. It also only backups files that have been changed after your initial backup. Also to avoid confusion and problems - when plugged into a PC, it will often popup a message asking if you want to backup "using MS Windows backup" - "DON'T DO THIS" or it will just give you a fragmented backup that is hard to track. Use the "WD Smartware" only to do your backups and it will track your files and revision just fine.

And it comes in four different colors! First, most people can use extra storage these days. Secondly, everyone should have a backup drive any way. My Passport Ultra by Western Digital does both very well. This drive works well on both PC's and Macs, and as a Mac user, I was concerned whether this product would be fully compatible with OSX 10.9.1. Yes, you can buy this in a Mac-only version (also made by WD), which costs about $5-$10 more; or you can save the money by getting this one. I got this one. It won't work on a Mac right out of the box, but following the simple reformatting instructions made this drive fully compatible with my operating system. Apple's Time Machine backup program works well with this drive, I have it backing-up my data twice a day. It has worked flawlessly during the three months that I've had it, and anyone who needs 1TB of storage in a small, portable package should give this product a serious look. It comes with the USB cable and is compatible with both USB 3.0 and 2.0. It works quietly, with little or no noticeable vibration. The finish is solid and attractive. Other 1TB portable drives I looked at were priced about $10-$20 more than this one, so the net savings after FREE SHIPPING from Amazon was at least $20. When my storage need increases (hopefully not, but most likely it will), I will be looking at WD's 2TB My Passport Ultra at $108 and free shipping on Amazon. Until then, this one will do the job!

This is the 2nd new Passport I bought. Both work perfectly. I am a writer, artist, teacher and need LOTS of storage. Secure, dependable storage! My new HP computer has a broken DVD burner. Or its the crazy fancy software that came with it. It keeps erasing all my DVD's! I burn files to DVD. Take the DVD out. Put it in back in later to take a file off the DVD and cannot; the computer pops up a window saying it has to format the DVD; It then erases the DVD. Lost many files. I bought the Passports to use as storage, a DVD alternative. It's much faster than DVD, holds a lot more files and I do not lose my files. No formatting problems. All my files are on one Passport drive and copies on another Passport and a 3rd older drive (Seagate) that still works after a few years. I bought Passport due the many positive reviews and quick answers to my questions. Another reviewer taught me how to block auto backup so my old files are not replaced. I set the transfer only when need and overwrite if I choose. Passport is small pocket size, can 'travel with my office'; books, pictures, videos in my pocket to-from California, South Boston. (In video I mentioned it took under 30 minutes to transfer 18 GB of files. Correction; it may have taken about 20 min. The popup window when the transfer starts says a certain time, might have said 30 minutes but it turns out to be less time.) Video shows functions.

Initial Review: the MP portable external HD came in a nice little package. It came in relatively quickly. it came in with all the cables I need, and a little black pouch. It is even smaller than I anticipated which is a plus, for a portable device. it is beautifully coloured, and in perfect condition. Usage Review: after using it for a few month, it still operates perfectly. It is very quiet, and does not require external power. in comparison to my old external hard drive(not to be named), which not needs external power, and is very loud, also trumps in transferring speed. I used my external HD for pictures, music, and movies at times. for a 1 TB device, it filled up quickly. In hind sight I should have purchased a large capacity device. Overall Review: the MP external HD is very pleasant to the eyes, small enough to be carried easily, and there are often sales or discounts on such units. if you plan on using it for music and videos, I would recommend getting a larger one than the 1TB one I got. It tends to get filled up rather quickly. It is extremely easy to use, just plug and go. the transfer speed is very fast, and has held up over time.

A blazing fast external hard drive and enormous capacity for the price I paid around $60. I use this for the portability and ease of carrying it around for quick video/photo transfer only. Should also be the only reason you are buying this product. If you have old hard drives laying around that are still working. Buy a dock! Reuse your old hard drives and buy a hard drive dock!

Great hard drive. Fast, quiet and small. I have bought a few of these WD passport drives for family members and only had a problem with 1 of them (out of 5). The rest are perfect! My only issue is that the USB 3.0 micro connector is flimsy. I have had one cable fail on me already - it freaked me out and at first I thought the drive was wonky. Fortunately, you can find replacements for dirt cheap.

You can't really go wrong for the price on this one when it's 25% off on Amazon - and you never have too many external portable drives these days - for backup alone! My older model was starting to act up, so I was able to back it up on this one with room to grow. Not only did I manage to do so fairly quickly, but when my old one would kick up a fuss and stop working during the backup process, this model would pause & pick up where it left off once I reconnected it - rather than to have to start over. Fantastic!! (and I haven't even used all the functions on it) The Red is cool too - especially when you want to colour-code your life (red for back up - blue for music - black for docs/file - green for pictures/vids - ect). At the discounted price, why wouldn't you have a portable digital filing system?

had a bump and stopped working. piece of jumk. lost a ton of photos, save your money and print your photos