* Hardware *
Outwardly, the plate is processed properly. She looks elegant, the little white activity light does not go too much and thus does not interfere. By erected position it does not take up too much space, and thanks to the small rubber feet it is still stable and secure. While the USB cable is not long, long, but enough for me loose to connect the hard drive to the computer on the table under the table. The power supply is not as clunky as I know it from other hard drives. On the back is something that looks like an off-on switch, but in my model has no effect. But I do not care if I do not need the drive, it remains simply unplugged.
The plate itself is surprisingly quiet, there are no annoying clicking noises - not even during start-up. The data transfer is in the range of possibility. Since I only have USB 2.0, unfortunately I can not make any statements about the new, faster data transfers.
After connecting the plate was immediately recognized (Windows XP) and could "partially filled" are of me. After a restart, however, the disappointment was great since Windows did an error message that the hardware could not be recognized properly. I could solve the problem immediately, as I have the drive disconnected from the power and re-connected (it was then re-search for drivers). Ultimately a Webupdate the supplied software has interestingly only meant that the hard drive has since been recognized constantly and spontaneously. To what extent this is a "problem" from WD or Windows, I sadly can not say.
* Software *
Out of curiosity I tried out the provided software. "Included" is good, because the software is already on the hard disk. Experimenters should copy the contents of the hard drive somewhere, since it is otherwise possible way (in addition to the manual is also a formatting tool stored on the hard drive!).
But if the software had somehow fit my requirements, I would certainly have given her a chance, she was too "basic". But I can imagine that many users just accommodates this simplicity to me.
"WD SmartWare" searches the existing hard disks on the contents and then classified into types of data (movies, pictures, music, other). This inventory is then displayed graphically, and you can decide whether you want to save "all", and if so, how many redundant backups to be created. In future is then automatically saved after each change in the source. Unfortunately there is no way that personalize somehow, or eg restricting to certain folders. Instead remain in the unknown details, which is why I personally use a tool like SyncToy seems much more suitable for my needs. If you "WD SmartWare" not configured, but does not bother also.
* EDIT * Meanwhile, I've noticed that in the new version in addition to the described category backup, a file backup (at the folder or file level) is possible. This is progress!
It is still installed a second program called "WD Quick View". It is a tray icon, which provides a brief overview of the status of the disk (Disk space and temperature). Actually quite nice.
*Summary*
+ Plenty storage for less money
+ Good workmanship
+ Saves Space
+ No disturbing operating noise
- Pointless switch on the back
- Software not configurable
Since my software is actually not care less (and I would have bought the hard drive without accompanying software) there are sure no "point deduction". All in all, makes the board exactly what it promises and to do.
