Is this drive the ultimate one-stop storage box for
all your files?
WD's new network-attached storage unit is an attempt to tap
into the newfound consumer enthusiasm about cloud computing or, in other words,
storing stuff online. But instead of storing your files on the Internet, WD's
My Cloud is a local networked repository for your content, so you can access it
from your Mac as well as your iPad or iPhone, using free WD My Cloud apps.
WD My Cloud 2TB -
An External Hard Drive System
Provided that your drive and router are on (and your router
allows it), you can even access your drive when you're not at home - although
its speed is bottlenecked by your broadband's upload speed, so might be slow
compared to, say, Dropbox. Available in 2TB, 3TB, and 4TB capacities, WD My
Cloud offers plenty of space. And if you have an existing router, it's a lot
cheaper than Apple's $299.99 AirPort Time Capsule.
My Cloud is the next step forward from WD's My Book Live
lineup and, as such, backup is also part of the deal - My Cloud is fully Time
Machine compatible. There is also now a Mac app that solves one issue with
earlier WD software - you can now easily share files through email - but it's
quite sluggish and doesn't give a whole lot more than accessing your files by
using a Finder window. That aside, the My Cloud is very useful.
With the right
setup, you can even access My Cloud when you're out of the house
The bottom line
My Cloud excels as a backup device for Time Machine and
media access for a variety of devices.
My Cloud excels as
a backup device for Time Machine and media
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Specification
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Price: $149.99
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Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6 or later, USB port, Internet
connection
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Pros: Time Machine compatible. Reasonably easy setup. Clear
configuration display.
·
Cons: Mac app not particularly useful.
·
Overall: 4/5
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