WD offers 1TB FireWire/USB storage

Western Digital today announced its newest 1TB storage solution: the My Book Pro Edition II system can mirror data in real-time (RAID 1) or spread data (RAID 0) across both internal hard drives, offering improved performance. Designed for small-office environments, the new system features advanced backup software, unique My Book features that simplify operation and three interfaces: FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0. Consuming less than 26 square inches of desk space, WD says the drive has a smaller footprint than competitive systems using two internal hard drives for 1 TB of capacity and is comparable to some storage systems using only one internal hard drive with much less capacity. Additionally, the My Book Pro Edition II is user-serviceable, allowing users to open the enclosure to replace one or both of the hard drives by following the detailed instructions, without voiding the system's three-year warranty.

"Content libraries are growing exponentially in size, as well as in financial and emotional value, and professionals and consumers want them secured in a safe place and readily available," said Jim Welsh, vice president and general manager of WD's Branded Products Group. "There is no safer place to store data than My Book Pro Edition II. Included backup and system recovery software enables users to back up as much as 1TB of data in standard RAID 0 mode. Or by using the RAID 1 setting, they can save their data in two places simultaneously for extra peace of mind."

My Book Pro Edition includes EMC Retrospect Express version 7.5 backup and system recovery software with a customized setup wizard to deliver easy-to-use, proven data protection capabilities. Mac users can also use My Book Pro Edition's FireWire interface for bootable disaster recovery. The drive also features WD's built-in Data Lifeguard technology, which automatically finds, isolates and repairs internal drive problems that may develop over the life of a hard drive: it also automatically powers the device on and off with the computer and the Safe Shutdown feature ensures data is saved before shutting down.

WD's My Book Pro Edition II is available now through retail stores and online retailers at an estimated price of $550.

Filed under: upgrades/storage