Western Digital My Passport Elite

Cool Yule Rating: 4 stars

Price: $200 (for the 500GB model; lower capacities cost less)

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Description: The My Passport Elite portable hard drive offers a handy and convenient way to keep all of your files (drives can hold up to 500GB of data) stored, protected and mobile. Powered by USB (in most cases, an additional power supply isn't needed), the My Passport Elite drive includes a soft-touch finish and choice of four different colors, in a form factor that reminds me of a small journal notebook rather than a portable hard drive.

The device includes automatic backup, WD Sync synchronization and encryption software, and Google softwar. In addition, the MioNet Key software lets you remotely access files from PCs that also include the MioNet software. The drive also includes a capacity gauge that lets you know how much storage capacity you have left. The drive also works with gaming consoles, letting you play music, view photos or watch videos on the TV connected to the gaming console.

Many storage vendors have used the "back up your stuff or die" mantra for years, so hopefully the message has sunk in and you won't have to remind your friends/family about the need for backup (the automatic backup software certainly helps). This is why this year I saw many drives take the "stylish" approach to its drive designs, or to highlight the aspects of having your personal media with you wherever you go. Because capacities are so large in such a portable package, it's very easy to just copy all of your music, photos, videos and other personal data onto one drive, rather than keep them scattered on several devices.

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