Western Digital My Book World Edition (1TB)
Manufacturer: Western Digital Corp. Part number: WDH1NC10000N
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Western Digital My Book World Edition is a fast, plug and play simple-to-use NAS server that unfortunately lacks many features and has subpar remote access performance.
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Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SanWork.com | Not yet rated | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 05/22/2012 |
CNET editors' review
Western Digital My Book World Edition (1TB) price range: $1,094.79
- Reviewed by: Dong Ngo
- Reviewed on: 02/27/2009
The good: Easy to use as shared storage; very fast performance; great design; affordable.
The bad: No RAID support; hard drive is not user serviceable; lack of common features found in many NAS servers; plug-and-play features only works with Windows Vista or Mac OS X; MioNet remote access service is useless.
The bottom line: The Western Digital My Book World Edition is a fast, plug and play simple-to-use NAS server that unfortunately lacks many features and has subpar remote access performance.
If you're a novice user looking for a plug-and-play network storage device, the $230 (for the 1TB version, $450 for 2TB) Western Digital My Book World Edition is a sound buy. It has much improved performance over Western Digital's last edition and is significantly faster than almost all the NAS severs we've yet reviewed. Unfortunately, it has a sluggish interface, a useless remote access solution, and lacks many features other NAS servers offer. If you're computer-savvy and want something that's feature-rich and offers even better performance, we recommend the Synology DS209+.
Setup and ease of use
Setting up the Western Digital My Book World Edition is as simple and easy as plugging it into the power socket and the router. From there, the drive will appear in Windows Vista's network browser or in Mac OX 10's Finder, depending on the OS you're using.
Under Windows XP, however, you will need to run the WD Discovery tool (included in a CD) which will set the network drive for you after literally three mouse clicks on the menu. Setting up without a network is largely the same. Just plug the server directly into the network port of your computer and you're good to go.
The My Book World Edition's default share folder, called "public," contains three subfolders to share particular types of content including: Shared Music, Shared Videos, and Shared Pictures. When you put appropriate content in each of these folders, the content will be automatically made available to other network devices. The My World Edition is compatible with iTunes and DLNA or UPnP-enabled devices.
The My Book World Edition is the easiest to setup NAS server we've reviewed to date. Using its default settings, data can be stored and shared within a minute or two, which will satisfy most home users.
The NAS server comes with five licenses (one for each computer) of WD Backup Anywhere software that worked pretty well, though we found that it really bogged down the computer's performance when a backup is being made. For a better backup solution, we'd recommend Acronis.
Features
Doing something more involved than just sharing and storing data on the My Book World Edition requires more from the user.
The device's Web interface, though well organized, is sluggish. Once we clicked on an item, it would take a few seconds for the clicked item to register, during which time there is no indication--like and hour glass--that the device was working on this request.
The Web interface is useful in that it allows you to further customize the functionality of the NAS server. Despite its simple look, however, making changes can be a little intimidating for the novice user.
For example, say if you want to add a new user, it's fairly easy to see the User button that you can click on. However, after that, you might not know what to do. There's no instruction on the page; all you see is the list of existing uses. As it turns out, there's a tiny plus sign that you need to click on to open the add-user page. While some will argue that this is easy enough to figure out, we found that this not so obvious for novice home users and not consistent with other parts of the Web interface, where icons and buttons are made much more obvious and self-explanatory.
The device allows you to plug a USB hard drive--for backing up content--into the port on the back of the NAS server and manage it using the Web interface. The USB port, unfortunately, doesn't offer any other USB-relate functions, such as the ability to host a printer. The NAS also doesn't support any self-downloading features where you can set the NAS to download files on its own without the involvement of a computer.
For remote access, the My Book World Edition uses MioNet as its solution. Basically, you register the NAS server with an account at MioNet and then you can log into the NAS server from anywhere over the Internet to get data off of it. However, we found that this is possibly the worst over-the-Internet access solution we've seen in a NAS server.
The setup of the server is easy. Once you have connected the NAS server to a computer, you can then launch the MioNet registration Web page from the included CD. Then, follow three easy steps to set up an account with MioNet; the NAS server will be registered to the account automatically. During this process, you will be recommended to download and install the MioNet software. This is not necessary, however, as the My Book World Edition's remote access feature doesn't require any software or any computer in your network to remain powered on in order to work properly. The software allows you to access your computer over the Internet.
While the setup was easy, we found that accessing the files from the NAS sever was peculiar. On the remote computer, we went to the MioNet Web site and signed in with the new account. We downloaded and installed Java after being prompted to and then were able to browse the share folders on the My Book World Edition using both Internet Explorer and FireFox.
Unfortunately, browsing files and folder seemed to be the only thing that worked. We were not able to copy any files or folders from the NAS to the remote computer. The truth is as we tried to drag and drop or opened a file, the whole Web page froze and the mouse pointer turned into an hourglass, sometime indefinitely. We couldn't even figure out if the drag-and-drop function was supported and in case it was, if it'd work with only single files or with a whole folder. All in all we found this remote access solution virtually useless.
After our unpleasant ordeal with remote access, we were surprised that Western Digital added small, thoughtful features like the ability to turn off the sometimes distracting front status LED light. Just in case you wanted to leave the drive working in your bedroom while you slept at night.
Performance
What it lacks in features, the My Book World Edition more than makes up in performance. It's the second fastest router we've tested, trouncing every other router we've reviewed, and trails only behind our current champion, the Synology DS209+.
The My Book World Edition finished our CNET Labs' test with 120.1Mbps on the write test and 206Mbps on the read test. These impressive scores are comparable to those of some USB 2.0 external hard drives. Note that external hard drives are connected to a computer directly (via USB, FireWire or eSATA ports) and therefore have much better advantage in regard to throughput speed, as opposed to NAS servers that connect to a computer via the network.
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
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During our testing, the My Book World Edition performed without any hiccups. It also performed quietly and remained cool throughout.
Service and support
Western Digital backs the My Book World Edition with a generous three-year warranty. Toll-free phone support is available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Western Digital's site offers e-mail and tech support, FAQs, a searchable knowledgebase, and downloads. Unfortunately, unlike other vendors the download is not available to general public; Western Digital only allows registered users to access its download section.
User reviews
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Fantastic media server for the PS3
by belfrage on November 11, 2010
Pros: Great Drive runs nice and quit and boots up pretty fast. It can stream 2gb movie files to the PS3 with no lag or juttering in hi definition.
Cons: the only con I have about this drive is if the drive is not spooled up then the PS3 gives you a DNLA error all i do is choose the look for media server icon and the drive spools up and every thing works
Summary: As I said in the pros it worked well as a media sever for the PS3
I have both a windows 7 computer and an apple mac, both recognised it ...Summary: As I said in the pros it worked well as a media sever for the PS3
I have both a windows 7 computer and an apple mac, both recognised it with out any problems or install disks. I don't us any of the remote access stuff so don't know if it is any good but if you want a simple network drive i would recommend it
Hope this helped1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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This thing is great!!!
by HueJJass on April 8, 2010
Pros: -Easy to use. Just plug in to outlet and router, and it works!
-Dependable
-FAST. I notice very little difference between saving something to my computer's hard-drive and this network drive.Cons: -I've only got one complaint. I called support (it turned out to be something wrong with my Lenovo). Once I got connected with someone in the US, I had no problem. But, WD's international support service was horrid!!!
Summary: I would definitely recommend buying this external hard drive!!! very easy to set up!!!
Summary: I would definitely recommend buying this external hard drive!!! very easy to set up!!!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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No software to install, and a TB for under $200!
by rayray8822 on March 25, 2009
Pros: Super-easy set-up; basically plug-and-go
3-year warranty
Did I mention it's a frickin' TERAbyte for under $200?Cons: Had to map the drive to "My Computer" twice for it to work
Summary: I?ve had this drive about a month and it?s great so far. Installation was as easy as plugging it in to my router and mapping the drive to ...
Summary: I?ve had this drive about a month and it?s great so far. Installation was as easy as plugging it in to my router and mapping the drive to my computers (with the included CD). I?m not planning on using any of the remote features, so the MioNet fiasco is a non-issue.
I hate having to install software to use peripherals, especially since our desktop is ancient. It was a pleasant surprise that this NAS needs no software to run. MioNet and some of the other features need software, but I?m not even going to attempt it after everything I've read in CNet user reviews about MioNet.
The only issue so far was when I tried to access the drive a week after installation. The mapped network drives were visiable, but ?access? was ?denied.? I rebooted my laptop?still no dice. So I ran the ?map network drive? function from the WD CD-ROM one more time, and it re-mapped the drives again, this time as drive ?W? instead of ?Y? and ?Z.? That seemed kind of stupid, but it worked. W: is still accessible, and Y: and Z: still aren?t. I?ll call WD support later to see what the deal is, but I suspect it has to do with the fact that I?m using my work laptop and the security settings the I.T. dept. puts on it are causing issues. My wife?s VAIO laptop accesses it fine once I turn off the PC-cillin firewall (that?s a known PC-cillin incompatibility).
Since it?s DLNA-compatible, my PS3 linked to it automatically and I was streaming music and watching photos immediately. It will not stream video for some reason. I loaded some of the videos onto the PS3 and they play fine, but they won?t stream from the My Book. Sony customer ?support? is refusing to tell me why (read: it?s blocked on purpose by Sony. Thanks a lot.) That?s not a flaw of the My Book, however.1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great NAS, and is so reliable
by wayiv888 on November 27, 2010
Pros: I love this network storage, easier to share files around the house
Cons: mionet doesn't work with Mac,
Summary: I use my droid x's dlna, my home theater, and my ps3 to stream music, videos, and photos via this device, is great
Summary: I use my droid x's dlna, my home theater, and my ps3 to stream music, videos, and photos via this device, is great
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Easy to setup, poor performance
by jkhouw on December 10, 2009
Pros: Easy to setup, no software to install, cheap
Cons: poor performance, slow administration pages, unable to handle large files
Summary: While it is easy to setup, I had purchased this to store media files (large video files>1gb per file). Apparently (and western digital KNOWS this) the drive frequently ...
Summary: While it is easy to setup, I had purchased this to store media files (large video files>1gb per file). Apparently (and western digital KNOWS this) the drive frequently freezes or locks up requiring a power cycle when transfering either more than 10,000 files OR files larger than 500MB at one time. Since almost all my files are more than 500MB, this basically makes this drive useless. Save your money, buy something else.
I forgot to talk about the slow Administration: Accessing the web-based admin pages is painfully slow as noted by the CNET review. But I don't think they tried accessing the admin pages when there was a file transfer to the WD NAS- that basically renders the Admin pages unusable and may even time-out the browser.
Updated on Dec 10, 2009
Updated on Dec 10, 2009Oh one more failure: it has a USB to allow external USB drives to be connected to it so you can transfer files directly to it: unfortunately, it refuses to recognize the externally attached drives (I tried with a SmartDisk Firelite and a Maxtor drive) -
Very, very disappointed with the WD 1TB edition.
by cjroeper on December 30, 2009
Pros: Sleek, white case. Compact. Runs quiet.
Cons: HORRIBLE install directions beyond initial plug-n-play. Bought this for backup over network for 2 Macbooks with Snow Leopard 10.6. Box instructions didn't help. Online install was piecemeal and limited.Tech support was insufficient.
Summary: I'm no pro, buit also not a novice. Concise install directions for backup of Macbook (Snow Leopard 10.6) are non-existant -- both printed with drive or online at ...
Summary: I'm no pro, buit also not a novice. Concise install directions for backup of Macbook (Snow Leopard 10.6) are non-existant -- both printed with drive or online at WD support. There are piecemeal directions here and there throughout the support site, but never was sure (still not) if what I was doing was optimal setup -- which is what I want. Wanted to use Time machine, but gave up, Installed WD Anywhere Backup which seemed to work -- but reading reviews am not too hopeful it will work well over time. I expect problems. Deciding now if I will return it to the store and start over. Probably will, even if it cost me more. Apple's Time Capsule is twice the price and does't have good reviews for longevity, but I bet it sets up easily -- unlike this one. Not sure what I will buy. (SIGH!)
0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worst piece of hardware/software I ever bought
by ArminTKastner on May 7, 2009
Pros: It connects to my LAN
Cons: When I try to create a subdirectory I get a blue screen of death. No matter how many times I try, I can not reset the unit Western Digital technical support is somewhere between useless and non existent. I could go on but what's the point.
Summary: I just wanted a shared drive on my LAN. I did not want any of the other stuff that comes with this drive. I was able to install it, but ...
Summary: I just wanted a shared drive on my LAN. I did not want any of the other stuff that comes with this drive. I was able to install it, but I get a blue screen of death when I try to create sub driectories. I would reset the drive but the instructions for resetting don't work. If you want to save yourself a LOT of frustration, don't buy this product.
1 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent,quite drive runs smoothly with little heat.
by bartkoslow on May 11, 2009
Pros: Quiet drive, little heat generated
Cons: No oo-off switch
Summary: This is a good drive at a reasonable price. It is quiet and throws off little heat.
Summary: This is a good drive at a reasonable price. It is quiet and throws off little heat.
0 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Western Digital Corp.
- Part number: WDH1NC10000N
- Description: My Book World Edition home network storage makes it easy to set up a central storage location in your home. Simply connect the drive to your network router and you're up and running in just a few minutes. Store all your digital media in one central location so everyone in the family can have access to it. Remote access technology lets you securely access files from anywhere, anytime.
General
- Device Type NAS server
- Host Connectivity Gigabit Ethernet
- Total Storage Capacity 1 TB
- Width 2.3 in
- Depth 5.8 in
- Height 6.8 in
- Weight 2.4 lbs
- Localization Latin America,
Canada,
United States Hard Drive
- Type Standard
- Capacity 1 x 1 TB
Hard Drive (2nd)
- Type None
Optical Storage
- Type None
Optical Storage (2nd)
- Type None
Storage Removable
- Type None
Video
- Video Output None
Networking
- Type Network adapter
- Data Link Protocol Ethernet ,
Gigabit Ethernet ,
Fast Ethernet - Compliant Standards DLNA CERTIFIED
Expansion / Connectivity
- Expansion Bays None
- Expansion Slot(s) None
- Interfaces 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 pin USB Type A,
1 x Ethernet 1000Base-T - RJ-45 Miscellaneous
- Cables Included Network cable
- Microsoft Certifications Compatible with Windows 7
- Compliant Standards RoHS
Power
- Power Device Power adapter - External
- Voltage Required AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Drivers & Utilities
- OS Required Apple MacOS X 10.4,
Apple MacOS X 10.5,
Microsoft Windows Vista / XP Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 3 years warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 3 years
Environmental Parameters
- Min Operating Temperature 41 °F
- Max Operating Temperature 95 °F
Product series
-
Western Digital My Book World Edition (1TB)
Manufacturer: Western Digital Corp.
Specs: WD My Book World Edition WDH1NC10000 - NAS server,
1 TB,
Mac,
PC,
4 pin USB Type A,
RJ-45,
Standard,
Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet,
Fast Ethernet -
Western Digital My Book World Edition (2TB)
Manufacturer: Western Digital Corp.
Specs: WD My Book World Edition WDH1NC20000 - NAS server,
2 TB,
Mac,
PC,
4 pin USB Type A,
RJ-45,
Standard,
Ethernet,
Gigabit Ethernet,
Fast Ethernet
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Western Digital Corp. products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Western Digital Corp.
- Address:
20511 Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest, CA 92630-7741
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