This is interesting, because in my recent research of user feedback, (of
real issues) it would seem that the Caviar Blacks are the most reliable. I've used many Seagate drives myself, and would normally recommend them, but there have been MANY issues with the Seagate 1T and 1.5T drives, both firmware and hardware. I recently bought the Samsung 1T drive, but only recently found that it has had its share of issues as well. I chose it over the WD because it is rated faster at STR and much quieter than the WD blacks. Still, it seems that most issues with these will show up fairly quick if at all, and users without problems seem very pleased. I'll be backing up onto an external drive, anyway.
I haven't really seen anything about the WDs having any issues other than they are considerably louder, but if they actually do have issues, this would seem that the technology to bring 1T drives isn't quite up to par yet?
It is also interesting when you consider that WD (and Samsung, I believe?) are about to release 2T drives, and both will be 5200 rpm drives. (WD's will have 'variable rates' of spin speed, but will primarily run at 5200)
I somewhat regret buying a 1T drive right now, but the price was definitely right.
If I were you and reliability was the biggest factor, I'd go with a smaller drive for now. Wait until these issues are solved.
p.s. Samsung only gives maximum transfer rates (also true of WD, if I remember correctly). I researched several places online to find STR. Also, I stated in another thread that I had ordered the WD. I had forgotten that I made the last-minute change.
