Customer Reviews

Western Digital Elements 1 TB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive

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Do check Western Digital Elements 1 TB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive WDE1UBK10000N (Black) first. It's essentially the same drive but, at least at the time I am writing, it's a lot cheaper. It's also black.

See my review for the black model below. There shouldn't be any significant differences.

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This is, by far, the most robust external hard disk I've ever owned. And, when I say solid, I mean 2+ lbs. solid (I didn't put it on a scale but it feels that way), 100% metal casing, likely to survive a building collapsing on top of it. Given that I bought it for backups, not for travel, I actually like it this way. I like it very much.

I will now list the features I feel are worth knowing before one buys it (and I shall answer, to the extent that I can, any additional questions if you drop a comment):

# Heavy, solid build, almost bullet-proof enclosure.
# 8"x4"x1" rectangular prism (these are not exact measurements but I'm confident it's close.
# USB port for data transfer, cable included.
# External power supply.
# Silent run - after one night of uninterrupted operation it was barely warmer than room temperature.
# Not a speed demon but I backed up 50GB in something like 20-30 minutes.
# Formated as FAT32.
# Comes with no software but it was instantly recognized by both Vista and my PS3 (more about that later)
# There is no manual to speak of - and no manual is needed.
# One year warranty.
# 30-day free tech support during the warranty period where the clock starts running after the first call to WD.

I can't think of anything bad to say about this device. I ordered a 1TB device because I wanted to back up several smaller computers on it and my 320GB PS3. For a stress test - and I suggest that you do try this at home, and if you don't want to keep the FAT32 formatting (not very good if you want to back up your Vista) you need to reformat the disk at NTFS. If you do NOT check the 'fast format', Microsoft will be spinning your disk for many, many hours - some 10-12 hours. This would be a good way of making sure you don't have a dud.

After the overnight test was passed, I partitioned the disk into 4 using Vista (no problem whatsoever) and I formated 3 of them as NTFS and one as FAT32 (get FAT32FORMAT off the Net because Microsoft's utility does not work on a 300GB partition). Backups ran flawlessly with Microsoft's backup interface and I had no problems whatsoever backing up the PS3 either - it instantly recognized the FAR32 partition and I have a nice PS3 backup as well.

I highly recommend this drive as a backup device that does not travel.

P.S. - if my review seems to be coming from someone who uncritically gushes over little gadgets, do check my other reviews of electronics or my reviews in general. I am trying to be as objective and as factual as possible and, in this case, I believe, we have a good, solid device that fully meets expectations.
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This was a Christmas present for my 33 year old son. I only wish that I bought it for him sooner before he lost 1000+ songs when his PC crashed. He now will be able to save them to his Western Digital Elements 1 TB USB 2.0 External Hard Drive. He loves it! I couldn't have found a better gift for him. I am planning to buy myself the same one soon.