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Western Digital has long been known as one of the top manufacturers of data storage. The company’s roots are traceable all the way back to 1970, when they were founded as General Digital, and they’ve adapted, expanded and bolstered their technology in nearly every possible realm of storage – including RAID.
My Cloud Expert Series EX2 Ultra
An entry-level RAID device, Western Digital’s My Cloud Expert Series EX2 Ultra is available with up to 28 Terabytes (TB) of capacity. Not only does it offer centralized network backup, but it’s accessible from anywhere – as long as you have an internet connection and the My Cloud OS 5 mobile software.
The My Cloud Expert Series EX2 Ultra features several different RAID settings, including RIAD 0 for improved performance or RAID 1 for greater data protection, and it even supports JBOD / spanning for use in a non-RAID configuration.
With a price point around $150, the My Cloud Expert Series EX2 Ultra is a great choice for those who need simplicity, accessibility and reliability.
My Book Duo
Priced at slightly above $250, the My Book Duo represents a large upgrade from Western Digital’s entry-level device. The My Book Duo also has a maximum compatibility of 28TB on one cable, but nearly everything else has been upgraded, improved or enhanced in some way.
For starters, it’s highly versatile. Compatible with both USB 3.0 and the newer standard of USB 3.1, and with connections that accommodate both USB Type-C and USB Type-A cables, it can connect to a variety of different systems. It also features two built-in USB 3.0 Type-A ports to expand on your system’s overall USB capacity.
Perhaps even more importantly, the Western Digital My Book Duo includes 256-bit AES hardware encryption. This, in tandem with the included WD Security software suite and integrated password protection, lets you keep your most important files private and secure.
My Cloud Pro Series PR4100
Those who need a serious RAID setup will definitely appreciate the My Cloud Pro Series PR4100. Available with a capacity of up to 56 TB, it effectively doubles the storage capacity that is possible with the other two devices.
It is costly, however, at just over $450, but the extra money is well-spent. Apart from the additional storage capacity, the My Cloud Pro Series PR4100 also features one-touch copying functionality, numerous backup options and full compatibility with many third-party apps. Those who purchase the device will also receive some additional benefits, like two free months of Adobe’s Creative Cloud and a three-month Plex Pass.
Choosing the Right RAID Device from Western Digital
As you can see, Western Digital offers three distinct products that cater to RAID users. While most individuals and home users will likely find the most benefit in either the My Cloud Expert Series EX2 Ultra or the My Book Duo, large-scale enterprises, as well as those who have extensive digital media collections, will likely opt for the My Cloud Pro Series PR4100. Regardless of the one you choose, you’ll know that you’ve made a good decision with hardware from Western Digital.
