WD's new 1TB portable hard drive

Western Digital’s new line of portable and desktop hard drives have higher capacities, smaller sizes, tougher hardware security and support for incremental backups.

WD’s 2.5-inch, USB-powered portable My Passport lineup has three new models: ‘Essential,’ ‘Essential SE’ and ‘Mac.’ The lineup now tops out at 1TB capacity. Its USB-to-SATA-to-drive connection has been exchanged for direct-to-USB, saving space without speed loss, the company says.

WD’s 3.5-inch My Book desktop lineup offers two new models: ‘Essential’ and ‘Mac.’

Here’s the rundown:

My Passport Essential:

• USB 2.0
• 320GB, 500GB, 640GB
• MSRP $99 to $149
• NTFS File system optimized for PC
• 2-year limited warranty
• 5 colors: Midnight Black, Arctic White, Pacific Blue, Cool Silver and Real Red
• optional docking station

My Passport Essential SE:

• USB 2.0
• 750GB & 1TB
• MSRP $179-$249
• NTFS File system optimized for PC
• 2-year limited warranty
• Colors: Midnight Black
• optional docking station available in November

My Passport for Mac:

• Compatible with Apple Time Machine
• USB 2.0
• 320GB, 500 GB
• MSRP $99-$139
• HFS+JournaledFile system optimized for Mac
• 2-year limited warranty
• Charcoal Matte
• optional docking station