WD bumps notebook USB drive to 320GB

Western Digital today raised the threshold for its external notebook drives with the Passport 320GB. Taking advantage of its self-made Scorpio drive, the updated Passport stores its extra content without sacrificing size or weight. The entire piano-black case and drive weigh less than five ounces and is powered solely over the USB bus, the storage maker notes.

It supports both Mac OS X and Windows PCs but includes special WD Sync tools for Windows system that backup general files and data from Outlook's contact and e-mail features. Google's desktop suite of search and photo management tools are also there to support Windows users without equivalents to the Mac's Spotlight and iPhoto software. Western Digital ships the drive today for $230.