Western Digital External HDDs Get 3TB and USB 3.0

Since it was only a matter of time before Seagate's external 3TB HDD offer was matched, Western Digital came out and showed off the My Book Essential series that not only have capacities of 3TB, but complement it by means of the SuperSpeed USB 3.0 standard.

The series of external storage devices that were updated with more capacious and faster models are the My Passport Essential, My Passport Essential SE and My Book Essential.

The My Book Essential measures 48 (W) x 165 (H) x 135 (D) mm and, in addition to the 3TB versions, also comes in 1TB, 1.5TB and 2TB, priced at $130 to $250.

All four models work on the USB 3.0 interface and are accompanied by their maker's SmartWare software, which performs automatic and continuous backup tasks.

The My Passport Essential SE measures 83 (W) x 18 (H) x 110 (D) mm, has capacities of 750 GB and 1TB and prices of $130 and $170, respectively, and also features SuperSpeed data rates.

Multiple color options are available (metallic blue, metallic red and black) and, of course, the WD SmartWave software is bundled with these models as well

The third and final storage device, for now at least, is the 500GB MyPassport Essential, which comes in five colors, Pacific Blue, Real Red, Arctic White, Midnight Black and Cool Silver that is.

Like all its siblings, it utilizes the USB 3.0 connection and features the SmartWare backup software. Its price is of $100, while it measures 110 (W) x 15 (H) x 83 (D) mm and has a weight of 140 grams.

"With more and more devices like the iPod touch, iPhone 4 and other smartphones adding video capable cameras, digital video is becoming ubiquitous,” said Dale Pistilli, vice president of marketing for WD's branded products group.

“Most homes already have thousands of photos and music files, increasing the need for storage around the house. Having the extra capacity to store these files and move them around quickly is becoming a big issue for many consumers around the world," he added.

“In addition, consumers can take advantage of the highest capacity available on external hard drives with the new 3 TB My Book Essential drive," Pistilli concluded.