Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive
The 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive from Western Digital is a portable hard drive in a durable housing, great for use with laptop computers. The drive features an interface that allows it to be connected and powered by FireWire or USB 2.0, a rotation speed of 5400rpm, a 2MB data buffer, and bus transfer rates of up to 100MB/sec. It is preformatted with the HFS+ file system for use with Mac OS X. It is an excellent storage solution for users who are on the move.
- 500GB Capacity
- 500GB of capacity allows for storage of approximately 37.5 hours of uncompressed DV digital video, the equivalent of 106 4.7GB DVD video discs, or up to 125,000 MP3 files.
- Formatted for Mac OS X
- The drive comes preformatted with the Mac OS X HFS+ Journaled file system, making it an excellent choice for creative professionals who work on the Mac platform. The drive can also be reformatted for use in Windows.
- Dual Interface
- The drive features a dual FireWire-800 and USB 2.0 interface, making it easy to add to your computer system. It is also compatible with FireWire-400 systems.
- Hot-Swappable
- The drive is hot-swappable and plug-and-play, allowing you to connect and remove it from a computer without the need to reboot.
- Truly Portable
- The drive is bus-powered which, combined with its tiny size, makes it truly portable, allowing it to operate without the need for a power outlet.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 500GB |
| Interface |
1x USB 2.0 Port 1x 9-Pin FireWire-800 Port |
| Drive Speed | 5400rpm |
| Buffer | 2MB |
| Average Seek Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Sustained Data Transfer Rate | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Drivers | |
|---|---|
| Supported | Not Required |
| Included | Not Required |
| System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Mac | Mac OS X 10.4.11+; 10.5.2+ |
| Windows | Windows 2000, XP, Vista |
| Hardware | FireWire-800, FireWire-400 or USB 2.0 port |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Mounting | Portable |
| Power Requirements | Bus-powered |
| Environmental Requirements |
Operating Temperature: 32-104°F (0-40°C) Storage Temperature: -4-149°F (-20-65°C) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.2 x 0.7 x 5" (8.1 x 1.8 x 12.7cm) |
| Weight | 0.4 lb (0.2kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 120 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
93%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (94)
- Quiet (86)
- Easy to setup (82)
- Attractive (75)
- Large capacity / good size (65)
Cons
- Unreliable (8)
- Slow (6)
- No power switch (5)
Best Uses
- Back-up (77)
- Additional storage (75)
- File transfer (58)
- Photo storage (57)
- Video (44)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Power user (76), Casual user (33), Frequent user (5)
- Primary use:
- Personal (72), Business (41)
- Computer Platform:
- Mac (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
Early, but I can say this...
I bought this make&model WD because it was one of the largest-storage externals that was Firewire ready with a reasonable price tag. Mostly I use my externals for large file storage/backups, ...Read complete review
I bought this make&model WD because it was one of the largest-storage externals that was Firewire ready with a reasonable price tag. Mostly I use my externals for large file storage/backups, and large video editing files. I use Final Cut Express 4 and it was recommended to me to use Firewire drives with Final Cut.
It is a little early to give any serious account of the longevity (which is really all I care about), and stability of this particular drive. As of three weeks, complaints amount to this:
1)The firewire jack on the drive is a little loose for my comfort.
2)The "sliding" piece that covers the jacks on the drive is excessive, gimmicky and cheap plastic.
3)The operating lights are also annoying. I only need one light, people: it lights when the drive is plugged in, and blinks when it is writing, etc. I don't need four lights that make a pretty procession.
The loose jack concerns me, especially for a new drive, but the standard warranty for two years *should* cover this issue, if it ever becomes a serious one. I do not leave my externals plugged-in for long. However, when I use them, I use them heavy (large file transfers, large file writing). This particular WD external is relatively quick with the Turbo Drive software install, has not frozen up on me yet, or given me any other fits, this is week number 4.
I can give some more solid insight on an older model WD external I have had for two years. I purchased a WD External passport (FAT32 format) for file storage two years ago, about 356GB and USB2.0 connection. Used the external on both Windows Vista and OSX operating systems, with about the same amount of use as I listed above. Was pretty solidly made, and worked well up until about four months ago. For various reasons including heavier use, larger files, messier file transfers, maxing out storage, non-Mac-friendly format, etc etc etc, the external started giving me some serious trouble, locking up, not writing, being a pain.
The external didn't "crash" exactly, but was probably corrupted after I had impatiently removed the USB multiple times. It was a slow death I knew was coming. I would mount the external and it would give me "limited functionality." I could only read the files, no write at all. This prompted, rather, forced me to get the new external I have now. I used this new external to transfer everything I could off of the old external, slowly and patiently. I recovered over 90% of the files, erased and reformatted the drive to OSX and transfered back all the files, slowly and patiently. Voila. I have two Mac formatted drives now, and I'm ready to get back to video editing.
Personally, I've only ever used WD externals. I hear that LaCie is another reliable brand, and I debated for two weeks over which brand external I would buy. Like I said, I needed Firewire capability on an extremely limited budget ($100), and this was my decision. I treat my hardware well, I avoid carrying it with me, and when I do, I keep it tight and safe. I do not leave them plugged in for an excessive period, nor do I remove the cords very often or otherwise tamper with the connections excessively. They seem to treat me pretty well. I also give them kisses and name them. I'm kidding.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Troublesome drive
I don't know whether I just got a bad drive or what, but this drive has been problematic since I started using it, and the problems have just gotten worse. I've re-partitioned, installed ...Read complete review
I don't know whether I just got a bad drive or what, but this drive has been problematic since I started using it, and the problems have just gotten worse. I've re-partitioned, installed WD drivers from their website, etc., but the disk just seems to be faulty. I'm waiting to hear back from WD, as I've contacted them via their website, but I'm guessing this is a dead drive. Files stop copying to the drive and I get repeated error messages, and I hear clicking noises coming from it.
I am not hard on my gear -- I have carried this thing in a padded bag whenever I've taken it on the road, and I really wanted to like it because it's so small and light, but in my experience, it's been highly unreliable. I'm just glad that the files I had on it before this most recent malfunction are also on other backup drives.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 120 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
SO easy to use - worked right out of the box! Love that it has both firewire and USB connectivity. I'll be getting another one!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
inexpensive solution for your storage needs
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Compact
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
missing 4 pin laptop connection cable?
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
- Slow
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
I bought this for use on set to back up video and photos. I have been very happy with it. It powers from the laptop port and fits in my camera case. I have edited off of it, and it has been relatively fast.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- File Transfer
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
Powerful small hard drive. Very quick. Comes in a felt pouch with Firewire-800 cable and USB cable. I use a Mac, and have found the connection to be quick and easy. Great when I am traveling because it's a substantial drive to hold film clips as a temporary backup. However, I would not recommend recycling memory cards when doing this.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
Super fast connection via Firewire. I use it as both a back-up drive and dump for downloads. Very small and no extra power connection needed, just plug in to the computer and you're good.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
Very easy to use
durable
quite
Pros
- CONVENIENT
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- Fast
- High Capacity
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
- No Power Switch
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Everything
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
I use this product as a simple external to carry around with my laptop so in case i need the storage i have the extra so it's not bogging my system hard drive down. i choose this specific drive for all the right reasons. it has a fast little drive in it with all the right connections firewire 800 in a small device like this is what truly sold me. get speed, reliability, and a small size. this is the drive you have been looking for!
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
These hard drives are amazing. They are durable, plenty of storage and the best price ever. I only wish I could have purchased more at one time. As soon as my budget allows, [...], I will purchase as many as possible. You cannot have to much storage.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
We are using the Passport for storing photos from our Mac. It was easy to set up and easy to accomplish our goal. Will absolutely order another one when we fill this Passport with our treasured memories.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
i received my hard drive in a little bit of a hurry and was pleasantly surprised to see that it was a portable little dynamo.
i'd been using a 1tb drive with a usb connection for my time machine and was very frustrated by its speed.
the firewire is a great improvement. what used to take days to back up i get done in a few hours.
i love it!
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
- Difficult To Use
- Failed TimeMachine Backup
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
Size, weight, and features are wonderful, however, this drive did NOT work out of the box with a new 2011 MacBookPro and Time Machine. Drive refused to make initial backup when both included pieces of software where installed. Deleted both pieces of software, reformatted (unable to wipe entire drive and write zeroes, so did simple formatting), and attempted Time Machine backup again. Continued to stop at 3GB of a 280GB backup. Pulled FireWire 800 cable from drive (ignoring warning) and plugged back in. Backup resumed, much to my surprise, but then stopped again around 6GB. Pulled the cable again, reinstalled, and this time full backup occurred. Unsure which is to blame:
1. Faulty FireWire 800 cable?
2. Included WD software, since no mention of Snow Leopard included in operating data?
3. Faulty blocks in drive?
But now it works fine, backing up every 60 minutes. How many consumers would try as many steps as did I?
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
Nice Hard Drive. Very portable, enough capacity for me. That's my second one. I use both now. One for time machine, and other as iphoto and itunes media servers. Works well.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
Used the portable hard drive to create a backup for a 2008 MacBook Pro. Worked great and have not had any issues with the product. [...]
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
Excellent and hi-quality product
High capacity
Works on both PC and Mac.
Very attractive design
I do recommend 100%
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
- Poor windows support
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
It's a good drive. Western Digital makes good products.
The only thing is, I was looking for a computer that I can use with both Windows and Macs. For Windows, I have to download something so that it can work with windows. I still have gotten around to doing that.
I don't know if it's a Windows Vista problem, only. But it blows.
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
use for video storage & short term transfers. Great for traveling because it is compact. I have heard the 800 port does not work on a lot of these so I simply don't even try it, USB is fast enough for transfer cause I'm not in a huge hurry. My main concern is reliability-& it suits my needs perfectly.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
I purchased the portable drive for a trip to India to backup my images daily. It has worked flawlessly. It's small, light, fast. I also have been using it at home to back up important files and photographs. I've had no issues, and it's faster than other drives I've used in the past.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
I had it out of the box and set up within 10 minutes. It's set up as the firewire Time Machine drive for my iMac, so I have a backup copy of all my personal files including 30+GB of irreplaceable photos.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 500GB My Passport Studio Portable Hard Drive:
This is my second Western Digital HDD that I have purchase in a one year period. I use western DIgital hard drives to back up my Imac and to back up by PS3. I purchase a top name brand External HDD and I had to return it because the transfer speed was extremely slower that my western Digital HDD, so I return it, and stuck to what I know best which is WD. I can transfer 1 GB per minute with this hard to my Imac and PS3. This HDD stays very cool compared to other HDD I have tried.
- Primary use:
- Personal
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Hard Drive Sleeves & Cases
- Price: $12.99
Host Adapters
- Price: $24.95
What's in the Box
- USB 2.0 Cable
- FireWire-800 Cable
- FireWire-800 to FireWire-400 Cable
- Drawstring Bag
- Quick Install Guide
- 5-Year Limited Warranty
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