Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive
The 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive from Western Digital is a portable hard drive that stores up to 1TB of data. It connects to your computer via USB 2.0, and is bus-powered, eliminating the need for an additional power supply. The drive is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems and is plug-and-play. The drive works right out of the box with PCs, but must first be reformatted before it can be used with Macs. Perfect for storing media and work, or for backing up your computer, the WD Elements SE is a portable, versatile hard drive solution.
- 1TB to store all your favorite videos, music, photos, and important files
- Compact and lightweight design allows the hard drive to fit easily into a pocket or purse
- Just plug it into a USB port and you're up and running instantly
- The drive requires no power adapter; it is powered directly through the USB cable
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1TB |
| Interface | USB |
| Drive Speed | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Buffer | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Average Seek Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Sustained Data Transfer Rate | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| System Requirements |
Windows XP, Vista, or 7; Mac OS X 10.4 or later
1
Please Note:Device needs to be reformatted if intended for use with OS X. close |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Mounting | External |
| Power Requirements | Bus-powered |
| Environmental Requirements | None |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.1 x 0.6 x 5" (7.8 x 1.5 x 12.6cm) |
| Weight | 0.44 lb (0.2kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 81 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (73)
- Large capacity / good size (67)
- Quiet (64)
- Easy to setup (59)
- Attractive (47)
Cons
- No power switch (8)
- Slow (4)
- Unreliable (4)
Best Uses
- Back-up (55)
- Additional storage (54)
- Photo storage (50)
- Video (34)
- File transfer (32)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Power user (45), Casual user (32)
- Primary use:
- Personal (58), Business (22)
- Computer Platform:
- PC (19), Mac (10)
Most Liked Positive Review
I love WD Elements SE (1TB)
I am using WD Portable Hard drives from many years. This is my sixth one. I have 40GB, 250 GB, 320 GB drives and now I bought the 1 TB for my ever ...Read complete review
I am using WD Portable Hard drives from many years. This is my sixth one. I have 40GB, 250 GB, 320 GB drives and now I bought the 1 TB for my ever growing data and media. This drive is great. It doesn't require external power supply. It is very easy to use. I connected it to my laptop and could transfer the files immediately. The data transfer rate is good. This drive doesn't have any software installed on it. I think it should have at least Password-protection of data.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Excellent price in very small package
First really good impression: it's really small !!! simple and clean box.
The micro USB cable/HD connection was my concern, but after first use I realized that it's not so ...Read complete review
First really good impression: it's really small !!! simple and clean box.
The micro USB cable/HD connection was my concern, but after first use I realized that it's not so bad.
The HD doesn't generate heat at all, even after hours of continue use.
The reliability seems very good, but I can't confirm it due to relative short period time use.
The only very negative point is the POWER MANAGEMENT.
The APM is set as default at 60h (range between 01h to FEh), pretty low.
This low value cause spin down of the plates just a few second after computer stop to request data from it.
Even in regular use, divx or mp3 play, the HD spin down and up continuously !!!! Sometime interrupting the continuity of movies !!!
I have two units and I used it on different computers with different OS with same result.
Under win OS it's possible to use CrystalDiskInfo to change set of APM to higher value, but the set will be lost once you disconnect the unit from your computer.
I hope WD will correct this issue with next firmware.
I will suggest it just in case it's used to backup data.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 81 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
Hard drive was $15 cheaper per unit then [@]. Shipping was quick, gotta thank BH for that.We order 5 drives and all 5 are working great.Drives did not come with any extra bloatware and were ready to use right away.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- File Transfer
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
Portable, bus powered which is great. Only 4 stars because there is no USB 3.0 Cable included.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Linux
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
Compact and light portable hard drive, with plenty of storage. Transfers files at a quick speed (even via USB 2.0). The hard drive works on Mac computers too, but needs to be formated to have write access on it. It is pre-formated for windows only (and Mac read access).
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
- No Symptoms Before Dying
- Short Life Span
- Unreliable
- Very short USB cable
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
My initial impression on this device was wonderful. I was thrilled. All good things come to an end, though, and this one ended VERY quickly.I like that it's small, I like that it's quiet, I was very happy with the speed on transferring and it quickly became my primary drive with my internal HD's becoming my 'backup' drives.HOWEVER....The lifespan on these drives is LOUSY. And for this much (I spent [$] - got it on a sale) - for that much money, it should last WAY longer than the 6 weeks it's lasted me!!The thing bricked itself in LESS than three months! File Allocation errors!! It's a good thing I believe in multiple backups! TestDisk helped me get the few things off of it that had not been included in my weekly backup, but this drive did not last EVEN three months before it bricked itself!No, I would NOT reccommend this to anyone else, in fact if you need a RELIABLE portable/external drive, I would tell you to stay AWAY from these!! Wonderful little machines at the start, but they seem to have a bad habit of suddenly bricking themselves, and a lot of other WD buyers I've read via forums and spoken to offline have all said the same thing - and had the same issues I'm having now. They have no lifespan.I'm a heavily on-the-go user. I need a RELIABLE portable HD because I use the same files very often between a desktop rig and a netbook. I NEED to be able to rely on these portable HD's. This one failed the test MISERABLY.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
Great portable drive for the money, however I'd prefer a Mini USB connection rather than a Micro USB port, but this is the way all manufacturers have gone.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
This did fit exactly my requirements & got a very good deal for it...
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
- No Power Switch
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
Great size and quality. So far so good! Convient and easy to use.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
This is a great drive for my use, specifically as a back up drive for my Mac Book. I like that it's bus powered; like that it's quiet; like that it seems pretty fast. Great drive for the money. Only Con is the same as everyone else says--usb cable is too short. Other than that, it appears to be a great value--at a great price from B & H Photo. Good job guys.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
Cons
- No Power Switch
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
lots storage and easy to use. however, the cord is very short and the HD has to stay with the computer very closely. a longer cord would make it more portable. overall is a good device. the newer model supports USB 3.0 but more expensive.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
Very small, light and fast.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Won't use it
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
Poor construction around USB interface. And when harware fails, data cannot be recovered due to non-standard proprietory interface. Support is non-existent. Not an option if you need your data.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
Very nice form factor and solid build, it's what I needed. While it may be a hinderance for some, the short USB cord that comes with it (10 in) means less cables going around my desk and my laptop, not to mention it's completely USB-powered.
No discernible noise coming out from it, it's one of the quietest external USB drives I've worked with.
In windows 7, it's just a matter of plugging the drive into a USB port, letting Windows intall the drivers automagically, and the new drive shows up ready to use in a few seconds.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Compact
- Easy to use
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
I will use this product to make a back up of photos and arquives of my computer , and I think that will be very importante tools in my work
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- No Power Switch
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
Like the size and the storage for the price.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
Works great right out of the box. Very quiet, also. [...]
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
As usually expected from Western Digital, an awesome well build easy to use hard drive. Some people have complained about speed performance, but I haven't notice too much difference in this and other similar hard drives. Works as expected without all the bloatware you get from other hard drives. LOVE IT!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
I really enjoyed this product , is easy to use, easy to set up, no noise and it size is perfect, not only do i use it to keep my professional files stored but also my personal pictures that usually take a lot of space in the pc, great product, highly recommended!
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
Bought this to clone my Mac and provide Time Machine backups. Price was great, it works like a charm and it's fast for a USB 2.0 drive.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
My wife and i had a network drive for our pictures, movies and music but she dropped it an dit broke. We decided to get another 1 TB external drive but small enough to store after each use. [...]. We love it!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 1TB WD Elements Portable SE Hard Drive:
it is a very good product perfect size plug and play and not a bad price although i had a program running on it that kept on disconnecting but that maybe the problem of my computer since i didn't connect it straight in the computer but over all its a great storage keeper
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Hard Drive Sleeves & Cases
- Price: $12.99
Hubs & Adapters
- Price: $5.20
- Instant Savings: -$0.50 Offer ends MAY 31 '12
- You Pay: $4.70
What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- Quick Start Guide
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via any UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority shipping methods by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
