Table of Contents
Summary
Expert Consensus
Storage capacity
Compatibility
Speed
Durability
Connectivity
Design
Expert Reviews
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WD My Book

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Expert consensus

The WD My Book External Hard Drive is a reliable and versatile storage device with ample storage capacity options, automatic backup features, high compatibility, and fast transfer speeds, making it ideal for media professionals and others who need to store large amounts of data.

The WD My Book External Hard Drive is a reliable and versatile storage device that offers ample storage capacity options ranging from 3TB to 18TB, making it ideal for media professionals and others who need to store large amounts of data. It comes with features such as WD Backup software and compatibility with Apple Time Machine for automatic backups, making it easy for users to keep their data safe and secure.

The My Book is highly compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, without requiring any additional software or drivers, and can be used with gaming consoles such as Xbox One and PS4. The device has a maximum read speed of around 190-206 MB/s and a maximum write speed of around 180-214 MB/s, making it suitable for storing large files, backing up data, and transferring files between devices.

The My Book has a durable design that can withstand everyday knocks and bumps, but it is not specifically designed to be shock-resistant or able to withstand drops. It supports USB 3. 0 and Thunderbolt 2 ports, with transfer speeds of up to 190MB/s for USB 3. 0 and up to 435 MB/s for Thunderbolt 2, making it ideal for users who need a reliable and fast external hard drive for backing up large amounts of data or for storing and accessing media files.

The My Book has a sleek and modern design with angled corners, a metal exterior, and a two-tone color scheme, making it visually appealing and suitable for desktop or gaming setups. Overall, the WD My Book is a great investment for anyone who needs to keep their data safe and secure while having ample storage capacity and fast transfer speeds.

Storage capacity

The WD My Book External Hard Drive offers a range of storage capacity options up to 18TB, with features such as WD Backup software and compatibility with Apple Time Machine, and can reach read and write speeds of up to 190-206 MB/s in sequential tests and up to 400 MB/s in RAID 0 configurations.

The WD My Book External Hard Drive offers a range of storage capacity options, including 3TB, 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, and 10TB, according to some reviews, while others suggest that it also comes in larger sizes up to 18TB. The higher storage capacity options are ideal for media professionals and others who need to store large amounts of data.

The My Book also comes with features such as WD Backup software and compatibility with Apple Time Machine for automatic backups. The read and write speeds of the WD My Book can vary depending on the specific model, type of connection used, and type of data being transferred, but can reach up to 190-206 MB/s in sequential tests and up to 400 MB/s in RAID 0 configurations.

Overall, the WD My Book is a reliable and versatile external hard drive that offers ample storage capacity for a variety of use cases.

What is the maximum storage capacity offered by the WD My Book?

The WD My Book External Hard Drive comes in five storage capacity options – 3TB, 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, and 10TB.
Based on 9 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the available storage capacity options for the WD My Book external hard drive?

The WD My Book external hard drive comes in five storage capacity options - 3TB, 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, and 10TB according to gadgetstouse.com review. However, according to TechGearLab review, the storage capacity options are 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, 12TB, 14TB, 16TB, and 18TB.
Based on 10 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the different storage capacity options and prices available for the WD My Book external hard drive?

The WD My Book external hard drive comes in five storage capacity options – 3TB, 4TB, 6TB, 8TB, and 10TB. According to Tom's Hardware, the smallest model with 4TB (2x 2TB HDDs) starts at just $279.99. The next step up with 6TB of total storage capacity is just $20 more at $299.99. From there, the price increases to $349.99 for the 8TB and $439.99 for the 12TB. The two largest capacities leap from that point to $629.99 for the 16TB and $849.99 for the 20TB My Book Duo.
Based on 7 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

What additional features or benefits come with the higher storage capacity options for WD My Book?

Higher storage capacity options for WD My Book come with the benefit of having more space to store your files, including images, videos, music, and other large media files. According to TechGearLab, the My Book is offered in storage sizes up to an incredible 18TB, making it ideal for media professionals and others who know they have a ton of data to back up. Additionally, the larger capacity options still come with the same features as the smaller ones, such as the WD Backup software and compatibility with Apple Time Machine for automatic backups.
Based on 14 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the read and write speeds of WD My Book at its maximum storage capacity?

There isn't a definitive answer to this question, as the read and write speeds of the WD My Book can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the specific model, the type of connection used, and the type of data being transferred. However, according to several reviews in the ReviewFinder database, the read and write speeds of the WD My Book can reach up to 190-206 MB/s in sequential tests and up to 400 MB/s in RAID 0 configurations.
Based on 14 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Compatibility

The WD My Book external hard drive is highly compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, has a single USB 3.0 interface, and can store all kinds of files without any specific limitations on file types or sizes, making it a versatile and reliable option for a wide range of users.

The WD My Book external hard drive is highly compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, without requiring any additional software or drivers. It has a single USB 3. 0 interface and is formatted exFAT out of the box, making it easy to use with both macOS Sierra and Windows desktops and laptops.

The device can store all kinds of files, including photos, videos, music, documents, and more, without any specific limitations on file types or sizes. Additionally, it can be used with gaming consoles such as Xbox One and PS4, making it a great option for gamers who need extra storage space for their games.

Overall, the WD My Book is a versatile and reliable external hard drive that can meet the needs of a wide range of users.

Is the WD My Book compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems?

Yes, the WD My Book is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. According to TechGearLab and gadgetstouse.com, the device performs well and is compatible with every operating system you are using, Windows or MacOS. Additionally, PCMag notes that the My Book has a single USB 3.0 interface and it is formatted exFAT out of the box, so it will work equally well with both macOS Sierra and Windows desktops and laptops.
Based on 11 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the WD My Book require any specific software or drivers to be installed for compatibility?

According to the reviews on ReviewFinder, the WD My Book is compatible with Windows 7 and above, as well as Mac OS X 10.7 and above, without requiring any additional software or drivers. However, it does come with a downloadable version of AcronisTrue Image WD Edition software that offers system-level backup for complete protection. Additionally, it's compatible with Windows File History, included on Windows 8 and Windows 10.
Based on 14 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any limitations on the file types or sizes that can be stored on the WD My Book external hard drive?

There are no specific limitations on the file types or sizes that can be stored on the WD My Book external hard drive. You can store all kinds of files, including photos, videos, music, documents, and more. The only limitation would be the storage capacity of the drive itself.
Based on 16 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Can the WD My Book be used with gaming consoles or devices?

Yes, the WD My Book External Hard Drive can be used with gaming consoles such as Xbox One and PS4 according to the PCMag review. It's also mentioned that with some larger console game downloads now approaching 40GB, an 8TB drive should be able to handle at least 200 games before filling up.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Speed

The WD My Book external hard drive offers fast read and write speeds, secure encryption, and compatibility with all operating systems, making it a reliable option for storing and transferring large files.

The WD My Book external hard drive has a maximum read speed of around 190-206 MB/s and a maximum write speed of around 180-214 MB/s, depending on the test and configuration. The actual speeds may vary depending on the system and the type of data being transferred. Factors that can affect read and write speeds include the type and size of the files being transferred, the interface used, and the computer's operating system.

The My Book comes with a fast USB 3. 0 interface for speedy file transfers and can be secured with a password and powerful hardware encryption. The My Book is compatible with every operating system and its speed is impressive regardless of the device or operating system used. The My Book performed at its best on Mac OS, blowing other HDD types out of the water, making it a great option for Mac users who need fast and reliable storage.

Overall, the WD My Book is a reliable and fast external hard drive that is suitable for a variety of use cases, including storing large files, backing up data, and transferring files between devices.

What is the maximum read and write speed of the WD My Book?

According to multiple sources, the maximum read speed of the WD My Book External Hard Drive is around 190-206 MB/s and the maximum write speed is around 180-214 MB/s, depending on the test and configuration. However, the actual speeds may vary depending on the system and the type of data being transferred.
Based on 12 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the read and write speeds of the WD My Book external hard drive and are there any factors that may affect these speeds, such as file size or type?

According to various product reviews, the read and write speeds of the WD My Book external hard drive depend on the file size, interface, and operating system used. The average sequential read speed for Windows is 191 MB per second, and the average random data read speed was 0.9 MB per second. Using CrystalDiskMark, the My Book managed a read speed of 190.6 MB/s and a write speed of 189.5 MB/s. In our initial 2MB sequential benchmark, WD’s newly designed storage solution gave us read transfers of 171.59MB/s and write transfers of 171.27MB/s. Factors that can affect read and write speeds include the type and size of the files being transferred, the interface used, and the computer's operating system. For example, when we manually timed file transfers, the Western Digital My Book could transfer a 1GB file in six seconds, a 5GB file in 33 seconds, and a 10GB file in 66 seconds when using Windows. The times were slightly slower when using Mac OS, at seven seconds and 32 seconds for 1GB and 5GB files, respectively, while the 10GB remained 66 seconds.
Based on 11 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the WD My Book have any additional features that may affect its speed, such as caching or encryption?

Yes, the WD My Book comes with a fast USB 3.0 interface for speedy file transfers. According to the review on Rick's Daily Tips, all stored data can be secured with a password and powerful hardware encryption. However, Western Digital could have improved the performance by using SSD caching, but it chose to keep the My Book simple and probably more reliable as a result, as stated in the review on TechRadar.
Based on 7 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any differences in speed when using the WD My Book on different devices or operating systems?

According to TechGearLab's review, the Western Digital My Book performed at its best on Mac OS, blowing other HDD types out of the water. For random data, its average speed was 0.5 MB per second. This model tested an impressive 183 MB per second for sequential file reading — more than 50 MB faster than the second place model for this assessment. However, when testing on Windows, the times were still very fast, averaging at 151.5 MB per second for sequential read speed. PCMag's review also confirms that the My Book is formatted exFAT out of the box, so it will work equally well with both macOS and Windows desktops and laptops. Overall, the My Book is compatible with every operating system you are using, and its speed is impressive regardless of the device or operating system used.
Based on 17 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Durability

The WD My Book external hard drive has a durable design that can withstand everyday knocks and bumps, but it is not specifically designed to be shock-resistant or able to withstand drops.

The WD My Book external hard drive has a durable design that can withstand everyday knocks and bumps, but it is not specifically designed to be shock-resistant or able to withstand drops. The newer models have a metal exterior and steel chassis, while the original version had a poly-carbonate outer casing.

The device has a heat vent on the top and bottom side to remove heat from the device, but it does not have any additional features that contribute to its durability such as water resistance or dust protection. There are no reported issues with the durability of the My Book, and Western Digital has a good record.

The product comes with a three-year limited warranty that covers defects relating to functionality or craftsmanship under normal use cases. Overall, the WD My Book is a reliable and durable external hard drive that is suitable for everyday use. However, if you require a more rugged external hard drive, you may want to consider alternatives such as the LaCie Rugged or the Seagate Backup Plus Portable.

What materials are used in the construction of the WD My Book?

The construction of the WD My Book varies depending on the model. The original version had a poly-carbonate outer casing, while the newer versions have a metal exterior and steel chassis. The front bezel of the newer models is still plastic, and the glossy at that, but the drive trays slide into the enclosure well. The bottom part of the new My Book features a textured groove horizontal/diagonal design that wraps around the device while the WD branding is imprinted on the front panel near the top.
Based on 16 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the WD My Book external hard drive designed to be shock-resistant and able to withstand drops?

The WD My Book external hard drive is not specifically designed to be shock-resistant or able to withstand drops, but it does have a durable design that can withstand everyday knocks and bumps. However, if you are looking for a more rugged external hard drive, you may want to consider alternatives such as the LaCie Rugged or the Seagate Backup Plus Portable, which are designed to be more shock-resistant and drop-proof.

Does the WD My Book have any additional features that contribute to its durability, such as water resistance or dust protection?

The WD My Book external hard drive does not have any additional features that contribute to its durability such as water resistance or dust protection. However, it does have a heat vent on the top and bottom side to remove heat from the device and a metal exterior for durability according to the review on tweaktown.com.
Based on 5 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any reported issues with the durability of WD My Book?

While failure is always possible, according to a review on 360rumors.com, the reviewer is confident in the durability of the My Book Duo, and Western Digital has a good record. Additionally, according to a review on TechRadar, the My Book was designed to be simple and reliable, which suggests that durability was a priority during its development.
Based on 8 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the warranty and customer support offered for the WD My Book in regards to durability?

The WD My Book comes with a three-year limited warranty that covers defects relating to functionality or craftsmanship under normal use cases, according to Cloudwards. The warranty starts from the purchase date on your receipt. In case something goes wrong, there is an extensive set of support resources to help you, including an FAQ, downloads, specifications, and community discussion, as mentioned in the same Cloudwards review.
Based on 10 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The WD My Book External Hard Drive supports USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 2 ports with transfer speeds of up to 190MB/s for USB 3.0 and up to 435 MB/s for Thunderbolt 2, making it ideal for users who need a reliable and fast external hard drive for backing up large amounts of data or for storing and accessing media files.

The WD My Book External Hard Drive supports USB 3. 0 and Thunderbolt 2 ports, with transfer speeds of up to 190MB/s for USB 3. 0 and up to 435 MB/s for Thunderbolt 2. The My Book Pro also has dual Thunderbolt 2 ports operating at 20 Gb/s along with USB 3. 0 connectivity. While the My Book does not support USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity, newer models such as the My Book Duo do support USB Type-C and USB 3.

1. The My Book is ideal for users who need a reliable and fast external hard drive for backing up large amounts of data or for storing and accessing media files. The My Book Pro is suitable for professionals who require even faster transfer speeds and RAID capabilities for data redundancy and protection.

What types of ports are supported by the WD My Book?

The WD My Book has a USB Type-B Micro connection, USB Type-A ports, and a barrel power socket. According to some reviews, it also has a Kensington lock slot for physical security. The My Book Pro has dual Thunderbolt 2 operating at 20 Gb/s along with USB 3.0 connectivity.
Based on 12 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the WD My Book compatible with USB 3.0?

Yes, the WD My Book comes with a USB 3.0 interface for fast data transfer rates. According to the product features listed on the manufacturer's website, it is compatible with USB 3.0.
Based on 16 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the WD My Book support USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity?

According to the product reviews in our database, the WD My Book External Hard Drive does not support USB-C connectivity. However, some newer models (such as the My Book Duo) do support USB Type-C and USB 3.1. The My Book also does not support Thunderbolt connectivity.
Based on 12 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the supported ports for the WD My Book and what are the transfer speeds for each port?

The WD My Book supports USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 2 ports. According to various reviews, the transfer speeds for the USB 3.0 port are around 190MB/s for reading and 180MB/s for writes. For Thunderbolt 2, the My Book Pro is marketed with performance up to 435 MB/s with RAID 0, RAID 1 and JBOD capabilities. According to reviews, the My Book Pro takes advantage of Thunderbolt 2's 20 Gb/s operating speed.
Based on 15 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

Design

The WD My Book external hard drive has a sleek design, USB 3.0 connectivity, and physical security features, making it a great option for desktop or gaming setups.

The WD My Book external hard drive has a sleek and modern design with angled corners, a metal exterior, and a two-tone color scheme. It has a large form factor, which may not be ideal for those looking for a portable external hard drive. The device offers USB 3. 0 connectivity for seamless use with both Mac OS and Windows, and it also includes a Micro-B to USB 3.

2 Gen 1 cord for gaming systems. The device comes with an AC power adapter and a Kensington lock slot for physical security. Overall, the WD My Book is a great option for those who need a reliable and secure external hard drive for their desktop or gaming setup.

What are the dimensions and weight of the WD My Book external hard drive?

The WD My Book external hard drive measures 6.7 by 5.5 by 1.9 inches (HWD) and weighs 2.02 pounds, according to PCMag's review.
Based on 7 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the color scheme and design aesthetic of the WD My Book external hard drive?

According to product reviews on goughlui.com, tweaktown.com, TechRadar, and smallnetbuilder.com, the WD My Book external hard drive has a two-tone design with angled corners, with a glossy piano black front and a silver-colored shell. The My Book Live version has a matte charcoal grey finish. The packaging design features a bright and high-contrast color scheme with almost fluorescent green, white, and black. The design is sleek and modern, with a ribbed mid-section being part of the diagonal stripe design.
Based on 9 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the design features or elements that make WD My Book unique compared to other external hard drives?

The WD My Book has a unique design with angled corners, which makes it look less like an actual book than the previous models. Additionally, it has a metal exterior and steel chassis, giving it a sleek and modern appearance. It also has a large form factor, which may be a downside for some users looking for a portable external hard drive.
Based on 13 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What type of connectivity options does the WD My Book offer for connecting to a computer or gaming console, and how does this impact its design?

The WD My Book comes with a USB 3.0 interface for connecting to a computer and has been found to work seamlessly with both Mac OS and Windows. The device is not very big or heavy yet not very comfortable and comes with a USB 3.0 cable for data sync with the PC. The device also includes a Micro-B to USB 3.2 Gen 1 cord, making it ready for gaming systems. According to TechGearLab, this model worked great with Android while using their testing phone — a Note 10+. The device comes with an AC power adapter which powers the drive, and a 12V power port to power the drive using the adapter that comes with it. The My Book also features a Kensington lock slot, enabling it to be physically secured.
Based on 16 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

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