Hard Drives

Western Digital My Book Essential Edition external hard drive (500GB)

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CNET editor's take

The Western Digital MyBook Essential Edition external hard drive is a slightly pared-down version of the MyBook Premium Edition. It's a good option if you need additional storage without backup software.

Specs: Compatibility: PC,; Mac; Connector type: 4 pin USB Type B; Hard drive size: 500 GB See full specs >>

Price range: $89.00 - $146.57

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Western Digital My Book Essential Edition external hard drive (500GB)

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Buying choices

for Western Digital My Book Essential Edition external hard drive (500GB) from online stores:

$89.00 - $146.57

Amazon.com

$146.57 | In stock: Yes

Server Supply.com Inc

$124.00 | In stock: Yes

Amazon.com Marketplace

$89.00 | In stock: Yes

See prices from 3 stores

Compatibility: PC, Mac
Connector type: 4 pin USB Type B
Hard drive size: 500 GB
Interface type: Hi-Speed USB
Buffer size: 16 MB
Average seek time: 8.9 ms
Spindle speed: 7200 rpm

CNET editors' review

Reviewed by: Felisa Yang
Edited by: Matthew Elliott
Reviewed on 6/15/06

The Western Digital MyBook Essential Edition is a pared-down version of the MyBook Premium Edition that we reviewed. Available in sizes from 80GB to 500GB, this external hard drive features the same exterior design as the Premium Edition. It also uses the same 7,200rpm hard disk drive, so we expect the performance to be on a par with that of the Premium Edition. The Essential Edition drive has only a USB 2.0 connection (the Premium Edition can also connect via FireWire) and doesn't come with the EMC Dantz Retrospect software that ships on the Premium Edition. Also, the capacity meter on the "spine" of the drive glows green instead of blue.