Western Digital Reveals 500GB 'My Passport' Drives

After recently announcing that it has started shipping its latest WD Scorpio Blue 2.5-inch hard drives with 500GB of storage space, Western Digital has announced today a new product offering that will provide computer users with a maximum of 500GB of storage. Designed to be both stylish and portable, the company's new My Passport Portable USB drives allow users to benefit from an increased storage capacity, so that they can take their private data wherever they go.

 

The company's new drives, part of the "My Passport" production line, will allow users to take advantage of half a terabyte of music, videos or photos, which they can carry around with them. With a maximum weight under 7 ounces, the new models have been designed to be portable and also withstand an intense day-by-day usability. In addition, the new My Passport Elite portable hard drives have been featured with software that allows users to automatically back up their data, directly from the computer.

 

"In our mobile society, there is an increasing desire to have your data collection at your finger tips at all times," said Jim Welsh, vice president and general manager of WD's branded products and consumer electronics groups. "The new My Passport 500 GB portable drives provide the convenience of a compact USB-powered drive with the high capacity previously only available in larger desktop drives."

 

Western Digital's My Passport Elite portable hard drives provide features such as a capacity gauge that informs users of how much space is available, as well as automatic backup software that can let users designate files and folders for automatic and continuous backup.

 

The new My Passport family of portable drives with 400GB and 500GB capacities is currently available for purchase through the company's online store with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) between $179.99 and $219.99, depending on model. The other two series of portable hard drives, the My Passport Elite and My Passport Essential are available in capacities ranging from 160GB to 500GB and, while the former can be purchased in four different hues – bronze, titanium, westminster blue and cherry red – the latter provides a wider range of colors.