Well actually, consider this: for ANY portable HDD what it matters is WHICH HDD they actually put inside their case. For example: "WD Elements Portable SE" indeed doesn't say much at all. Its just brand name for marketing and kind of recognition on market.
What it really matters is whats underneath in-closed case! And THAT is what determines real quality of a product. I'm aware WD had problems with specific series and it sux that you had such bad luck to experience it personally, but overall they are very solid storage brand which I'm still inclined to despite not having flawless track...
So if you, inside your external HDD get specific model which is known for its reliability, that should be quite safe buy. For further info, specifically about that WD model check this very nice blog: Technology.. old and new...: What is inside the WD Elements Hard drive?
The bottom line is: every HDD can fail. No matter who produced it. You should not put 100% trust in any single storage product. If you have critical data that is important to you ALWAYS have it on at least 2 mediums. They say: data which is not backed up may as well not exist.
