WD reveals new My Passport Elite drives

Western Digital has introduced its new My Passport Elite external hard drives featuring an illuminated capacity gauge and drive lock indicator so users can easily see how much space is left on their drive and whether their data is secure. The new My Passport Elite disks will ship in capacities of 320GB, 500GB and 640GB for $119.99, $159.99 and $169.99, respectively.

The convenient grab-and-go USB dock frees up valuable desk space and eliminates the search for USB ports, making it ideal for professionals who take their data back and forth to the office.

Like the previously announced My Passport(TM) Essential(TM) drives, the My Passport Elite portable drives feature automatic and continuous backup with WD SmartWare(TM) software and 256-bit hardware-based encryption. My Passport Elite drives are available now in 3 appealing metallic colors - Metallic Red, Metallic Blue and Charcoal Metallic - and are offered in capacities of 320 GB, 500 GB and 640 GB.

WD market research shows that consumers want a mobile storage device that allows them to not only back up and store their data, but also to keep their data safe should the drive end up in the wrong hands. The new My Passport Elite drives come with integrated WD SmartWare software which makes it easy to backup and secure your data.

When the My Passport Elite drive is plugged in for the first time, the simple and intuitive first backup process launches automatically. The real-time visual interface of WD SmartWare software gives users a reassuring view of their backup as it happens. After the first backup, users' files are backed up automatically every time they change or add a file. WD SmartWare software creates a separate area on the drive for the backed up files, leaving a large portion of the drive free for carrying or sharing of files. The drives are thus appropriate for both backup and extra storage.

The illuminated capacity gauge on the My Passport Elite drive provides a quick read of how much capacity is available on the drive. The padlock icon indicates that the drive is password protected with 256-bit hardware-based encryption. Typically found only on much more expensive drive systems, the encryption acts as a virtual padlock to keep users' data secure. Without the correct password, files are simply not accessible.

The unique design of the grab-and-go dock enables the user to quickly connect and disconnect their My Passport drive with one hand. The dock eliminates the need to search for an empty USB port, which can be a frustrating chore, particularly with desktop computers. The dock also provides power(1) to the drive via the USB port so no separate power supply is needed.

WD My Passport Elite features:

Convenient, grab-and-go USB dock connection to computer;

Premium finish in 3 colors including Anodized Red, Anodized Blue and Charcoal Metallic;

256-bit hardware-based encryption for peace of mind knowing that data is protected from unauthorized access;

USB 2.0 interface that powers the drive directly from the USB port on user's computer, no separate power supply is needed;

Planet-friendly packaging derived from recycled materials to minimize waste;

Ready to plug-and-play with Windows PCs, formatted NTFS; and,

3-year limited warranty.