Conclusion
The Western Digital MyBook Pro Edition packaging
The performance of the MyBook is very good when using the Firewire 800 interface. The Intelligent drive management is also a nice feature that helps to extend the lifetime of the drive, and the included software does the job admirably.
Aesthetically, the unit looks cool sitting on your desk, and the illuminated capacity gauge is a nifty way to display some useful information. The drive's stable and solid base is appreciated; the passive cooling is quiet and effective. Even the price of the MyBook Pro is around $280, which is reasonable for a 500 GB external drive.
Form and function, style and versatility: To be perfectly honest, there's not a lot I can say to dissuade you from purchasing the MyBook Pro. I guess the best I can do is recommend you stay away from the MyBook Essential Edition that comes only with the slower USB 2.0 interface if you require fast date transfer rates.
Author's Opinion
Plain and simple, I like this drive. The aesthetics appeal to me, and the Firewire performance does, too. And anything passively cooled that doesn't make a racket is always appreciated.