Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive
The 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive from Western Digital is a high-capacity desktop hard drive with a no-frills design. The disk is housed in a compact metal enclosure, and boasts the ubiquitous USB 2.0 interface.
The drive is preformatted for use in Windows, and can be reformatted for use with Mac OS X using Apple's Disk Utility application. The drive is ready to use right out of the box -- you won't have to load any software from a CD to get the drive to work. It is an excellent option for users who would like to add storage capacity to their system.
- Designed with the same commitment to quality that made WD external drives the number one selling drives in the world
- Plug-and-play design allows you to connect the power and plug the drive into a USB port to instantly add more storage to your computer
- Turns on and off with your computer. Enters idle mode when not in use. Utilizes a WD drive with power-saving WD GreenPower Technology and an EnergyStar compliant power supply
- Packaged in a minimized eco-friendly, recyclable packaging made from recycled materials
- Designed for use with Windows-based computers. Can be easily reformatted for use with Macs
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2.5TB |
| Interface | 1x USB 2.0 (mini B) |
| 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, 7; Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5, 10.6 USB 2.0 port |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Mounting | Desktop |
| Power Requirements | AC: 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz |
| Environmental Requirements |
Operating Temperature: 41-95°F (5-35°C) Storage Temperature: -4-149°F (-20-65°C) |
| Dimensions | 4.59 x 7.01 x 1.42" (11.65 x 17.80 x 3.6 cm) |
| Weight | 2.2 lb (1kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 27 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Large capacity / good size (25)
- Easy to set up (23)
- Quiet (23)
- Easy to use (22)
- Attractive (15)
Cons
- No power switch (6)
Best Uses
- Back-up (22)
- Photo storage (18)
- Additional storage (17)
- Video (16)
- File transfer (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Power user (19), Casual user (6)
- Primary use:
- Personal (20), Business (6)
- Computer Platform:
- PC (18), Mac (9)
Reviewed by 27 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
The drive works flawlessly. It like it so much, I bought another one. Easy setup, and let it run. Buy the Belkin Hi-Speed USB 2.0 4-port mini-hub. You'll be glad you did.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
- Recommended:
- Belkin Hi-Speed USB 2.0 4-port mini-hub
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
We shoot roughly 30 weddings a year and around 15,000 photos or more per wedding. We also use a DSLR that has full HD video which can take up a ton of space. This 2.5TB hard drive gets the job done with ease and no fuss. We have about 10 of them now and just purchased another. It's fairly small and light weight. Very quiet with barely any noise. Easy to store.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
Easy to format for Mac - works great.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Compact
- Cool operation
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- Fool proof sealed design
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
- No ESATA connection
- No Power Switch
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Archive storage
- Backup
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
As close to perfection as I can imagine. Speed, capacity, noise level all as expected. Only minor deteail is no power switch. Simple and fool proof. Completely sealed yet cool operation.
I now have the space archive my videos, among other things. *a full system backup comes to mind )
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
- No Power Switch
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
Perfect for Backup
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
I use this hard drive as the Time Machine for my iMac, and I am very happy with its operation. I did not have any issues formatting the drive and setting it up as the Time Machine hard drive. I definitely recommend this hard drive.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
This is my second WD external drive. i have one just like it of smaller capacity 1T. so i love this one, i use it to save photos and music just in case my laptop crashes..as it has in the past. its pretty fast, doesnt freeze up..so far its excellent, quiet, and does its job and worth the $. higly recommended
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
I use this device to backup thousands of photographs and gigs of data. It truly doesn't get any easier than this. I am able to quickly connect the device, transfer files, disconnect, and pop the device into a fireproof safe.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
I use this primarily for PPS that I wish to save.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
I bought this to store image files and computer backup files. The connection to the computer was effortless and it is extremely quiet. I have no way to know how long it will last but, so far, the performance has been flawless.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- Good price value
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
- No FireWire
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
I'm using this hard drive to store raw videos, digital photos and other archived material. I use Mac OS, and it took only a few minutes to reformat it to Mac extended (journaling) format. It's quiet, compact, solid. I have the same drive in 2TB size that I've been using for a year as a Time Machine backup drive with nary a hiccup.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
- Slow
Best Uses
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
Took me minutes to set up and use with time machine. The only down side is it is USB. But no complaints for the price and size that this holds.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
Plug it in, power it on and you now have a ton of additional storage. Route your backups to this huge drive and if you ever needed to evacuate or get out fast, just take this drive. No configuration needed. Just plugged it in and I was up and running. Very impressive!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
I use this for my Time Machine backup for my Mac. It was easy to format for the Mac, and has not had any issues at all.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- Great price
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Backup
- Data Storage
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
This is a great external hard drive at a fantastic price. You can easily back up all of your computer files in a very short period of time. The transfer rate is very quick.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- High Capacity
- Inexpensive reliable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
Using drive to serve files on my home server. Works great. Quiet and runs cool. Drive shuts off automatically when not in use and starts up fairly quickly when called for. Not clogged up with pre-loaded apps or other software. Good drive for backups and file shares. Good value and reliable in my experience, I have two others, not the best choice for speed, but great storage option for the price
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
Cons
- No Power Switch
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
There is no light indicating if the disk drive running or not. An on/off switch should also be added since unplugging the cord is only means to disconnect the power.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- 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 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
I use it to store all of my videos and it works great!! I bought it for $89.95 w/o shipping or tax, really cheap. Cheaper than anywhere else!
I had another external hard drive that I replaced with this one. My old one, I had to turn it off and on every time I turned on and off my computer; but this one turns off and on with my computer. Great stuff!!
It transfers stuff fast! Like it very much and very useful!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Awesome
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
- Works perfect
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
Finally got it encrypted with True Crypt and the drive fully tested with Western Digital HDD Tester.
Drive works perfectly fine without any problems.
Highly recommend.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
- Slow
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2.5TB Elements Desktop Hard Drive:
My personal experience with this Hard drive has been splendid! It runs seamlessly, operates quietly and remains visible. If you are looking for good but inexpensive storage, this is your answer. I have had it for over a month and it continues to be a pleasing purchase.
I especially like the feature that shuts it off when you power down your computer. Appears to be slow when transferring data but then that might be my computer. Overall, I am mighty pleased with my purchase. This is my second Western Digital purchase by the way!!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
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What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- AC Adapter
- Quick Install Guide
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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