Western Digital WDG2NC20000N My Book World Edition II 2 TB Ethernet External Hard Drive

I found this NAS drive 2 be adequate performance & overall a decent investment. The web inteface 2 configure the device is slow 2 access despite on a 1GB switch. The folders are renamed 2 CAPS. For example: Documents become DOCUMENTS afer completing the wizard.
After configuring the drive, you can access it via UNC \\IPaddress\shareName. You DO NOT need 2 install Western Digital's MioNET 2 access the shares.
The drive runs quite & has a small footprint.

My primary problem with this device, & ultimately the reason that I returned it 4 a refund, is that it is unacceptably slow. And when I say slow, I mean 10 times slower than a USB drive. I measured the throughput by copying a 1GB file over gigabit ethernet, & it clocked at 2.5MB/s, whereas copying the same file over USB measured 25MB/s. Copying across a wireless network 2 another computer was also faster. I got these results *after* updating 2 the latest firmware -- performance was even worse with the shipped firmware.

Other complaints: no explicit support 4 Mac or Linux, although both can be made 2 work given enough Google searches. Pathetic documentation even 4 supported Windows platforms.

Strongly NOT recommended. Still searching 4 an alternative.

Consistently fails 2 mount on my Mac (takes a few re-starts of both the computer & the drive 2 finally see it on the desktop). Sometimes fails 2 start altogether. Sometimes I can't shut it down. The WD online & phone customer service is worthless - 4 any practical solution they want payment. Don't buy this!

I purchased this item because I prefer Western Digital drives 2 other manufacturers. After reading the other reviews, I decided not 2 install the software that comes with it as I won't be using the "world access" functionality.

After figuring out what IP address it pulled, setup was easy via the web interface.

As others have written, the web interface _is_ unusually slow, but it does get the job done. It's not like you'll be using the web interface regularly.

I have confirmed what some others have written about write access being a bit slow. However, I did so some testing on my own & have found that writing 2 this drive over my gigabit network (wired), I can get up 2 5 MB/s writing. If I write 2 a true windows server on my same network, I can get up 2 12 MB/s on that.. so there is some speed difference. Possibly because the true Windows server is doing (more) write-caching.

Since I am using this 2 primarily store videos 2 stream 2 my DirecTV HR20 (mpegs), I have done several tests & find that the bandwidth on this device is more than sufficient 2 stream 2 my receiver. The videos play without delay, & no jitters or playback problems.

One downside 2 this is that it doesn't have a built in UPNP server, but my current TVersity server handles it fine.

All in all, I am happy with this NAS, especially 4 the price, compared 2 other devices.

Pros:
-Easy 2 setup, don't install the software
-Not as loud as people have mentioned. I barely hear it.
-Looks nice, small form factor
-Gigabit Ethernet helps video performance (less lag)

Cons:
-The blue-ring of death (the power & activity lights) is just as annoying as the one on my DirecTV HR20. Unfortunately, unlike the HR20, the lights can't be turned off. Don't put this near your TV, or you'll be staring at the lights.
-Slower than writing 2 a regular windows server (by 50%), but it still performs well

Wishlist:
-Ability 2 turn off the lights
-USB connector 2 plug it into my computer directly (so I could use it as a regular external hard drive)
-Rubberized feet. I live in earthquare country so things need 2 be able 2 stay put. This is easy 2 overcome at my local hardware store.
-Faster write performance. Perhaps more write-caching?

Purchased this device - connected it 2 my network without any problems.

Haven't bothered 2 load the software on it as yet - works just fine.

If I feel the need 2 make it more secure then I'll install the software.

I am able 2 stream media from the device via a Media Centre machine with no issues linking 2 it across my small network.

All in all very happy with the purchase :)

MyBook World Edition II is a unique remote-access storage system 4 your wired or wireless network & that offers you a surprisingly simple & secure way 2 access & share data & photos at home, in the office, & anywhere in the world--even when your local computer is off. From any PC, use Windows Explorer 2 securely browse through folders on My Book World Edition, & open, edit & save files as though they are right there with you. The included RAID software makes it easy 4 you 2 take advantage of RAID mirroring 4 extra data protection. Includes a high-performance 1000/100/10 compatible Ethernet connection & a capacity gauge 2 see at a glance how much space is available on your storage system. Easy access allows you 2 open the case & replace a drive without sending the entire system in 4 service. High-performance 1000/100/10 compatible Ethernet connection. EMC Retrospect Express backup software 4 scheduled or on-demand file backup. UPnP enabled 4 easy network configuration Capacity gauge shows how much space is available on your storage system. Convection cooling system & a thermostatically controlled fan.