Western Digital WD Elements SE USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drives: 500GB $39 after $30 rebate, 1TB $59 after $30 rebate

Unfortunately, some Toshibas are now doing it too, and unlike WD/Samsung portables, it's not obvious by the size of the drive externally.
I work in data recovery, and we hate having to recover these USB-PCB drives. There are extra steps making it more expensive if it fails and you need the data back.

I have the same fear about Hitachis now that WD owns them.

Quote from TDMVP73 : Yes, that's what I'm saying. They have the USB connections soldered onto the HD instead of the typical SATA interface, which is what you would need to make it into a laptop hard drive (2.5" drive). If you want to rip apart an external drive, I recommend sticking with Seagates, Toshibas, or most Hitachis. However, Hitachi was bought out by Western Digital, so they might start doing the same thing soon.

Quote from darkhunter : Tiger rebate sucks, 50/50 chance of you getting it.

Bullshit.

I've gotten every single rebate I have ever submitted with no issues.

Wasn't this $39.99 AR shortly after black friday for the 1TB drive?

Quote from darkhunter : Tiger rebate sucks, 50/50 chance of you getting it. I would jump on this deal if I didn't have to mess around with rebates Also their CC sucks as well, can't get a hold of someone, and their email customer service always give you the run around.

I bought the 1TB version back in December from TD.com.
It's a great value.

I personally love Tiger rebate. Super simple. Did 4 rebates within the past 2 months and received all 4 rebate cards.

This is such a dumb question but what are the main uses to these things besides backing up your computer files and so on?

I don't think I'll be needing this anytime soon but does anyone know if prices for external hard drives probably dropping this year or next? Otherwise, I might consider jumping on this. Also, repped.

hate Tigerdirect rebates.. i never got mine..

i'd avoid it..

Quote from darkhunter : Tiger rebate sucks, 50/50 chance of you getting it. I would jump on this deal if I didn't have to mess around with rebates Also their CC sucks as well, can't get a hold of someone, and their email customer service always give you the run around.

So true. The only time I can get a hold of somebody is when I call first thing in the morning their time, and when you're doing it from California to Florida, it's a complete pain in the ass.

I do have a trick though, for when I can get through. Call and press the button sequence for as if your order was rejected and you need to give them special bank information, and just cancel the order, saying you accidentally pressed the wrong button. It's perhaps the quickest way to talk to a live person, since their website doesn't allow you to perform it.

Quote from jaysorbet : This is such a dumb question but what are the main uses to these things besides backing up your computer files and so on? I don't think I'll be needing this anytime soon but does anyone know if prices for external hard drives probably dropping this year or next? Otherwise, I might consider jumping on this. Also, repped.

Do you have another method of backing up computer files?
If you don't, I recommend getting one and backing up asap. You never know when something bad can happen.

I use it to store lots of music, videos and picture files to clear up my computer's HD.

Quote from TDMVP73 : Yes, that's what I'm saying. They have the USB connections soldered onto the HD instead of the typical SATA interface, which is what you would need to make it into a laptop hard drive (2.5" drive). If you want to rip apart an external drive, I recommend sticking with Seagates, Toshibas, or most Hitachis. However, Hitachi was bought out by Western Digital, so they might start doing the same thing soon.

Thanks for the info . Glad to know .That really screws up my plans for some nice cheap internal drives

Anyone that is not in a hurry may want to wait on ordering and watch these drives the next couple of days, they usually go to free shipping

Hate rebates... never get them

Not a hot deal if you have to pay shipping and tax.

Quote from lwkeung : Do you have another method of backing up computer files? If you don't, I recommend getting one and backing up asap. You never know when something bad can happen. I use it to store lots of music, videos and picture files to clear up my computer's HD.

No other method. I have had this laptop since 2009 and it hasn't died on me.....yet. I have never ever done a back up of files ever in my life

I am guessing a hard drive like this creates a "image" or backup exactly everything you see on your documents, hard drive, desktop, etc? Sorry, I'm just total noob.

Limited Warranty: 12 months parts; 12 months labor kills it for me, but probably because I am not particularly in the market for a new drive. Repped for the post.

dont like rebates but could use the drive... got 1TB... thanx OP!