Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive
- Price: $119.00
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # WEWDBACW0020
- Mfr# WDBACW0020HBK-NESN
Product Highlights
- USB 3.0 Interface
- Compatible with USB 2.0
- Up to 5Gbps Transfer Speed
- WD SmartWare Software
- Password Protection
- Sleek Design
- Formatted NTFS for Windows
- Mac Compatibility (Reformat Required)
The 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive from Western Digital brings the speed of USB 3.0 to your fingertips. With bus transfer speeds up to 5Gbps*, it only takes a sliver of time to access and save media files or back up your computer. This sleek, high capacity drive includes password protection for added privacy and security.
Preformatted with the NTFS file system for use with Windows systems, Mac users can reformat the drive via Disk Utility. The drive comes with the WD SmartWare software suite for data backup management.
Note! * 5Gbps is the maximum theoretical data transfer speed of USB 3.0. The actual data transfer speed can vary and is typically lower.
- Dual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Interface
- A single drive with universal compatibility today and next-generation speed for tomorrow. Use it with USB 2.0 now and step up to USB 3.0 speed when you're ready.
- Up to 3x Faster Transfer Rates
- When connected to a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port this drive lets you access and save files up to 3 times faster than USB 2.0. Transfer a 2-hour HD movie in as little as 3 minutes instead of 13 minutes!
- WD Quality Inside and Out
- For over 20 years, millions of people worldwide have trusted their data to WD hard drives. WD is successful because they understand the importance of your data: their first concern is keeping that data safe.
- WD SmartWare Software
- You're in control of your backup. Install all the features, select just the components you need, or if you prefer, choose not to use the software at all.
- Automatic, Continuous Backup
- Works quietly in the background to protect your data using minimal PC resources. Whenever you add or change a file it's instantly backed up.
- Password Protection for Privacy
- Gain peace of mind knowing that your data is protected from unauthorized access with password protection and encryption.
- Planet Friendly
- WD designed a small box that uses recycled material and minimizes waste. You are encouraged to recycle it.
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2TB |
| Interface | 1x USB 3.0 (B) |
| Drive Speed |
Not Specified by Manufacturer
1
Please Note:Varies depending on internal drive installed in the enclosure close |
| Buffer | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Average Seek Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Sustained Data Transfer Rate | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| System Requirements |
Operating System: Windows XP, Vista, 7; Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6 (Must be reformatted for use with OS X; Works as a USB 2.0 disk when used with OS X) Hardware: USB 3.0 or USB 2.0 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 (-4-65°C) |
| Dimensions | 1.9 x 6.5 x 5.3" (4.8 x 16.5 x 13.5cm) |
| Weight | 2.6 lb (1.2kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 123 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Quiet (86)
- Large capacity / good size (71)
- Easy to use (70)
- Easy to set up (68)
- Attractive (49)
Cons
- No power switch (9)
- Unreliable (3)
Best Uses
- Back-up (65)
- Additional storage (58)
- Photo storage (54)
- Video (33)
- File transfer (30)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Power user (55), Casual user (35), Frequent user (15), Heavy duty user (11)
- Primary use:
- Personal (83), Business (38)
- Computer Platform:
- PC (78), Mac (12)
Most Liked Positive Review
My second My Book External Hard Drive
I bought this drive to be double safe. Last year I got a One T My Book. This time, I backed up my entire internal hard drive on the 2 T My Book by...Read complete review
I bought this drive to be double safe. Last year I got a One T My Book. This time, I backed up my entire internal hard drive on the 2 T My Book by Western Digital. It has a USB 3.0 cable and is really fast. All software is built-in and so it's just plug and play. Big bang for the buck and I would definitely recommend to others.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Unreliable
In the past 3 years I have had 4 WD hard drive fail on me. First was the internal drive on my Sony desktop. The disc was damaged and the computer is unusable because ...Read complete review
In the past 3 years I have had 4 WD hard drive fail on me. First was the internal drive on my Sony desktop. The disc was damaged and the computer is unusable because it won't stay on for more than 10 minutes before suddenly crashing with a hard drive error.
The other 3 were all My Book Essentials. One was a 2TB, the others were 1 each. One of the 1TB's broke when I took it to school for copying a Final Cut project, the USB port literally cracked off and fell off the drive. (photo below)
The other 1TB and my current 2TB are both in the process of dying, as they are making loud buzzing sounds and displaying "The disc was not ejected properly." messages on my Macs when I didn't even touch the drives. They often aren't even in use when I get the errors, sometimes it will even wake up the computer from sleep when the drives unmount themselves. I can't risk more multimedia projects on cheap hard drives, I will be replacing all of my WD products with G or Buffalo as soon as possible. I had too much grace by buying a 4th hard drive after 3 failures in a row, I will not keep supporting a company whose products can't survive in a clean multimedia studio.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 123 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
I am using My Book for my Lightroom Library - with USB3 it's just flying!
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- Fast access
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
One day I got a never before seen message on my screen while I was working in Adobe Lightroom. The message said that there was not enough room on my hard drive to save the image I was working on!
So, my first step was to clear out any possible clutter from my 500 GB internal laptop hard drive. My second step was to look for an external hard drive on the B&H website.
With the help of a B&H representative I ordered the Western Digital 2 TB Essential External Desktop Hard Drive.
I received it a few days later. setup was nothing more than plugging the drive into AC power and connecting it to my HP laptop with the supplied USB cable.
It is plug-n-play. So I was immediately able to move all my 2012 and earlier image files to the new drive.
It works as advertised. My computer assigned is as Drive G. After transferring the files I immediately began working again on 2012 images. The drive works great. I'm just now thinking if I shouldn't have purchased a larger capacity drive! I think I'll sit down until the thought passes ...
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Lew
About the size of a paperback novel.
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Pros
- 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 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
It's a hard drive...what do you expect? It hols lots and USB3.0 is fast. Only downside was having to install drivers in win7 to use the full drive at full speed (drivers were on the drive). I'm guessing it has to do with the USB3.0. Not a huge deal, installation is quick and easy. It was more just surprising because I'm used to my USB2.0 HDs and flash drives that if anything, just need a few seconds to find the drivers included in windows.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- 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 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
This is the second one of these I have purchased. I use them for several different functions. Backing up my entire laptop being one. I also use them for storing all my movies and photos. I find them reliable, easy to use, fast when transferring data and it looks clean and tidy sitting on my desk. Very happy with this product. Definately a product I would recommend to others.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
So there I was looking for a new external harddrive to store my YouTube videos, personal documents, and music. My Alienware had only 1 TB and it's left with 60GB now. I looked everywhere for a decent harddrive when I found this 2TB harddrive. The password protection works great, it's fast, no noises, no problems. I purchased this product knowing that it's going to keep all my videos safe and it'll back them up. Like I said, I'm not disappointed.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- High Capacity
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
Easy to install, fast and low cost per Gb.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
- Recommended:
- USB 3.0 PCI card
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
- Smartware
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
Got this to backup my computers on. It was easy to install and put in service. Had initial trouble using smartware but doing better now.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
Great for storage and fast enough to use in non linear editing with USB 3.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Compact
- High Capacity
- Portable
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
Needed to store more pictures
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
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 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
The price for this 2 TB hard drive is great and it works well.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
Great HD at a great price. Works exactly as I expected. Have been using it for almost 2 weeks and have not had any issues yet.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
Needed to replace a WD My Book that only had 500GB - it just up and died one day without warning. After some research I thought that I didn't want to replace it with another WD, but did more due diligence and decided that WD was still the way to go. I will probably end up getting a 2nd one for redundancy just to really be on the safe side. So far, no complaints. Haven't really used the software that it came with so I can't comment on that. Should I run into anything wrong, I will re-post.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
WD hard drive always work good for me. Very fast with the USB 3.0
- Primary use:
- Personal
- 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 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
i used it to back up my cpu & videos. It took a while (about 30 minutes per DVD) but seems good.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
Everything seems easy and good to go!
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
- No Power Switch
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
These external hard drives can back up more data than most people have. I use mine for pictures, videos, music, software, ebooks and anything else I need on a safe and dependable hard drive. I never had a problem with Western Digital drives. Many people like to use the "cloud" for backups, but there is no guarantee you will get back what you upload.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
I use it for back up with time machine. All my data is saved every 30 minutes. I have no complains, it was an easy set up, it is super fast with USB3 and has enough space for my needs. I only have it since 2 weeks,but so far all is good!
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- Mac
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
I use it for additional storage. It does the job just fine.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy to use
Cons
- Security Software Basic
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
This drive works fine with my Windows 7 computer. A bit cumbersome to set up. The nice thing about it is you can set a password to the drive. The drawback is you can't relock the drive if you walk away from the computer without powering down the computer, or disconnecting the drive. Go figure? The drive is also supplied with backup software which permits drive mirroring which I haven't tried. As advertised, it is backward compatible with USB 2.0.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- High Capacity
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 2TB My Book Essential External Desktop Hard Drive:
Installation and setup were easy and flawless. The automatic backup software is great. I purchased the product specifically as a backup device and it works as advertised. I couldn't be happier.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
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