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WD® My Book® Essential™ 2TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.0

WD® My Book® Essential™ 2TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.0

Item: 906287    Model: WDBACW0020HBK

WD® My Book® Essential™ 2TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.0
4.5stars
( 239 reviews)
  • Dual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibility
  • Up to 3x faster transfer rates with USB 3.0
  • Protecting your data with automatic, continuous backup
See more details
Dual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibilityUp to 3x faster transfer rates with USB 3.0Protecting your data with automatic, continuous backupSelect an ItemDual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibilityUp to 3x faster transfer rates with USB 3.0Protecting your data with automatic, continuous backupWD® My Book® Essential™ External Hard Drives-USB 3.0http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0395715_sc7?$std$http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0395715_sc7?$thb$http://www.staples.com/sbd/img/res/ic/ic016-windows.gifhttp://www.staples.com/sbd/img/res/ic/ic016-mac.gifhttp://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0395715/WD-My-Book-Essential-External-Hard-Drives-USB-30/product_SS1054667WD® My Book® Essential™ External Hard Drives-USB 3.04.5239 Dual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibilityUp to 3x faster transfer rates with USB 3.0Protecting your data with automatic, continuous backupEach1TBDual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibilityUp to 3x faster transfer rates with USB 3.0Protecting your data with automatic, continuous backupWD® My Book® Essential™ 1TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.0http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0395715_sc7?$std$http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0395715_sc7?$thb$http://www.staples.com/sbd/img/res/ic/ic016-windows.gifhttp://www.staples.com/sbd/img/res/ic/ic016-mac.gifhttp://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0395715/WD-My-Book-Essential-1TB-External-Hard-Drive-USB-30/product_901973WD® My Book® Essential™ 1TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.04.5105 http://www.staples.com/sbd/img/res/ic/ic016-spcbuy.gifDual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibilityUp to 3x faster transfer rates with USB 3.0Protecting your data with automatic, continuous backupOffer Expires on 05/25/2013Each2TB**While supplies last. May not be valid in combination with other offers. Offer subject to change.Dual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibilityUp to 3x faster transfer rates with USB 3.0Protecting your data with automatic, continuous backupWD® My Book® Essential™ 2TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.0http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0395715_sc7?$std$http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0395715_sc7?$thb$http://www.staples.com/sbd/img/res/ic/ic016-spcbuy.gifhttp://www.staples.com/sbd/img/res/ic/ic016-windows.gifhttp://www.staples.com/sbd/img/res/ic/ic016-mac.gifhttp://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0395715/WD-My-Book-Essential-2TB-External-Hard-Drive-USB-30/product_906287WD® My Book® Essential™ 2TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.04.5239 http://www.staples.com/sbd/img/res/ic/ic016-spcbuy.gifDual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibilityUp to 3x faster transfer rates with USB 3.0Protecting your data with automatic, continuous backupOffer Expires on 05/25/2013Each3TB**While supplies last. May not be valid in combination with other offers. Offer subject to change.Dual USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 compatibilityUp to 3x faster transfer rates with USB 3.0Protecting your data with automatic, continuous backupWD® My Book® Essential™ 3TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.0http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0395715_sc7?$std$http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0395715_sc7?$thb$http://www.staples.com/sbd/img/res/ic/ic016-spcbuy.gifhttp://www.staples.com/sbd/img/res/ic/ic016-windows.gifhttp://www.staples.com/sbd/img/res/ic/ic016-mac.gifhttp://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/Staples/s0395715/WD-My-Book-Essential-3TB-External-Hard-Drive-USB-30/product_912287WD® My Book® Essential™ 3TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.04.0132
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REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Western DigitalWD� My Book� Essential� 2TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.0
 
4.3

(based on 239 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (122)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (86)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (19)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (4)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (8)

93%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Large capacity / good size (199)
  • Easy to set up (187)
  • Quiet (180)
  • Easy to use (179)
  • Attractive (117)

Cons

  • No power switch (23)
  • Slow (9)
  • Unreliable (7)
  • Difficult to use (6)

Best Uses

  • Back-up (176)
  • Additional storage (159)
  • Photo storage (120)
  • Video (85)
  • File transfer (75)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Power user (125), Casual user (109)
    • Primary use:
    • Personal (175), Business (60)
    • Computer Platform:
    • PC (200), Mac (19), Other (10)

Most Helpful Positive Review

 

Great Deal

To all the users who say there is no power switch, please read the manual and look at the back of the unit. The power switch is the rectangle right above the USB3 port ...Read complete review

To all the users who say there is no power switch, please read the manual and look at the back of the unit. The power switch is the rectangle right above the USB3 port with the universal power symbol. Don't confuse the fact that the unit powers on automatically when it is plugged into an already powered on device, or when you power on a device that it is already attached to, with not having a power switch. You can turn it off and on anytime via the power switch on the back. Great drive, Great price, very happy with it.

VS

Most Helpful Negative Review

 

A little bit more involved for macs

Had to go find a lot of different forums to finally get my macbook to except this for "Time Machine" ** must format entire drive, pay attention to the advance disk utility ap...Read complete review

Had to go find a lot of different forums to finally get my macbook to except this for "Time Machine" ** must format entire drive, pay attention to the advance disk utility application for mac

Reviewed by 239 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-5

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(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

 
4.0

great

By FL

from Maine

About Me Casual user

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Easy To Set Up
  • Easy to use
  • High Capacity

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Backup

    Comments about Western Digital WD� My Book� Essential� 2TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.0:

    Everyone needs one for storage and backup

    • Primary use:
    • Personal
    • Computer Platform:
    • PC

    Comment on this review(earn points)

    (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

     
    4.0

    Solid performance

    By ETVA

    from Richmond, VA

    About Me Power user

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Set Up
    • Easy to use
    • Quiet

    Cons

      Best Uses

        Comments about Western Digital WD� My Book� Essential� 2TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.0:

        My previous WD drive performed well for about 18 months. Looking forward to a longer life from this drive.

        • Primary use:
        • Business
        • Computer Platform:
        • PC

        Comment on this review(earn points)

        (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        WD My Book Essential 2 TB Hard /drive

        By Jack

        from Glendale, CA

        About Me Casual user

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Set Up
        • Easy to use
        • High Capacity
        • Portable
        • Quiet

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Additional Storage
          • Photo Storage
          • Video

          Comments about Western Digital WD� My Book� Essential� 2TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.0:

          The ratings above are sufficient descriptors of this product.

          • Primary use:
          • Personal
          • Computer Platform:
          • PC

          Comment on this review(earn points)

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          4.0

          Plug and play

          By thistime

          from western PA

          About Me Power user

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Set Up
          • Easy to use
          • High Capacity
          • Quiet

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Additional Storage

            Comments about Western Digital WD� My Book� Essential� 2TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.0:

            Added this to my DVR for added space. Plug in and go.

            • Primary use:
            • Personal
            • Computer Platform:
            • Other

            Comment on this review(earn points)

            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            USB 3.0 make a huge difference

            By Chip

            from Nashville, TN

            About Me Power user

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Set Up
            • Easy to use
            • Quiet

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Backup

              Comments about Western Digital WD� My Book� Essential� 2TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.0:

              Used in conjunction with a Western Digital USB 3.0 PCI Express card makes a powerful combination. The difference between USB 2.9 and 3.0 is significant.

              • Primary use:
              • Business
              • Computer Platform:
              • PC

              Comment on this review(earn points)

              Displaying reviews 1-5

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              Do you have questions about this product?(earn points for answers!)

              get answers from real customers and in-house experts with AnswerBox.

              16 Questions | 19 Answers
              Displaying questions 1-10Previous | Next »
              • Q:

                I already asked this question, and you answered it. It brings up another question. Can the hard drive be compatible for both PCs and Macs at the same time? When I format it for the Mac, will that allow the PC users to access and change copy and save it back to the hard drive?
                See previous answer below:


                A: Community Answer, a Staples customer said:
                "Yes to your question is "yes" it will for the sharing files between PCs and MACs, but you'll have to reformat the drive if you want the MAC to be able to write to the files, otherwise the MAC will have read only access."
                Asked on 1/18/2013 by Designer from Livingston Manor, NY

                1 answer

                • A:

                  Yes the drive can be read/write compatible for both PCs and MACs as the same time. You need to reformat it to HFS+ and install a third-party app such as MacDrive to allow Windows read/write access. Not as complicated as it sounds, the whole task can be completed in less than an hour.

                  Answered on 1/18/2013 by Community Answer from None
              • Q:

                I have a MacBook Pro that I will putting files from. However, I would like laptops that are PCs to be able to get that file, work on it and save it to the drive. We have a youth newspaper, operating from the local library. I want the students to be able to open an InDesign file, and save it back to the drive. All laptops at the library are PCs. I'm the graphics designer adult mentor and work from a MacBook Pro with MacOS X 10-6.8. Will this work for us? Carolyn
                Asked on 1/18/2013 by Designer from Livingston Manor, NY

                1 answer

                • A:

                  Yes to your question is "yes" it will for the sharing files between PCs and MACs, but you'll have to reformat the drive if you want the MAC to be able to write to the files, otherwise the MAC will have read only access.

                  Answered on 1/18/2013 by Community Answer from None
              • Q:

                Is this compatible with Windows 8?
                Asked on 12/27/2012 by Anonymous

                1 answer

                • A:

                  Yes the Western Digital My Book Essential 2TB External Hard Drive is fully compatible with the Windows 8 operating system.

                  Answered on 12/27/2012 by Community Answer from None
              • Q:

                Would 7200 rpm be one of its characteristics?
                Is it compatible with Mac OS X 10.8.2 (Mountain Lion)?
                Asked on 12/11/2012 by Glen from Baton Rouge, Louisiana

                1 answer

                • A:

                  The Western Digital My Book Essential 2TB External Hard Drive does have a 7200 RPM speed. It is compatible with Mac OS X 10.8.2, however, it will require reformatting before you first use it.

                  Answered on 12/11/2012 by Community Answer from None
              • Q:

                If I do not use the backup software for this Western Digital® My Book®, will I be unable to use the power switch to turn off the Western Digital® My Book®? I want to use my own backup software but also be able to turn off the Western Digital® My Book®.
                Asked on 8/27/2012 by QuestionAboutTurnoffSwitch

                1 answer

                • A:

                  Yes, you will be able to turn off the Western Digital My Book Essential if you choose not to install the software that comes with it. It also comes with encryption and password protection for added security.

                  Answered on 8/28/2012 by Community Answer from None
              • Q:

                does it come with a power adapter and cord?
                Asked on 3/17/2012 by mick

                2 answers

                • CUSTOMER CARE

                  A:

                  Yes, the External Hard Drive has an AC adapter.

                  Answered on 3/19/2012 by Bonnie B from Staples
                • A:

                  Yes it does come with a power adapter cord and USB cable.

                  Answered on 3/20/2012 by Community Answer from None
              • Q:

                do i have to use the auto back up software?
                Asked on 3/17/2012 by mick from syracuse,ny

                2 answers

                • CUSTOMER CARE

                  A:

                  No, you do not need to use the auto backup software for the Western Digital My Book Essential 2TB External Hard Drive-USB 3.0 When you first install the product, do not follow back up prompts when using. If you have already installed the software you only need to uninstall to stop it from performing the auto backup.

                  Answered on 3/19/2012 by Cara B from Staples
                • A:

                  No, you can connect via USB2 or USB3 and use it as a directly connected drive, you may then use any backup software you wish (not only the supplied software) to make backups. You can even drag and drop directories to backup in a simple way between the drive and another device.

                  Answered on 3/20/2012 by Community Answer from None
              • Q:

                Can I use this drive on the USB port of my Apple Airport Extreme Router?
                Asked on 12/31/2011 by Artie B. from Secaucus, NJ

                1 answer

                • CUSTOMER CARE

                  A:

                  The My Book drive is preformatted as a single NTFS partition for compatibility with all
                  updated Windows operating systems. To use the drive with Mac OS X Leopard or Snow
                  Leopard operating systems, and to use Time Machine, if you want, you must first:
                  • Reformat the drive to a single HFS+J partition
                  • Restore the WD SmartWare software and disk image
                  Please refer to the users manual to guide you through these steps.

                  Answered on 1/17/2012 by Laura B from Staples
              • Q:

                how hard is reformatting this to work on a macbook?

                what's involved?
                Asked on 12/11/2011 by jeff

                1 answer

                • CUSTOMER CARE

                  A:

                  Due to nature of your inquiry please call Western Digital at (800) 275-4932.

                  Answered on 12/23/2011 by Bonnie B from Staples
              • Q:

                Does this work on all my computers in the house? Can I access it from anywhere?
                Asked on 10/12/2011 by pat from ny

                1 answer

                • CUSTOMER CARE

                  A:

                  The drive is not wireless, and will need to be connected to a computer. If that computer is on a wireless network, you can access the drive via that computer from other computers in your home.

                  Answered on 10/19/2011 by Darlene S from Staples
              Displaying questions 1-10Previous | Next »

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