How encryption works on Passport SE 1Tb and what is Windows compatibility?

WD External Drives WD Portable Drives
1

I’m considering to buy Passport SE 1Tb since it’s largest capacity portable drive currently available in local shops, but a little confused by distinct accent of WD site that it is Mac accessory (I’m Windows PC user).

Can anyone clarify please:

  1. this drive can be as easily formatted for NTFS/Windows?

  2. is “hardware based 256bit encryption” available under Windows 7 and other versions of Windows? Is that REAL entire-drive encryption on low (BIOS?) level, or it’s just marketing name for some kind of “virtual encrypted container”? Can I access files on encrypted drive on somebody’s PC where no WD utilities installed?

With any file manager?

I really interested to know more details of encryption, because if it’s properly implemented, this would be a big plus to drive’s value.

2

oh my Gosh, is that true? 

http://community.wdc.com/t5/My-Passport-for-PC/We-want-to-Remove-the-VCD-from-our-passports-not-disable-it/td-p/14480

oh dear, marketing is such a terrible thing. And I nearly spent my money for that… phew