Our take
The Western Digital Dual-option Combo WDXB1200JBRNN is a small-capacity legacy desktop drive for a setup that still needs USB 2.0 or FireWire 400. Newegg's exact-model listing identifies 120GB and a 3.5-inch enclosure; its historical manual describes a two-port USB hub and automatic or on-demand backup controls. The practical limits are just as specific: it needs an external power adapter, the hub needs the USB connection, and the old software and operating-system notes do not establish compatibility with a present-day computer. Consider it only when this exact configuration fits a known workflow and the correct power supply and host connection can be verified.
A small legacy archive or recovery workflow where 120GB is enough, a compatible USB 2.0 or FireWire 400 host is available, and the correct adapter can be confirmed.
A large modern library, a no-outlet portable setup, a required USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt connection, current software support, or anyone relying on historical ASIN B000782RHY as a current product match.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Newegg ties WDXB1200JBRNN to a 120GB, 3.5-inch external hard drive.
- USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 are both documented for the exact model.
- The manual describes a two-port USB hub and backup controls for a compatible preserved setup.
What to weigh up
- 120GB is below the 160GB and higher capacity floors used in most comparisons.
- The historical manual specifies an AC adapter and power cord, so this is not a bus-powered drive.
- Current host and operating-system support, software availability, seller contents, individual-unit condition and current Amazon mapping remain unknown.
The key details
| Model covered | WDXB1200JBRNN |
|---|---|
| Advertised capacity | 120GB nominal advertised capacity |
| Drive configuration | 3.5-inch desktop external HDD |
| Host connection | USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 11, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
Match the complete model and its capacity
Check the full code WDXB1200JBRNN rather than relying on the Dual-option family name. Newegg's exact-model entry gives this configuration 120GB and a 3.5-inch form. That capacity can suit a narrow archive or a specific legacy transfer, but it is not a large-capacity choice. Advertised capacity is nominal and formatted free space will be lower. If a workflow needs at least 160GB, 400GB or more, this model does not meet that floor; do not treat another Dual-option capacity as the same configuration. Keep an independent copy of important files rather than relying on one external drive.
Choose the host connection before buying
Newegg documents USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 for this exact model. Those are two legacy host paths, not proof that a specific current computer, adapter, cable, operating system or file system will work with the drive. Verify the computer's port and software path before choosing it. The listing does not document USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt for this configuration, so do not treat it as a newer-interface option.
Plan for the external power supply
The historical specification manual lists an AC adapter and power cord, and its setup instructions connect the adapter to the drive and a wall outlet. This is a powered desktop unit rather than a drive intended to run from its host cable alone. A no-outlet requirement rules it out. For a used offer, inspect the exact model label and confirm that the correct adapter is present and works; an old kit list does not prove what a seller includes now. The manual also describes stands and feet for vertical or horizontal placement, but those historical accessories need checking on the actual offer.
Use the hub only through its USB connection
The specification manual describes two USB hub ports. The user manual's indexed page-13 passage says the hub needs a USB connection and is unavailable when the drive is connected only through FireWire; direct retrieval of that page returned a cache miss. A FireWire-only setup therefore does not make the enclosure's USB ports available. The hub may help someone maintaining the documented legacy setup, but it does not add storage capacity or create a second copy of files.
Treat the backup controls and software as historical
The manual describes automatic and on-demand backup buttons, Safe Shutdown, and included Dantz Retrospect Express. These are documented features of the product's historical setup, not proof that installers remain available, that a license is current, or that the software supports a present operating system. If the backup behavior matters, verify the software and host independently. A backup button does not itself protect files from a failed drive or replace another copy.
Keep the old operating-system notes in context
The manual lists Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 and XP, plus Mac OS 9.2.2 or Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later. Those are the manual's source-era requirements; they do not verify present-day Windows or macOS support. The saved sources also do not establish modern file-system behavior or compatibility through a particular adapter. Treat this as hardware for a known legacy workflow, not as a broadly supported contemporary drive. No measured speed test or buyer-review summary is used here.
Verify the exact seller's unit
Historical ASIN B000782RHY is retained as a source-row clue, not a current exact offer. Use the tagged search for WD Dual-option Combo WDXB1200JBRNN 120GB, then compare the offer's model code, capacity, connection, condition, return terms and included adapter. Check whether the USB hub matters to your setup and do not assume the historical cables, software disc, adapter, stands or feet are included. Current price, stock, seller package, unit condition and compatibility must be checked on the actual offer.
What else to compare
Before you buy
Does WDXB1200JBRNN have FireWire?
Newegg's exact-model listing specifies FireWire 400 as well as USB 2.0. That does not establish compatibility with a particular computer or adapter.
Can the built-in hub be used with a FireWire-only connection?
The indexed manual passage says the USB hub requires a USB connection. If only FireWire is connected, its USB devices are unavailable.
Can it run without a power adapter?
No. The historical manual specifies an AC adapter and power cord. Verify that the correct adapter is present with a used unit.
Does the old manual prove support for current Windows or macOS?
No. It lists requirements for older operating-system releases; current support is not established.
Does historical ASIN B000782RHY identify today's Amazon offer?
That mapping has not been verified. Use the tagged exact-model search and check the offer's full code and included power supply.
Where can I check the current price?
Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.
Sources & review basis
We use the following manufacturer documentation for the product features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- Newegg exact-model listing for WDXB1200JBRNN ↗ — checked October 11, 2026.
- Exact-model listing: lines 73–80 identify WDXB1200JBRNN, 120GB, USB 2.0, FireWire 400 and 3.5-inch form; lines 96–115 list the capacity and enclosure details. ↗ — checked October 11, 2026.
- Exact-model specification manual: lines 39–54 describe interfaces, the two-port USB hub, backup controls and Safe Shutdown; lines 124–160 list historical kit contents including AC adapter and power cord; lines 163–200 give dated system requirements and Dantz Retrospect Express. ↗ — checked October 11, 2026.
- User manual page 13, retrieved through indexed page text on 2026-10-11; the direct page fetch returned a cache miss. The indexed passage says the USB hub requires a USB connection and is unavailable when connected only over FireWire. ↗ — checked October 11, 2026.
The decision
The Western Digital Dual-option Combo WDXB1200JBRNN is a small-capacity legacy desktop drive for a setup that still needs USB 2.0 or FireWire 400. Newegg's exact-model listing identifies 120GB and a 3.5-inch enclosure; its historical manual describes a two-port USB hub and automatic or on-demand backup controls. The practical limits are just as specific: it needs an external power adapter, the hub needs the USB connection, and the old software and operating-system notes do not establish compatibility with a present-day computer. Consider it only when this exact configuration fits a known workflow and the correct power supply and host connection can be verified.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.