Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive
The 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive from Western Digital is a desktop hard drive with a standard USB 2.0 interface and an illuminated capacity gauge that gives you a visual indication of how much space is available on the disk.
Preformatted with the NTFS file system for use with Windows systems, Mac users can reformat the drive for use with OS X via Disk Utility. It includes the WD SmartWare software suite, and uses a WD GreenPower drive for reduced energy consumption.
- Western Digital has made these award-winning drives even smaller, sleeker and more elegant. As always, this book-like shape takes up minimal space on your desk and allows two or more My Book drives to nestle neatly together like volumes on a shelf
- Includes WD SmartWare suite, which offers an automatic backup application with an intuitive visual interface that shows your data being backed up. Easily customize the backups to protect the files and directories that you select, and restore files from backups with ease
- Gain peace of mind knowing that your data is protected from unauthorized access or theft with password protection and 256-bit hardware-based encryption
- Illuminated capacity gauge shows you how much space is available on your drive
- Standard USB 2.0 interface allows you to connect the drive to almost any computer system
- My Book external drives are designed to save energy. WD GreenPower Technology lowers internal drive power consumption by up to 30%, a sleep mode reduces power during idle times, and a power-saving feature turns the drive on and off with your computer
- Western Digital designed a small retail box from recycled materials to minimize waste. You are encouraged to recycle it
- Formatted with the NTFS file system for use in Windows, Mac users can reformat the drive via Disk Utility for use in OS X
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1TB |
| Interface | USB 2.0 (mini-B) |
| Drive Speed | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Buffer | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Average Seek Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Sustained Data Transfer Rate | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| System Requirements |
Windows XP, Vista, 7; Mac OS X Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard (Requires reformatting via OS X Disk Utility) 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 (-20-65°C) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 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 31 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
93%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (25)
- Easy to setup (23)
- Large capacity / good size (22)
- Quiet (22)
- Attractive (19)
Cons
Best Uses
- Back-up (25)
- Additional storage (22)
- Photo storage (22)
- Video (8)
- File transfer (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Power user (19), Casual user (11)
- Primary use:
- Personal (23), Business (6)
Most Liked Positive Review
Perfect Performance
I use this drive to back up my entire computer, utilizing Norton's Ghost software. Also, I back up my I Pod music library to it. The drive operates flawlessly. The optional software that...Read complete review
I use this drive to back up my entire computer, utilizing Norton's Ghost software. Also, I back up my I Pod music library to it. The drive operates flawlessly. The optional software that comes with the drive, for backups and to start "sleep" mode after a specified period of inactivity, however, was deemed suspect in problems running disk scan (by Microsoft support) and I have uninstalled that software.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Great drive - HORRIBLE software
I have used Western Digital for years and absolutely LOVE the drives. They are dependable, long lasting, easy to use, and all around a good buy for the price. The problem is the...Read complete review
I have used Western Digital for years and absolutely LOVE the drives. They are dependable, long lasting, easy to use, and all around a good buy for the price. The problem is the software that comes with it for backups. If you have only a C drive to back up it is fine but NO WHERE does it say you can not use their software to back up other drives attached to your computer. On top of that it is then difficult to disable and remove. While I recommend the drive WHOLE heartedly, don't install the software and go with something else!
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 31 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
I love this MyBook! I got it for my mom for Christmas and she loved it too! It was very user friendly. We didnt install the software or the adapter card and it worked just fine.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
Cons
- Difficult To Use
- No Power Switch
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
I couldn't use the product because the software is the worst I had
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Computer Platform:
- PC
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
We have three computers in our home. I just take the My Book Essential around to each one of them and back up the essential files. What a great way to make sure we don't lose anything important due to a disk crash.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
Comes with software that automatically backs up your files. Simple to use - effective and fast!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
- Difficult To Use
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
Problem 1: comes with WD SOFTWARE THAT CAN NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE DRIVE. They call it a "Virtual CD". It complicates things that do not need complicating. Wish I had know before purchasing.
CAUTION: The first one I ordered showed up and I could not plug in any cables since the inside of the drive did not line up with the enclosure. Now that's quality control..
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- Very Quiet
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
I replaced an older Seagate with this unit since it has more features that I desired. It worked as advertised with the software and did not affect the operation of the PC as some reviews stated. Very satisfied with both the product [...]
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- Fast
- High Capacity
- Quiet
- Space saving design
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
- Windows 7 File Backup
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
The 1 TB My Book Essential is primarily used for automatic backup provided with Windows 7 and for manual backup. It performs exactly as advertised with no downside.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
Easy to install, runs very quietly in the background while backing up your important documents. Plenty of space at 1 TB unless you are a power user into music or video in which case WD makes a 2 TB.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
I was maxed out and this has helped me clear out my laptop hardrive and keep documents and photos that I don't want to lose in a crash! Additional Storage and Backup is just what I needed.
Very easy to set up and run.
Pros
- Attractive Design
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
Back-up software works exactly as described, used to save photos
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- Quiet
Cons
- None that I can think of
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Pogoplug
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
Quiet drive, easy to setup, and green. Winds down when not in use, helps save energy and extend the life of the drive...
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Portable
- Quiet
- Simplicity
Cons
- Too Black
Best Uses
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
I have been wanting one of these units to organize ton of CD and flash drives, I was done in six hours. Why I waited so long I do not know.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
- Photo Storage
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
Could not be happier...
True plug and play. Can use it as either a full blown auto backup or as a drag and drop or a combo of both.
Highly recommend!
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
I have been using WD My Book drives for years as a backup for my photos. Never had a problem. Like the fact that they shut off when my computer shuts off.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not so compact but okay
Best Uses
- Backup
- Video
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
Using this as a backup drive for our Mac.
Compact vertical footprint with rubber feet on bottom for air circulation over the drive and out the top vent. Runs cool and quiet.
I also like the way the drive goes into sleep mode when the computer is idle.
Quiet. Can't think of any cons.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
I use this HDD as a main backup drive for all my pictures Im a pro photographer), Looks good, silent, fast... thats all I need....
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- 110-240v
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
As a photographer, i need extra storage space and back-up and I love the My Book hard drives. I buy them by pair and I am very please with them. they are reliable and fast.
On the design point of view, I find them beautiful.
A great advantage is that they support 110-240v which is great as you can use them anywhere in the world.
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
Works great with MacBook Pro
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
Cons
Best Uses
- Backup
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
Easy to install. Nice shareware backup software. Tried Memeo that came with it and loved it. Easy to set-up and copies automatically so I don't have to worry about it. Also really like how it turns off automatically when PC is turned off.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Attractive Design
- Compact
- Easy To Setup
- Easy to use
- High Capacity
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Additional Storage
- File Transfer
- Photo Storage
Comments about Western Digital 1TB My Book Essential Desktop Hard Drive:
I use it to back up my photos
- Primary use:
- Personal
Displaying reviews 1-20
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What's in the Box
- USB Cable
- AC Adapter
- Quick Install Guide
- 2-Year Limited Warranty
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