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4.0 stars
"Fast and portable storage"
Pros: Small size; lightning quick data transfer via Firewire; no separate power cable needed
Cons: Proprietary cable needs improved design
Summary: For my Macbook Pro, the WD My Passport Studio 320GB is a great way to store lots of files. The design of the WD-MPS 320 matches the MBP with it's silver case, and the small size--it's about the size of a wallet--makes it easy to stow and carry along.
I use mine for video file storage. I plug my camcorder into the Mac, start up iMovie and import the footage off the DV tape, then unplug the camera and plug in the My Passport Studio. I can move the new footage from my hard drive to the Passport drive, and iMovie treats the Passport drive just as it does the the Mac's hard drive, making it simple to pull from up to 320 GB of video clips.
On the down side, the Passport's proprietary cable is short and difficult to keep plugged in on the Passport side, with it's mini-USB and Firewire 400 plugs on seperate cables, yet molded together about 6"/15 cm from the plugs. On mine, one of the plugs must be twisted slightly when inserted, and one of the leads is a little longer then the other. Since they're fused together the tendency is for the shorter lead to come unplugged, not a good thing when doing data transfer. Also, if you lose the cable or leave it behind, you'll need to be prepared with an extra on since you can't pick one up just anywhere.
All in all, though, the Passports small size, huge storage and ease of use makes it a great product.
Updated on Sep 13, 2009BUYER BEWARE! I'm updating my review; I didn't know I would need to get a replacement cable for my WD My Passport Studio 320Gb for Mac, but I did foresee possible problems owing to the proprietary nature of the interface cable. Now I'm a victim. After waiting a couple of weeks for the cable, listed as "Out of Stock" on WD Store's website, I called their support line and explained that I needed to get a cable since my Macbook Pro was using WD's MPS for Time Machine backups. I was told they would get one out to me right away ("Hmm...I thought they were out of stock.") As you may have guessed I was sent the wrong cable and now, months later, the cable is still listed as "out of stock." So unless you want your portable storage to last only as long as the cable lasts (my didn't last but a few months), I'd stay away from this one.
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