I just bought this in Hong Kong as I ran out of space on my Micro SD card & need to transfer some old video files. My preferred brand is Buffalo which is Made in Japan but since I hardly see them in HK where I normally go shopping and this is the first one I come across which is considered cheap, a 500 GB which costs HK$498 after I asked for a discount (the tag was a $100 more expensive but I have to pay cash to get the offer price). Buffalo will cost more definitely but I've confidence in Buffalo. Anyway, I do know of the brand WD just that I have never had any experience with it. One thing though, it comes in 2 sizes, 500 GB & 1 TB but I did notice a difference in where it's made! The 1TB WD is Made in Thailand. As for which maker is better is anyone's guess! Anyhow, I've transfered some files now and it's simple and so far so good! It's also very light although I have no idea how shock absorbent it is! Hopefully, I'll never have to find out either! I'd have prefer it a little slimmer ;-)