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    Thoughts on Western Digital MyBook vs. External Enclosure?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by HTWingNut, Jul 29, 2009.

  1. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    What is everyone's thought on Western Digital MyBook vs. using your own external enclosure? I am considering a 2TB WD MyBook, actually as a backup for my Windows Home Server.

    I can get a 2TB MyBook Essential for $210 or I can build my own with two 1TB WD Caviar Green drives and dual bay enclosure for $218.

    The one advantage I see to the enclosure is I can always swap out the drives with larger ones later if I see the need.
     
    HTWingNut, Jul 29, 2009
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  2. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    Nevermind. I can now get the external enclosure and 2 x 1TB drives for $190. I think that makes up my mind! Although I think I'd still like to see everyone's stance on this ?
     
    HTWingNut, Jul 29, 2009
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  3. fizzyfanta

    fizzyfanta Notebook Guru

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    I myself would go for the enclosure, its a better option.

    If the disk drive fails you can easily replace it or if the enclosure is at fault you can also replace that.

    Buy something from WD or seagate, if the enclosure fails you have to butcher it to get the hard disk out.

    Or if the hard disk fails, you still have to butcher it to access the disk drive to confirm the disk is at fault.
     
    fizzyfanta, Jul 29, 2009
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  4. Azone

    Azone Notebook Evangelist

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    Despite the fact that I have a Western Digital My Book, I would suggest an external enclosure just so it's easier to service. The My Book is a bit more difficult to take apart if something goes wrong. You have to slide the two plastic pieces apart and get the snaps with a flathead screwdriver. It's not too bad, but better if you go with the enclosure.
     
    Azone, Jul 29, 2009
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  5. HTWingNut

    HTWingNut Potato

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    HTWingNut, Jul 29, 2009
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  6. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    If you are a user that had no computer knowledge and wouldn't dare open up an enclosure, I would recommend the MyBook, but since you seem at ease with opening up your drives and doing it yourself, then an external enclosure is the way to go. You have a lot more options with that option and can easily upgrade it, plus it's typically cheaper.
     
    sgogeta4, Jul 29, 2009
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  7. iGrim

    iGrim Notebook Evangelist

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    I dont get it, clearly you have never owned a WD external HD because they are just as easy to open as any enclosure so why bother posting an false opinion???
     
    iGrim, Jul 29, 2009
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