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| Price | $89.99 to $135.00 | $105.00 to $214.85 | $279.99 | $120.00 to $296.48 | $139.82 |
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| Release date | March 08, 2006 | ||||
| The Bottom Line | The Western Digital MyBook Essential Edition external hard drive is a slightly pared-down version of the MyBook Premium Edition. It's a good option if you need additional storage without backup software. | If write speed isn't a top priority, the Western Digital MyBook is a good deal at around $300 for a 500GB drive. It'll look good on your desk or bookshelf, too. | The Western Digital My Book Mirror Edition is a compelling choice for an external drive, delivering excellent value, good performance, and two hard drives for added data security. For anyone looking for an external USB 2.0 drive, the My Book Mirror belongs on your shortlist. | The Seagate FreeAgent Xtreme offers three interface options, a useful software bundle, and a lengthy warranty for a fair price. We like this direct-attach external drive. | |
| Similar Products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products | Compare more products |
| Features | |||||
| Buffer Size | 16 MB | 16 MB | 16 MB | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Spindle Speed | 7200 rpm | Info unavailable | 7200 rpm | Info unavailable | 7200 rpm |
| Type | Hard drive - External hard drive | Hard drive - External hard drive | Hard drive - External hard drive | Hard drive array | Hard drive - External hard drive |
| OS Required | Microsoft Windows Vista Apple MacOS X 10.3 or later Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP | Microsoft Windows XP Microsoft Windows 2000 Microsoft Windows Vista Apple MacOS X 10.4.8 or later | Microsoft Windows XP Microsoft Windows 2000 Apple MacOS X 10.2.8 or later Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition | Apple MacOS X 10.5.2 or later Apple MacOS X 10.4.11 or later Microsoft Windows Vista / 2000 / XP | Microsoft Windows Vista Business SP1 Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2 Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic SP1 Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition SP2 |
| Environmental Standards | Info unavailable | Yes | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Vista Certification | Compatible with Windows 7 | Works with Windows Vista | Works with Windows Vista | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Enclosure Color | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Black |
| Data Transfer Rate | 480 Mbps | 480 Mbps | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Localization | North America | United States | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs | 2.5 lbs | 2.9 lbs | 5.8 lbs | 3.1 lbs |
| Average Seek Time | 8.9 ms | Info unavailable | 8.9 ms | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Storage Controller | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | RAID | None External - USB 2.0|FireWire 400|eSATA |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 1 year warranty | 1 year warranty | 1 year warranty | 3 years warranty | 5 years warranty |
| Capacity | 500 GB | 1 TB | 500 GB | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 2.2 in x 5.6 in x 6.7 in | 2.1 in x 5.4 in x 6.5 in | 2.2 in x 5.6 in x 6.8 in | 3.9 in x 6.1 in x 6.5 in | 1.3 in x 6.8 in x 6.9 in |
| Power Source | Included AC adapter | Included AC adapter | Included AC adapter | Info unavailable | Included AC adapter |
| Product Description | My Book Essential Edition WDG1U5000 - Hard drive - 500 GB - Hi-Speed USB | My Book Essential Edition 2.0 WDH1U10000 - Hard drive - 1 TB - Hi-Speed USB | My Book Premium Edition WDG1C5000 - Hard drive - 500 GB - IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB | My Book Mirror Edition WDH2U10000 - Hard drive array - 1 TB | FreeAgent XTreme - Hard drive - 1 TB - IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB / eSATA-300 |
| Interface Type | Hi-Speed USB | Hi-Speed USB | IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB | Info unavailable | IEEE 1394 (FireWire) / Hi-Speed USB / eSATA-300 |
| Form Factor | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | 3.5" |
| Voltage Required | AC 120/230 V | AC 120/230 V | AC 120/230 V | AC 120/230 V | Info unavailable |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
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Western Digital My Book Essential Edition external hard drive (500GB) comparison
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