Western Digital Caviar Reviews

Expert review by: Nathan Edwards (maximumpc.com)

Western Digital My Book Elite 2TB

It's been a long time since we reviewed a USB external drive—not since November 2008, to be exact—mostly because they're essentially commodities now. With transfers capped at USB 2.0 speeds and drive sizes mostly standardized, portable hard drives have...

Good looks; cool display; intuitive backup software; full-disk encryption

Write speeds slower than expected; no eSATA

The My Book Elite is reasonably priced, powerful, and intuitive, and although power-users will lament its lack of eSATA and opt for their own backup software, the drive offers users easy backup and restore, full-disk encryption, and an unnecessary but...

Mar, 2010

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Expert review by: Roman Loyola (maclife.com)

Western Digital My Book Studio Edition

Book-Sized Data Bank

Smaller than previous My Book models. Connectivity choices. Decent speed.

ESATA card not included.

Whether it's for storing files or for use with Leopard's Time Machine, the My Book Studio is a good choice.

Jan, 2008

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Expert review by: Dong Ngo (cnet.com)

Western Digital My Book Live (2TB)

The WD My Book Live NAS server isn't able to do what its predecessor, the My Book World Edition , did a year ago. The World Edition made a huge splash in the pond of NAS servers' throughput performance, proving itself to be by far the fastest...

The Western Digital My Book Live NAS server is easy to use, fast, and affordable. It also comes with mobile applications to share photos on the go.

The WD My Book Live's hard drive can't be serviced by users, and there's no USB port to add more storage. The device lacks common features found in many NAS servers, and its MioNet remote access solution is nearly useless.

The Western Digital MyBook Live is a fast, plug-and-play, simple-to-use home NAS server that unfortunately lacks features and has a subpar remote-access solution.

Oct, 2010

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Expert review by: Jeff Bakalar (cnet.com)

WD TV Live HD (fall 2009)

The first few rounds of network media streamers we tested weren't necessarily recommendable. Sure, this was partially because most of these devices depend on Windows Media Center for connectivity and content, but we also had issues with their...

Network digital media streamer; Pandora Radio built-in; Live365 channel; YouTube channel; HDMI out; two USB ports; digital optical audio out; quick, easy-to-use interface; includes composite and component wires.

No Wi-Fi.

If you don't already own an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 and are serious about networked streaming, the WD TV Live is probably one of your best choices for getting content to your TV.

Nov, 2009

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Expert review by: (cnet.com)

Western Digital MyBook World Edition NAS server

Design The Western Digital MyBook World Edition looks exactly like its desktop brethren, the MyBook Premium Edition , save for its glossy white exterior, reminiscent of the traditional iPod case. The MyBook World Edition sits vertically and is designed...

Dead-simple to set up remote access and file sharing; includes support for Gigabit Ethernet; bundled backup software lets you restore as well; generous warranty period.

Slow read/write speeds; no print server or media server; some file types not supported by MioNet for sharing.

The Western Digital MyBook World Edition is a simple-to-use NAS drive that makes remote access and file sharing easy for even beginners. Only its slow data transfer speed gives us pause.

May, 2007

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Expert review by: (cnet.com)

Western Digital Essential NetCenter (120GB)

If you're looking to add shared storage to your home or small-office network, there's no easier way to do it than with Western Digital's Essential NetCenter networked hard drive. Currently available in 120GB, 250GB, and 320GB capacities, the NetCenter...

Lots of space; easy setup; USB ports to attach printers and additional storage.

Only 10/100 Ethernet; no direct connection via USB.

The NetCenter NAS drive is a solid SOHO shared storage drive at a fair price, making it a good choice for the average user.

Oct, 2005

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Editor's Choice!

Expert review by: (cnet.com)

Western Digital Caviar Special Edition 250 GB hard drive

The Western Digital Caviar Special Edition 250GB internal hard drive is more than just a big disk. At nearly $400, the Caviar Special Edition commands a premium price per gigabyte, but you get what you pay for in this case.

Comprehensive quick-install guide; three-year warranty; speedy and silent.

Jumper diagram on drive label contradicts documentation.

It isn't cheap, but Western Digital's Caviar Special Edition 250GB is the complete kit, with loads of capacity, excellent performance, and sterling service and support.

Jul, 2003

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Expert review by: (pcmag.com)

Western Digital WD10EACS

It's the era of the terabyte. That era really launched back in May when Hitachi delivered its 7K1000 terabyte hard drive. However, the 7K1000 was a five platter, ten head device, while the two drives we look at today are four platter, four head...

Low power usage. Massive capacity. Surprisingly good performance. Quiet and cool. Cost-effective

Performance is a little below the competition

While the WD10's performance won't amaze, the relatively quiet and cool operation, plus the great price will appeal to users looking for good value.

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Expert review by: Review Crew (reviewboard.com)

WD TV Live HD Media Player Review

In the current age of media consumption, movies and television are being utilized in vastly different methods than five years ago. Nothing is more of a testament to the changes ...

Jul, 2010

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Expert review by: (electronicsme.com)

Western Digital My Book Mac Edition WDH1U10000A

Overall, the 1TB Western Digital MyBook external hard drive is a great cheap storage drive that will work seamlessly with your Mac. The reliability of this drive is frequently questioned, as there have been several consumers who have owned defective...

Built and preformatted just for MacsWelcomed support for Apple Time MachineOne of the most inexpensive 1TB hard drivesGreat for consumers who are not concerned with speed

Uncertain reliability…defective models are prevalent

An excellent instant storage solution for your Mac is the Western...

Oct, 2009

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