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Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive
- Price: $349.00
- Instant Savings: -$100.00 Offer ends JUN 8 '13
- You Pay: $249.00
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # WEWDH2Q40000
- Mfr# WDH2Q40000N
Product Highlights
- 7200rpm
- USB 2.0
- FireWire-800
- eSATA
- RAID 0
- RAID 1
- HFS+ Formatted for Macintosh
The 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive from Western Digital is a high-capacity external hard drive with an interface that allows it to be connected via FireWire-800, USB 2.0, or eSATA.
The drive is housed in an elegant design that can at first glance be mistaken for that of a hardbound book. This makes the drive an excellent choice for anyone who would like to have a unique and classy drive to use for external data storage. The drive features built-in power-saving, has no environmental contaminants, and ships in recyclable packaging, making it as friendly to the environment as it is to your data.
The drive comes preformatted with the Mac OS X HFS+ Journaled file system, making it an excellent choice for creative professionals who work on the Mac platform. WD Anywhere Backup software for OS X is included. The drive can also be reformatted for use in Windows. This drive is an excellent choice for anyone who would like to add storage to their computer without sacrificing aesthetics.
- Configure as a RAID 0 or RAID 1 array
- Connects via eSATA, FireWire-800, or USB 2.0
- HFS+ formatted for Mac OS X, can be reformatted for Windows systems
- Eco-friendly design uses WD GreenPower drives
- User-serviceable design: no tools are required to replace a drive
- Capacity gauge lets you know how much space is free on your drive
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4TB |
| Interface |
1x USB 2.0 1x eSATA 2x 9-Pin FireWire-800 |
| Drive Speed | 7200rpm |
| Buffer | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Average Seek Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Sustained Data Transfer Rate | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Drivers | |
|---|---|
| Supported | Not Required |
| Included | Not Required |
| System Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Operating System |
Mac Windows |
| Hardware | FireWire-800, USB 2.0, or eSATA port |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Mounting | Desktop |
| Power Requirements | AC: 100-240VAC, 47-63Hz |
| Environmental Requirements |
Operating Temperature: 41-95°F (5-35°C) Storage Temperature: -4-149°F (-20-65°C) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.9 x 6.5 x 6.1" (9.8 x 16.6 x 15.4cm) |
| Weight | 5.2 lb (2.6kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 133 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Large capacity / good size (116)
- Easy to use (104)
- Quiet (102)
- Easy to set up (95)
- Attractive (75)
Cons
- Unreliable (5)
- Difficult to use (3)
- Slow (3)
Best Uses
- Back-up (107)
- Additional storage (83)
- Photo storage (82)
- Video (75)
- File transfer (35)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Power user (103), Casual user (23)
- Primary use:
- Business (66), Personal (59)
- Computer Platform:
- Mac (53), PC (15)
Most Liked Positive Review
Big storage for good price
I use this HardDrive in Raid-0 configuration, as a full 4TB unit, instead of 2X2TB mirrored one. I like it because it doesn't require a cooling fan, quiet and very fast with ...Read complete review
I use this HardDrive in Raid-0 configuration, as a full 4TB unit, instead of 2X2TB mirrored one. I like it because it doesn't require a cooling fan, quiet and very fast with the eSATA connection. I can confirm an average of about 5-6X faster transfer rates compared to standard USB-2 transfers. The unit has a power-saving mode, so it shuts down when not in use after a while.
There are, however, some things I don't like.
- First, it is big! I mean, really bulky! They should have made it a little bit more compact.
- It is not suitable for slow downloads, like when you try to download large amount of files from the web or an FTP site for days at a time. It keeps clicking every time a small portion of data comes down. It just gives you that uneasy, "let's not even do this" feeling...
- The power switch wouldn't turn off the unit when plugged in. I don't get that why? When unplugged, it shuts down anyways, but when I try to shut it down with the power button, it doesn't do anything. I've checked it on both of my units (identical 4TB ones), but it was the same with both.
- If you are a PC user like me, don't even try to "full format" this drive, because it would take at least 4-5 days if not more! Instead, just do a "quick format" and in a few minutes it will be done and ready to go. By the way, the quick format is also recommended by the manufacturer for PC users.
These are, however, no major issues. My laptop unfortunately doesn't have eSATA connections, but with a dual-head eSATA express card this problem was solved easily and inexpensively. So far everything is good with the unit, and since I don't use it as an "active drive", like video editing and stuff, only as a primary backup unit, mostly it just sits on the table and is used maybe once a week to transfer all new data onto it. If that's how you want to use it, I would most definitely recommend it, especially, if you need a ton of space for your HiDef videos, high resolution photo libraries and other large files.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
So far so good, but Mac SW crashes
I am using the My Book as an archive drive, configured as RAID 1, and connected to my iMac over Firewire 800. No problems with the hardware so far. Performance and features are ...Read complete review
I am using the My Book as an archive drive, configured as RAID 1, and connected to my iMac over Firewire 800. No problems with the hardware so far. Performance and features are as expected, the drives are quiet, configuration was quick and easy, and the price is good. But the Drive Manager software for Mac OS X provided by WD crashed once. After the crash I found that My Book was turned off. A quick search showed that other users already complained time ago for the very same software issue and symptoms (same crash dump data), yet WD did not fix the problem yet. I am monitoring for future crashes, and if any I'll simply disable starting the WD software at logon, and live without any health and temperature indication...
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 133 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- Fast
- Quiet
Cons
- Non
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Itunes
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
The RAID 1 software does an immediate back-up of all my info on my iMac. If one drive should go bad, it can be replaced easily without tools. It then will automatically copy the new drive. So, essentially this drive can last forever. It matches my iMac beautifully, besides being FAST and functional.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
I configured this to RAID 1 so that I can have all my important files in the drive and know that a mirrored copy of the content is ALWAYS there in case one of the drive fails.
Speed is excellent. I have no problem doing non linear editing on the drive.
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Time Machine
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
This is the drive to have if you have a lot of music and photos. Fast, easy to use with multiple connection options. MAC friendly and a perfect drive for Time Machine. Priced very aggressively for what you. Recommended without reservation.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
- Difficult To Use
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
I purchased this item to use as a mirrored backup drive. The Windows drivers were a bit problematic as I had to re-install Windows 7 for the OS to recognize the drive, but after that it worked great.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
I use this as a backup / clone. It's best throughput is FW800, therefore it's ideal for backing up. My MAIN external HD (NOT My Book) has Thunderbolt, with speed/write speeds capable of intense video editing.
But! My Book was easy to install. I slipped in the install disk to get the drivers... then I just plugged it in and I was good to go! It's also QUIET!
If I had my druthers, I'd like a Thunderbolt I/O. That way it would be ideal for editing large media files with no performance issues.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
- Must Reformat For Windows
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
I wanted to upgrade from a single external drive to dual redundant drives to store all of my image files, plus I needed to go up in storage capacity to handle the larger files of the camera I'm buying. The clerk in the store recommended this product and explained to me the benefits (can be configured as two separate 2TB drives, each one replaceable if damaged) and the best way to set it up. The drive comes formatted for Mac and a RAID0 configuration, but the included CD contains an auto-execute set-up program that easily reformatted it for windows and RAID1 configuration (dual mirrored drives). This is a must-have product for all avid photographers to protect their image files from drive failure. Very pleased with this purchase. The price is hard to beat compared to pro-level storage equipment.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
I'm a big fan of Western Digital drives. They are very reliable. I bought the 4TB Studio drive for extra storage since my Mac was getting full. I have it setup as a Raid so it stores 2TB. Very easy to setup pretty much plug it in and go. You do have to set the Raid up before pushing your files over but it's really simple.The unit comes with 2 hot swappable 2TB drives and firewire cable and easy to use software.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
I use it as a back up for my Mac Pro,its fine for this purpose.Easy to set up.Its the second My Book Studio 11. The first has been trouble free, and I'm expecting this one to be the same.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
This was the second one that I bought but this time I bought a 4 TB and set it to RAID 1. I have daisy chained it from my 2TB RAID 0 drive that is connected to my iMac via FireWire 800.Fast, effective and no problems...B & H shipped this item to me in Canada and dealt with the brokerage fees.Item arrived on time and intact.Recommended!
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
It works as advertised. Unlike other drives I have had, which unmount when the computer goes to sleep and cause problems when it wakes, this drive plays well with my mac. It's quiet and unobtrusive which I like.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
Used for storing digital images and backing up music files. I bought this one because of its ability to mirror data on 2 drives at the same time (RAID 1). I also like that it powers on and off with Windows.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
Cons
- Noisy
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
I have put all my trust into these drives. It currently stores a decade of information!
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
I use this as a backup for all of my SSD drives
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
I would have given this 5 stars except it took a bit to figure out how to get it set up the way I wanted (for use with a PC). But, I think it was worth the effort!
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
It is really good service I got from B&H. Time delivery was so amazing and had no dealy at all.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
I would recommend 4TB My Book Studio Edition II for many reasons I would mention some of them:
1- It has speedy interfaces.
2- It has huge space to be used as a backup or additional storage .
3- For Mac user the color is incredibly match your MacBook Pro or any other Apple computer.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
- Large
- Slow
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
It's not the fastest eSATA RAID drive, but, it works for our video editing backup purposes. It's a little large compared to our G-tech and OWC enclosures of the same capacity.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
I archive video source material from a variety of cameras. I've used WD drives for years and so far they have been trouble free. I use two of these 4TB drives
to back up files with the second drive mirroring the first for "just in case."
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
I use this product to backup my data and to store my photos/videos. It is a great buy and I would recommend it to others.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quad Interface
- Quiet
Cons
- Firewire Stopped Working
- No Power Switch
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 4TB My Book Studio Edition II Quad Interface External Hard Drive:
Hardy and reliable. Always works. We're pro photographers so we're always moving images back and forth. We use two at a time - one that we backup to every week just in case...
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
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