Western Digital has introduced new, 750GB and 1TB portable USB drives as a part of the My Passport Essential SE line. Models are approximately the same weight as their counterparts in the My Passport Elite series, but slightly larger. The SEs are USB-powered, and on Windows systems equipped with sync software and 128-bit encryption. A titanium silver finish decorates the outside of what are effectively external versions of WD's new notebook drives.

The SEs are available from the WD online store for $200 and $300, respectively. The drives are compatible with both Macs and PCs. Below the SE level, Essentials are available in 250, 320, 400 and 500GB capacities, with similar hardware and software features.