Western Digital My Book Essential Edition External Hard Drive (500GB)

Average user rating from 40 users 5.3/10 Average Read user opinions >>

Product Summary

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.

Specs: Compatibility: PC, Mac; Connector type: 4 pin USB Type B; Hard drive size: 500 GB See full specs >>

Price range: $299.99

See all products in the My Book Essential Edition series

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: Felisa Yang
Edited by: Matthew Elliott
Reviewed on: 06/15/2006

The Western Digital MyBook Essential Edition is a pared-down version of the MyBook Premium Edition that we reviewed. Available in sizes from 80GB to 500GB, this external hard drive features the same exterior design as the Premium Edition. It also uses the same 7,200rpm hard disk drive, so we expect the performance to be on a par with that of the Premium Edition. The Essential Edition drive has only a USB 2.0 connection (the Premium Edition can also connect via FireWire) and doesn't come with the EMC Dantz Retrospect software that ships on the Premium Edition. Also, the capacity meter on the "spine" of the drive glows green instead of blue.

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User opinions

5.3/10 Average user rating from 40 users Average

WRITE YOUR OWN REVIEW How would you rate this product?

2/10 Terrible April 6, 2006

by Pleonexia (see profile)

"DOA - This Product Does Not Work" Read more >>
9/10 Spectacular June 16, 2006

by MonocularJack (see profile)

"Perfect for what it is" Read more >>
10/10 Perfect August 15, 2007

by groink_hi (see profile)

"Owning 10 of these drives can't be a bad thing!" Read more >>
WRITE YOUR OWN REVIEW See all 40 user opinions >>