Top Black WD My Passport 1TB USB 3.0 External Hard Drive Review

The "WD My Passport 1TB" offers high capacity in a sleek portable drive. WD My Passport 1TB features ultra-fast USB 3.0 connectivity; automatic, backup software; and password protection and hardware encryption to help protect your files from unauthorized use with plenty of room to store all your files.

Product Features of WD My Passport 1TB

• Capacity: 1 TB
• Color: Black
• Sleek, compact design
• Automatic backup software
• Password protection and hardware encryption
• Data Transfer Rate on USB up to 5 Gbps
• 2-Year Limited Warranty
• Serial Bus Transfer Rate (USB 3.0)5 Gb/s (Max)
• Price: $107.90, see sale price.

When connected to a USB 3.0 port, WD My Passport 1TB lets you access and save files in blazing speed. Reduce transfer time by up to 3 times when compared to USB 2.0 transfer rates. With this single drive you get compatibility with your USB 2.0 devices today and the ultra-fast speed of USB 3.0 when you’re ready to step up to the next generation.

By Steve - Boston, Amazon Verified Purchase

I have had Western Digital My Passport drives since they came out with the 100GB Version. I still have several older ones, but was looking for more space for work. Of course, I jumped at the opportunity to own another. Unfortunately, that was my mistake. This is specific to the 1.5TB version

For whatever reason, I am getting the same issues as many, where the drive will work for a period of time, then the computer will no longer recognize it. After unplugging and trying again, it will work on and off intermittently. First thought: defective. So, I go and buy one locally (first was purchased at Amazon). Same issue. Tried different cables and still no luck. Tried four different computers in total. Each time, would work for a while, then stop.

I work in technology, so I'm not a stranger to troubleshooting issues. This is my conjecture, but based on the findings I've had, I believe Western Digital has an overheating problem. Case gets hot when transferring a lot of data and all of a sudden, no longer recognized by the system. Usually, that means a larger problem.

It's sad, because the only option above 1TB right now are these drives, but I'm a little too gun shy based on early performance to trust my data to these drives.

For anyone interested, I've decided to go with the AcomData dual enclosure and 2 1TB drives. Once I have had a week to play with it, I will be posting reviews online. And rest assured WD, I did not purchase your drives for this new time around!