Western Digital WDXMS800TN Passport 80 GB USB 2.0 2.5-Inch Portable Hard Drive
by Western Digital
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: Western DigitalAudio: English (Original Language)
Format: CD
Platform: Windows
Model: DXMS800TN
Product features:
- 80 GB USB 2.0 2.5-inch external hard drive ideal storage solution for Mac or PC
- USB connection; requires no external power source;128-bit encryption for data security
- Included Google software for searching and managing files
- Includes USB 2.0 cable and quick install guide
- Measures a 0.59 x 5.1 x 3.14 inches (HxLxW); weighs less than 4 ounces
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to A-Female Extension Cable (3.3 Feet/1.0 Meter)
- AmazonBasics USB 2.0 A-Male to B-Male Cable (6 Feet / 1.8 Meters)
- AmazonBasics Ultra-High-Speed HDMI Cable Braided (9.8 Feet/3.0 Meters)
- AmazonBasics IEEE 1394 4-Pin/6-Pin FireWire Cable (6 Feet/1.8 Meters)
- AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Braided Cable (6.5 Feet/2.0 Meters)
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Western Digital WDXMS800TN Passport 80 GB USB 2.0 2.5-Inch Portable Hard Drive
Customer Review: Proceed with caution (replace the cable and don't rule out an iPod)
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm replacing the 60 GB Western Digital drive, which inexplicably is currently priced higher than this 80 GB model (perhaps because it has the highest consumer ratings of all the WD USB-powered drives). I'm going with the 80 GB model this time, after a bad experience with the 60 GB model.
First of all, I've learned my lesson. If you plan to move this around a lot, get a soft case for it and handle it with care. I dropped mine (from about 5 feet), and it caused the female contact inside the drive to retract and become inaccessible. It's a long story, but the misfortune would not have occurred if Western Digital simply supplied a longer cable with the drive. The one that comes with the 60 GB model is 6" (I'll resist the sexual metaphors) and, since the 80 GB model is exactly the same weight and dimensions, I would expect its cable to be the same length. That's simply an impractical, unworkable length, expecially when you consider how most notebook computers are used. 12", maybe 18", would be optimal. Better too long than too short. So besides the protective padded case, plan on picking up a longer cable.
As for functionality, the drive performed flawlessly, a no-brainer for Mac-users, since no installation discs are required. But if durability is a major concern, if you're prone to "throw" things in your briefcase and toss your briefcase into the car, you may wish to take a look at the comparable Toshiba. A few bucks more and larger in dimensions, but it just "looks" tougher and more shock-resistant.
The Western Digital cable has a USB connector at the computer end and one of those tiny and insecure camera connectors (not sure what they're called) at the other end. I can see the reason for something so small and potentially problematic for a Canon Elph, but why can't it be a more substantial and solid connector for a storage drive? In fact, you may wish to consider (as am I) the largest capacity iPod, which uses a wide, lock-in connector at the drive end and can even exchange information with the computer via a convenient dock.
More Western Digital WDXMS800TN Passport 80 GB USB 2.0 2.5-Inch Portable Hard Drive reviews:
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Description of Western Digital WDXMS800TN Passport 80 GB USB 2.0 2.5-Inch Portable Hard Drive
80GB 5400RPM 2MB Buffer USB2.0; 12ms seek; Passport 2.5inch External Hard DriveDigital Cameras & Photo Categories