Western Digital My Book Premium 500GB USB/FW 400 Ext Hard Drive
Can't be used with a power strip
I tried this drive on two different computers using two different USB cables but neither computer would detect it.  I finally called Western Digital and they advised me to plug it directly into a wall outlet, not a power bar.  I did, and it worked, but in my case it was a fatal flaw as the only wall outlet in my work area is buried behind a heavy desk, and both receptacles are already in use.  I can't understand how it could even make a difference whether it's plugged into the wall or a power bar, but apparently it does since WD said it's a known problem.  This seems like a limiting factor on the drive's versatility and portability, and I also worry about how reliable it will be if it's so sensitive to such a basic detail as the type of power outlet.