Hard Drive | 4 TB Portable |
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Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns. How to return the item? - Go to your orders and start the return
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Western Digital WD 4TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive with backup software and password protection, Red - WDBPKJ0040BRD-WESN
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Return this item for free
Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
Learn more about free returns.- Go to your orders and start the return
- Select the return method
- Ship it!
Purchase options and add-ons
Digital Storage Capacity | 4 TB |
Hard Disk Interface | USB 3.0 |
Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
Brand | Western Digital |
Special Feature | Portable |
Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
Hard Disk Description | Portable |
Compatible Devices | Windows 10 or Windows 8.1 Chrome OS Requires reformatting for other operating systems. |
Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
Color | Red |
About this item
- Slim Design
- Software for device management and backup with password protection. (Download and installation required. Terms and conditions apply. User account registration may be required.)
- 256-bit AES hardware encryption
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port (5Gbps); USB 2.0 compatible
- 3-year limited warranty
Frequently bought together
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Top Brand: Western Digital
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This Item Western Digital WD 4TB My Passport Portable External Hard Drive with backup software and password protection, Red - WDBPKJ0040BRD-WESN | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | $124.99$124.99 | $99.16$99.16 | $67.99$67.99 | -15% $92.00$92.00 List: $107.99 | -23% $99.99$99.99 List: $129.99 | $79.99$79.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | — | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Storage Capacity | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.6 | — | 4.4 |
Portability | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.6 | — | 4.3 |
Easy to use | 4.1 | 4.7 | 4.1 | — | 4.5 | 4.1 |
Tech Support | 3.5 | 4.2 | 3.5 | 4.1 | — | 3.5 |
Light weight | 4.6 | — | 4.6 | — | 4.7 | 4.6 |
Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
storage capacity | 4 TB | 4 TB | 1 TB | 4 TB | 1 TB | 2 TB |
hardware interface | usb3.0 | usb | usb | usb | usb c | usb3.0 |
compatible devices | Windows 10 or Windows 8.1 Chrome OS Requires reformatting for other operating systems. | Desktop, Laptop | Desktop | PC, Laptop, Camera | Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet | Desktop |
form factor | Portable | Portable | Portable | Portable | Portable | Portable |
From the manufacturer
Backed Up
The My Passport drive comes equipped with backup software(2) to help make sure everything you create while on your own life journey - photos, videos, music and documents - doesn’t get lost. You can set it to run automatically to your schedule.
Locked Down
The My Passport drive’s built-in 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection helps keep your digital life's contents secure. Just install our software(2) and set your password to activate password protection.
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Super easy
My Passport portable storage is ready right out of the box with the necessary cable. And with SuperSpeed USB (5Gbps), you can quickly start backing up everything in your life and keep driving forward
-
Slim Style
Make the most of your journey with style that suits you. The My Passport external hard drive features a convenient, slim form factor and is available in a range of vibrant colors.
My Passport HDD | My Passport Ultra | My Passport Ultra for Mac | My Passport SSD | |
Customer Reviews
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
100,381
|
4.5 out of 5 stars
17,293
|
4.5 out of 5 stars
17,293
|
4.5 out of 5 stars
5,869
|
Technology
| HDD | HDD | HDD | SSD |
Interface
| USB-A 3.0 | USB-C/A USB 3.1/2.0 | USB-C/A USB 3.1/2.0 | USB-C 3.2 Gen2 |
Password Protection
| 256-Bit Hardware Encryption | 256-Bit Hardware Encryption | 256-Bit Hardware Encryption | 256-Bit Hardware Encryption |
Backup Software
| Included | Included | Included | Included |
PC/Mac Ready
| PC (Mac w/ Reformat) | PC (Mac w/ Reformat) | Mac Ready | PC and Mac |
Shock/Drop Resistant
| - | — | — | Up to 6.5 ft (1.98m) |
Great for
| Backup & Storage | Backup w/ Metal Design | Backup w/ Metal Design | Accelerated Backup |
Legal Disclaimer
1. 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment.
2. Download and installation required. Terms and conditions apply. User account registration may be required.
What's in the box
Videos
Videos for this product
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3 Year Review - WD My Passport for Mac
Nick and Katie
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Product information
Technical Details
Brand | Western Digital |
---|---|
Series | My Passport |
Item model number | WDBPKJ0040BRD-WESN |
Hardware Platform | PC |
Item Weight | 7.4 ounces |
Product Dimensions | 4.22 x 2.95 x 0.75 inches |
Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.22 x 2.95 x 0.75 inches |
Color | Red |
Flash Memory Size | 4 |
Hard Drive Interface | USB 3.0 |
Voltage | 1 Volts |
Batteries | 1 Unknown batteries required. |
Manufacturer | Western Digital Technologies, Inc. |
ASIN | B07VSH3ML6 |
Country of Origin | Thailand |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | August 26, 2019 |
Additional Information
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
---|---|
Best Sellers Rank | #120 in External Hard Drives |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product Description
Every journey needs a passport. The My Passport drive is trusted, portable storage that gives you the confidence and freedom to drive forward in life. With a new, stylish design that fits in the palm of your hand, there’s space to store, organize, and share your photos, videos, music, and documents. Perfectly paired with backup software* and password protection, the My Passport drive helps keep your digital life's contents safe. (*Download and installation required. Terms and conditions apply. User account registration may be required.)
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the ease of use of the computer drive. They say it's easy to plug in and go, and that it'll start up for either windows or mac. They also like the storage capacity, and size. However, some customers differ on performance, value, speed, and quality.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the computer drive easy to use. They mention it's super easy to set up Time Machine, it'll start up for either windows or mac, and it'd be ready to go out of the box.
"...The My Passport USB 3.0 drives are simple to use and come with reasonable software tools and backup/sync software...." Read more
"...looking for to download games to this storage hard drive - set up was quick and easy - downloaded a game to try it worked great and downloaded the..." Read more
"...HOWEVER, there is no set up guidance. I installed the app, no problem. Then, nothing...." Read more
"...This product is no exception to the ease of use Ive come to expect and the quality of the product and its functionality...." Read more
Customers like the storage capacity of the computer drive. They say it's a very handy storage device, with password protection and pretty fast to upload. They mention that it stores their important files securely and accurately, and that it' a good price for the size.
"...It’s reliable, fast for a USB mechanical HD and gives a lot of space for a low price.If you want more details, read on......" Read more
"...a new place to put all my movies and TV shows, with a decent amount of room left over, opening up the two drives I was using to be put towards other..." Read more
"...installing anything and it is very compact yet has a very large 5tb storage capacityI had 2 disappointments with the software...." Read more
"...This was a very nice option, very elegant, portable and with 2TB of storage which was more than enough for my needs...." Read more
Customers are impressed with the size of the external hard drive. They mention that it is very portable, fits easily in their hand, and is slim and fast. They also appreciate the convenient size cable that connects the drive to the hub.
"...case design which I feel is much better looking and is slightly smaller than the last version.BOTTOM LINE (for the impatient):..." Read more
"...it in and start copying files without installing anything and it is very compact yet has a very large 5tb storage capacity..." Read more
"...This was a very nice option, very elegant, portable and with 2TB of storage which was more than enough for my needs...." Read more
"...Liked it so much I bought another. Compact drives with a convenient size cable to the hub. I run my backups to both of these on a schedule...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the performance of the computer drive. Some mention that it works perfectly for the intended purpose, while others say that it hangs at 18% and in 1/2 hour never proceeded. Some say that the software takes their turn-on time from 30 seconds to 10 minutes, and that there was a bug when initially installing the software.
"...Pluses:+ This drive works fine with Windows, Linux or Mac out of the box. With Linux or Mac (where it is read-only with NTFS)...." Read more
"...disappointment with WD, is that the free "WD Backup" software is no longer supported by WD and hasn't been for a few years...." Read more
"...hard drive - set up was quick and easy - downloaded a game to try it worked great and downloaded the game really quick- like 10 minutes - and was..." Read more
"...my last one was an old Seagate the size of a book. software included with drive was useless, did not download properly and froze at 80%, also was..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the computer drive. Some mention it's light, good quality, and reliable in backing up data, while others say that it set the stage for a catastrophic failure and was unusable. The product is not as heavy duty as the MyPassport Ultra and is not made well.
"...The backup file versions are propitiatory, so you can't use another brand of software to do the restore. They've got you!..." Read more
"...It’s reliable, fast for a USB mechanical HD and gives a lot of space for a low price.If you want more details, read on......" Read more
"...However their auto back up utility stores online and is only permitted to be used for a maximum of 5 years...." Read more
"...They may not be the most rugged drives out there, but if you're in a situation where you need to use a large number of them, these drives make a..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the speed of the computer drive. Some mention it's very fast, while others say it' s not the fastest and takes ages to copy anything large.
"...For making improvements in small file write performance and correcting the 2016 bad case design issue this new 2019 generation of My Passport drives..." Read more
"...Overall impressions - 5/5 stars. Drive is fast for my needs. The security is the most important feature and works great...." Read more
"Contains 4.54GB of storage. Takes a while to move that much data. I saw average transfer speeds of around 100MB per second using a USB 3.2 port." Read more
"...These take the traffic I send to them with no problem and are blazing fast." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the computer drive. Some mention that the transfer times are really good, while others say that the software is clunky and did not provide any value. The added price for software is also a source of frustration for some customers.
"...- good quality - looks and works great - durable- light weight — great price - easy install —" Read more
"I actually really liked this product definitely worth the price for the storage...." Read more
"...failure (if it falls off the table while in operation) and is just plain cheap!" Read more
"...for storing photos and documents fast transfer times o really a good value but not a fan of the proprietary connection cord" Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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BOTTOM LINE (for the impatient):
This model is a little bit faster than the last (2016) model I bought. I got the black 2TB model and this generation offers up to a 5TB model as well as the usual smaller capacities. This model is just noticeably faster than the last generation on sequential reads and writes when I tested using CrystalDiskMark.
This My Passport has a new design that returns to rounded corners and soft-look matte case. I like this much better than the older one with its cheap-looking (to me) styling. The drive is slightly less thick, wide and long than the 2016 model. In my laptop bag that’s welcome even if not a lot smaller.
I’m very pleased with this My Passport drive as with ones purchased over the last decade plus. It’s reliable, fast for a USB mechanical HD and gives a lot of space for a low price.
If you want more details, read on...
SUMMARY:
The My Passport USB 3.0 drives are simple to use and come with reasonable software tools and backup/sync software. These are now in a single installer on the drive. I have my own backup solution and do not want encryption on this drive, so have not explored this software. If these are of interest, be sure to check for newer versions on the WD web site.
Pluses:
+ This drive works fine with Windows, Linux or Mac out of the box. With Linux or Mac (where it is read-only with NTFS). They generally performs best when reformatted with a native file system to the respective operating system. Mine came formatted with NTFS for Windows.
+ This generation has 5TB, 4TB, 2TB, and 1TB models. The 500GB models were dropped a couple of generations ago and more recently the 3TB models.
+ This drive is faster than the last generation, but just a little. Up to about 3% faster in benchmarks, but barely noticeable in practical use.
+ The form factor of the new drive is lighter and slightly smaller before with a much nicer case without pointy corners and scratch/fingerprint prone glossy finish.
+ The warranty has been returned to 3 years from 2 years on the 2016 generation.
Minuses:
- It comes with the same very short USB 3.0 cable as previous versions. I like a longer 3ft (or more) USB 3.0 cable : a very good upgrade purchase for the My Passport drives.
IN THE BOX:
The My Passport comes in a easy to open retail package containing the drive and a annoyingly short USB 3.0 cable. There are a couple small pieces of paper for warranty and quick-start. That's it. The cable in this model is the same as previous versions. This may be just fine for a lot of folks but I keep some 3ft (or more) USB 3.0 cables handy for longer runs to my desktop or even on top of a tall computer.
FORM FACTOR vs. PREVIOUS GENERATION:
I'll compare the new generation of My Passport with my 2016 My Passport Ultra
This Model My Passport's dimensions:
1TB-2TB: 0.27lb, 4.22in X 0.44in X 2.95in
4TB-5TB: 0.46lb, 4.22in X 0.46in X 2.95in
2016 My Passport's dimensions:
1TB: 0.37lb, 4.33in X 0.64in X 3.21in
2TB-4TB: 0.54lb, 4.33in X 0.85in X 3.21in
TESTING:
I tested both my older 2016 My Passport 4TB drive and my new My Passport 4TB model using CrystalDiskMark benchmark software and by copying 11GB folder of updates and files to the drive. This was to compare the benchmark with real-world copying. The 11GB folder has a broad mix of file sizes and types including files an over 2GB iso DVD image.
Using CrystalDiskMark I found sequential reads were about 3% faster and writes about 8% faster with the new model. Random reads were just a tiny bit slower and writes were about 8X (!!!) faster. While the benchmarks showed significant differences using them in my real-world copy test the difference was most noticeable with lots of smallish files, but not so much with large sequential reads/writes. If you need to write smallish files this drive is noticeably better than the 2016 model and about the same for large files.
For my testing the My Passport drive was connected to built-in USB 3.0 controller on my Dell 7710 Precision Mobile Workstation. I also tried it on a older add-in card with the Renasas USB 3.0 chip set on my Dell Precision T7500 tower. I have the latest Renasas drivers installed. Both are running build 1903 of Windows 10 Pro and both have SATA SSD boot drives. I used CrystalDiskMark V7 64bit version.
CRYSTALDISKMARK Results:
The New Generation My Passport:
Sequential Read (Q8T1): 129.18 MB/s
Sequential Write (Q8T1): 119.75 MB/s
Sequential Read (Q1T1): 120.37 MB/s
Sequential Write (Q1T1): 118.08MB/s
Random Read (Q32T16): 4KiB 0.6 MB/s
Random Write (Q32T16): 4KiB 10.8 MB/s
Random Read (Q1T1): 4KiB 0.49 MB/s
Random Write (Q1T1): 4KiB 7.8 MB/s
The 2016 My Passport:
The New Generation My Passport:
Sequential Read (Q8T1): 125.5 MB/s
Sequential Write (Q8T1): 113.7 MB/s
Sequential Read (Q1T1): 119.1 MB/s
Sequential Write (Q1T1): 113.7 MB/s
Random Read (Q32T16): 4KiB 0.573 MB/s
Random Write (Q32T16): 4KiB 1.290 MB/s
Random Read (Q1T1): 4KiB 0.505 MB/s
Random Write (Q1T1): 4KiB 1.305 MB/s
REAL WORLD COPY:
In my real world copy test the new My Passport drive was just noticeably faster than the older My Passport Ultra. More on the writing than reading side and more noticeably with smaller files than larger files. It peaked out at about 70MB/s with large files. I never dropped below 35MB/s even with large amounts of small files being copied to the drive. The 2016 My Passport Ultra peaked out at about 68MB/s and dropped several times to 30MB/s.
I'm thinking the newer drive may have a larger on-drive write cache or maybe it's just a bit faster drive. Maybe both. On big copies the new My Passport may save you a few seconds here or there but if copying a lot of small files to it the difference was much more noticeable.
CONCLUSIONS:
The My Passport line of drives from Western Digital has been very good to me and to my clients. This reliable and good to excellent performing line has a long positive history with me.
This WD My Passport model is an evolution over the 2016 My Passport. I'm picking it for new purchases over the older model, but won't rush out to replace older drives. I like this 2019 My Passport’s rounded corner case better than the 2016 sharp edged and glossy one, but it's very minor point for me. Overall it's an excellent evolution to a 5 star predecessor and continues to be a very good external storage choice.
For making improvements in small file write performance and correcting the 2016 bad case design issue this new 2019 generation of My Passport drives is worth 5 stars in my opinion.
Hope this helps someone!
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2020
BOTTOM LINE (for the impatient):
This model is a little bit faster than the last (2016) model I bought. I got the black 2TB model and this generation offers up to a 5TB model as well as the usual smaller capacities. This model is just noticeably faster than the last generation on sequential reads and writes when I tested using CrystalDiskMark.
This My Passport has a new design that returns to rounded corners and soft-look matte case. I like this much better than the older one with its cheap-looking (to me) styling. The drive is slightly less thick, wide and long than the 2016 model. In my laptop bag that’s welcome even if not a lot smaller.
I’m very pleased with this My Passport drive as with ones purchased over the last decade plus. It’s reliable, fast for a USB mechanical HD and gives a lot of space for a low price.
If you want more details, read on...
SUMMARY:
The My Passport USB 3.0 drives are simple to use and come with reasonable software tools and backup/sync software. These are now in a single installer on the drive. I have my own backup solution and do not want encryption on this drive, so have not explored this software. If these are of interest, be sure to check for newer versions on the WD web site.
Pluses:
+ This drive works fine with Windows, Linux or Mac out of the box. With Linux or Mac (where it is read-only with NTFS). They generally performs best when reformatted with a native file system to the respective operating system. Mine came formatted with NTFS for Windows.
+ This generation has 5TB, 4TB, 2TB, and 1TB models. The 500GB models were dropped a couple of generations ago and more recently the 3TB models.
+ This drive is faster than the last generation, but just a little. Up to about 3% faster in benchmarks, but barely noticeable in practical use.
+ The form factor of the new drive is lighter and slightly smaller before with a much nicer case without pointy corners and scratch/fingerprint prone glossy finish.
+ The warranty has been returned to 3 years from 2 years on the 2016 generation.
Minuses:
- It comes with the same very short USB 3.0 cable as previous versions. I like a longer [[ASIN:B00C7SPM4M 3ft (or more) USB 3.0 cable]]: a very good upgrade purchase for the My Passport drives.
IN THE BOX:
The My Passport comes in a easy to open retail package containing the drive and a annoyingly short USB 3.0 cable. There are a couple small pieces of paper for warranty and quick-start. That's it. The cable in this model is the same as previous versions. This may be just fine for a lot of folks but I keep some [[ASIN:B00C7SPM4M 3ft (or more) USB 3.0 cables]] handy for longer runs to my desktop or even on top of a tall computer.
FORM FACTOR vs. PREVIOUS GENERATION:
I'll compare the new generation of My Passport with my 2016 My Passport Ultra
This Model My Passport's dimensions:
1TB-2TB: 0.27lb, 4.22in X 0.44in X 2.95in
4TB-5TB: 0.46lb, 4.22in X 0.46in X 2.95in
2016 My Passport's dimensions:
1TB: 0.37lb, 4.33in X 0.64in X 3.21in
2TB-4TB: 0.54lb, 4.33in X 0.85in X 3.21in
TESTING:
I tested both my older 2016 My Passport 4TB drive and my new My Passport 4TB model using CrystalDiskMark benchmark software and by copying 11GB folder of updates and files to the drive. This was to compare the benchmark with real-world copying. The 11GB folder has a broad mix of file sizes and types including files an over 2GB iso DVD image.
Using CrystalDiskMark I found sequential reads were about 3% faster and writes about 8% faster with the new model. Random reads were just a tiny bit slower and writes were about 8X (!!!) faster. While the benchmarks showed significant differences using them in my real-world copy test the difference was most noticeable with lots of smallish files, but not so much with large sequential reads/writes. If you need to write smallish files this drive is noticeably better than the 2016 model and about the same for large files.
For my testing the My Passport drive was connected to built-in USB 3.0 controller on my Dell 7710 Precision Mobile Workstation. I also tried it on a older add-in card with the Renasas USB 3.0 chip set on my Dell Precision T7500 tower. I have the latest Renasas drivers installed. Both are running build 1903 of Windows 10 Pro and both have SATA SSD boot drives. I used CrystalDiskMark V7 64bit version.
CRYSTALDISKMARK Results:
The New Generation My Passport:
Sequential Read (Q8T1): 129.18 MB/s
Sequential Write (Q8T1): 119.75 MB/s
Sequential Read (Q1T1): 120.37 MB/s
Sequential Write (Q1T1): 118.08MB/s
Random Read (Q32T16): 4KiB 0.6 MB/s
Random Write (Q32T16): 4KiB 10.8 MB/s
Random Read (Q1T1): 4KiB 0.49 MB/s
Random Write (Q1T1): 4KiB 7.8 MB/s
The 2016 My Passport:
The New Generation My Passport:
Sequential Read (Q8T1): 125.5 MB/s
Sequential Write (Q8T1): 113.7 MB/s
Sequential Read (Q1T1): 119.1 MB/s
Sequential Write (Q1T1): 113.7 MB/s
Random Read (Q32T16): 4KiB 0.573 MB/s
Random Write (Q32T16): 4KiB 1.290 MB/s
Random Read (Q1T1): 4KiB 0.505 MB/s
Random Write (Q1T1): 4KiB 1.305 MB/s
REAL WORLD COPY:
In my real world copy test the new My Passport drive was just noticeably faster than the older My Passport Ultra. More on the writing than reading side and more noticeably with smaller files than larger files. It peaked out at about 70MB/s with large files. I never dropped below 35MB/s even with large amounts of small files being copied to the drive. The 2016 My Passport Ultra peaked out at about 68MB/s and dropped several times to 30MB/s.
I'm thinking the newer drive may have a larger on-drive write cache or maybe it's just a bit faster drive. Maybe both. On big copies the new My Passport may save you a few seconds here or there but if copying a lot of small files to it the difference was much more noticeable.
CONCLUSIONS:
The My Passport line of drives from Western Digital has been very good to me and to my clients. This reliable and good to excellent performing line has a long positive history with me.
This WD My Passport model is an evolution over the 2016 My Passport. I'm picking it for new purchases over the older model, but won't rush out to replace older drives. I like this 2019 My Passport’s rounded corner case better than the 2016 sharp edged and glossy one, but it's very minor point for me. Overall it's an excellent evolution to a 5 star predecessor and continues to be a very good external storage choice.
For making improvements in small file write performance and correcting the 2016 bad case design issue this new 2019 generation of My Passport drives is worth 5 stars in my opinion.
Hope this helps someone!
My only complaint and major disappointment with WD, is that the free "WD Backup" software is no longer supported by WD and hasn't been for a few years. They offer a free version of Acronis, which doesn't work. Installed the Acronis software, created a bootable disk on a USB Flash (thumb) drive, then rebooted the computer from the thumb drive and created a full backup/ disk image to the new WD drive. The software seemed to run perfectly, and said the backup was successfully created. I felt really good that I had a full backup of my 2015 laptop, in case I ever need to replace the mechanical HDD. But it was a false peace of mind.
Only 2 weeks after using the Acronis backup software, my computer was crashing shortly after bootup, which it had never done before. So I thought I would test the new drive and backup. After rebooting with the Acronis USB Boot drive, it asked for the location of the image file. The computer recognized the WD drive with all of the Acronis backup folders. But then the Acronis software said all of the folders were empty and there was No Image found. WTF?! Acronis said it successfully made a full disk copy. But then the software could not find its own image.
DO NOT USE the ACRONIS software.
I was fortunately able to fix the boot/crash problem using other software. But if my hard drive had completely failed, I would not have a usable backup copy to restore to a new drive. I would have been screwed. It would have been better if I never attempting to create a backup. At least I would known that I didn't have a backup copy to rely on, rather than falsely thinking I was protected.
In addition, the "free" software isn't really free. It's only a 30 day free Trial version. So if you make a full backup within 30 days, and later have a critical problem, you will be forced to purchase the full version to perform the restore. The backup file versions are propitiatory, so you can't use another brand of software to do the restore. They've got you! You can make a free backup/copy (if you can even get the software to work properly). But then you have to pay for the software to actually use the Backup in order to Restore. This is akin Ransomware.
I have since purchased other backup/imaging software and made a full (working) backup to my new WD drive. I'm very happy about that.
This 1Tb is great - I will be buying another for another Pc - thanks so much - good quality - looks and works great - durable- light weight — great price - easy install —