Western Digital My Book Essential WDG1U2500

Good – That is a lot of disc space for storing essential digital data such a photos, home videos, data etc. Average latency for the hard disk inside is just 4.2 milli seconds and usb 2.0 has a very fast data transfer rate of 480Mbs (top speed). And combined with the internal buffer, file transfer is very quick. And that means that getting files off it or writing to it or even playing back video files off it can be reasonably quick. With WEstern digital one is getting a reasonable quality device. Huge amount of disk space. USB connectivity version 2.0. Pity no firewire connectivity.

Good – I purchased mine in the US, but it is the same as the Australian model minus the plug. I've found the drive to exceed my expectations in all applications. Fast to transfer, quiet in operation. Western Digital have always had a good name, and i trust there drives for lasting, still the turn on and off feature is a great idea. Overall i'm very happy with it. Can't imagine anyone would be disappointed with the purchase. 500GB capacity will hold all i can think up.

Fast transfer of data (not that i know what the competition speeds are - this is fast by my standards).

very quiet in operation - barely know its running.

turns off when not in use to protect the life of the drive.

power adaptor is dual voltage so it can go on holidays with you. Only USB 2.0 (not that i mind, but others might want firewire for some reason).

I will always want something smaller, but this seemed good size to me.

OK – For its price, it's a really good drive and like the last reviewer I like the fact that it switches off when you switch off your PC, but you can still switch it off if you don't need it on. It only has USB, but it can be used with USB 2.0 or 1.1. I don't know why it's loud but it is. Also, when I tilt it forwards it seems to switch off it didn't use to do that so I think it has become faulty but there is no problem with the general operation. I also like that it has air holes all around it, so it can be stacked vertically either way or horizontally either way and if you have more than one of them you can stack them on top of each other. High capacity for a cheap price

Google software included (but you can download it free from Google anyway)

Switches off when you switch off your computer Loud

I think there's a problem with my power supply

Excellent – Its a good reliable unit,I am glad I made a good choice. The design of its shape allows several Units standing side by side. I find, better to have 2x 500 GB units than the bigger 1 Terra Byte. When scanning for viruses, 1 Tb takes a fair while. The WD 500 GB was cheaper than others. I am extremly happy with its performance. Read the Instructions before installation. There is somthing about Partitioning to suit individuell preference. Mine runs very quiet and it switches off when the PC is turned off. Takes a small space only, because it is standing up (Like a Book) On the lit up circular ring you can switch off the unit on its own if you wish.It has good venting on three sides.It stands 170mm tall, 140mm deep and 60 mm wide. You can use multible units side by side if you wish. Go for it ! So far no dislikes at all.