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Welcome to “Reviews Inside TV,” your go-to destination for honest and in-depth product reviews. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the WD 18TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive. This powerhouse of storage promises to meet the needs of those who require massive capacity, fast data transfer, and robust security features for their files. Whether you’re a creative professional, a gamer, or someone with an extensive media library, this drive offers up to 18TB of space, allowing you to store just about anything. Let’s dive into the details of this product and see if it lives up to its claims.
The WD 18TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive is built for anyone who needs vast storage. It features an impressive 18TB of capacity, making it one of the largest consumer-level external drives available. The drive connects through SuperSpeed USB 3.0, offering data transfer speeds of up to 600MB/s, which is quite fast for such a large storage unit. It’s backward compatible with USB 2.0 for older systems, although you’ll be limited to slower transfer speeds. The external HDD also comes with hardware-based 256-bit AES encryption, providing an extra layer of security for your files, along with password protection to ensure only authorized access. Additionally, the device includes backup software that offers automatic backup functionality to protect your data, although you’ll need to download and install the software, and user registration may be required.
In my real-world testing, the WD My Book was remarkably straightforward to set up. It’s a plug-and-play device, though the software installation process does require a bit more time. Once up and running, transferring files, whether it’s large video files or batches of documents, was smooth and efficient. The 600MB/s transfer rate holds up well when dealing with large amounts of data, and I found the drive to be reliable throughout multiple large file transfers without noticeable slowdowns. One downside I did encounter is its size. At 18TB, it’s a big boy, so finding space for it on your desk might require some rearranging. The drive’s casing is solid, but it could be a little more compact for those looking to minimize desk clutter.
On the plus side, the security features, particularly the 256-bit AES encryption and password protection, are crucial if you’re storing sensitive or valuable data. The password protection worked without issues, and I appreciated the peace of mind knowing that my data was encrypted and secure. However, the installation process could be smoother, especially for users unfamiliar with external hard drive setup.
Now, let’s break down the pros and cons.
Pros:
Massive Storage Capacity: 18TB is huge, and it’s perfect for heavy users who need tons of space for things like videos, backups, or archives.
Fast Transfer Speeds: At 600MB/s, it outpaces many competitors in the same category.
Security Features: AES 256-bit hardware encryption and password protection make it a solid choice for those who prioritize security.
USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 Compatibility: It’s versatile for both modern and older systems.
Cons:
Large Physical Size: While it’s great for storage, the physical size is bulky, and you’ll need adequate space for it.
Software Installation: The backup software installation isn’t as seamless as the plug-and-play hardware setup, and it requires user registration.
Compatibility: Though it works with both USB 3.0 and 2.0, to get the full speed, you’ll need to connect it to a USB 3.0 port.
In terms of value for money, the WD 18TB My Book offers a lot of storage for the price, especially when compared to other high-capacity external drives. However, it’s important to weigh your actual need for 18TB. If you don’t need that much space, there are cheaper, smaller drives that offer excellent performance. But if you need vast storage, the price is fairly reasonable for the features you get.
When compared to other external hard drives in the market, the WD My Book stands out for its massive 18TB storage and strong security features. Drives like the Seagate Backup Plus Hub offer good storage, but they don’t quite match the 18TB of the WD My Book. However, some smaller models are more affordable and still offer decent speed and security.
The build quality is solid. The plastic casing feels sturdy, though not premium, and it does a good job of keeping the drive cool during prolonged use. While the drive isn’t exactly a looker, its practical design is built for function, not fashion. The drive’s cooling system handled long file transfers without any issues, and it stayed relatively cool to the touch.
As for customer support, while I didn’t need to contact WD’s support team during my testing, they have a reputation for being responsive and helpful, based on user feedback. If you’re ever in need of assistance, it’s reassuring to know their support team is reliable.
Updates don’t play a major role with this external hard drive, as it’s largely hardware-based, with software updates for the backup program. But unless the drive experiences any issues, I didn’t find any need for constant updates.
If you’re looking for an alternative, you could consider the Seagate Expansion Desktop 16TB, which is a bit cheaper but offers less storage. Or, if you need something more portable, the WD My Passport Ultra offers smaller storage options with similar performance but is more compact.
To wrap it up, the WD 18TB My Book Desktop External Hard Drive is a solid performer in terms of storage capacity, transfer speed, and security. It’s ideal for users who need massive storage and want to ensure their data is secure. However, its size and software setup might be a turn-off for some. If you’re in the market for an external drive with significant storage and security features, this drive is worth considering. It delivers on its promises but might not be necessary for those with less storage need.
Thanks for watching this review! The link to grab your own WD 18TB My Book is in the comments box. If you already own this drive or have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below. I’ll catch you next time, and remember, when you want the inside scoop on the best products, you’re always inside with “Reviews Inside TV.”
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