The choice of back up packages is now becoming more and more complex, as many companies are providing some very interesting solutions.   Consumers now are becoming more technically aware but guidance in areas for that final choice comes back to articles of this nature.   For many end users the ultimate choice is down to what is written within the community by the technology hacks.   The cost of hard discs in both 3 ½” and 2 ½” have plummeted and internal capacity storage for PC’s has grown dramatically.   Therefore with these points in mind the makers of back-up devices are producing some wonderful colourful bits of kit which appeal to us all.

An average system now starts with a 300GB Boot disc and a minimum of a 1TB hard disc for file storage.  But, what of that all important protocol of weekly or dare we say daily back-up of those all important scenes drawn, spreadsheets calculated out with our costings for this and the next few projects.   Oh yes; a few thousand pictures from our family life and those 100’s of vibes we have stored for our mp3 players.   Many of us have been using mass storage for years but  the same old added question of when is some-one going to produce an off the shelf Raid 1 unit.

With todays pricing on hard discs really at rock bottom dollar, along comes Western Digital and pops into place a neat and aesthetically pleasing product that really does what is claimed.  Raid 1 storage to safely and securely back-up your data.  Easily transferred into a safe at night for security of the discs contents. 

Western Digital is synonymous to the average SoHo and Desktop user within this arena and there are many loyal supporters of their products.   Though to actually creep up to the desktop solution and provide consumers with a full 2TB of Raid 0 or 1TB of Raid 1 storage has us all thinking carefully on the spend.

Key Features of the Western Digital My Book Mirror Edition (Out Thanks to Western Digital PR for the information supplied here)

WD's My Book Mirror Edition dual-drive storage system automatically mirrors your valuable data for extra protection. The USB 2.0 interface and a powerful combination of features make this system the storage solution of choice for photographers, home users, small offices, and anyone looking for extra assurance that their data is safe.

Product Features

• The safest place for your data - Using RAID mirroring technology, this system automatically and continuously duplicates your data for the ultimate in data protection. If one drive in this two-drive system ever fails, the system continues to run and your data is safe. How's that for peace of mind?
• Automatic backup software - Back up your computer - just set it and forget it. Every time you save a change it's backed up and then mirrored on the second drive for the ultimate in data protection
• Cooler, quieter, eco-friendlier - Designed to use only WD drives with GreenPower™ technology, this system, with its efficient convection cooling architecture, fan-less design, and power saving mode, is reliably cool, remarkably quiet and consumes up to 33% less power* than standard systems.
  * Tests based on comparison between a 1 TB dual-drive system using 7200 RPM drives and a 1 TB dual-drive system using WD's GreenPower drives
• Easy to set up, easy to use - You're up and running in a few simple steps. WD's intuitive RAID wizard software lets you easily modify your RAID settings
• Capacity Gauge - See at a glance how much space is available on your drive
• User serviceable - Want to upgrade a drive? Simply open the case and replace the existing drive – no screwdriver needed.
• NOTE: RAID 0 (striped) accesses the full capacity of the drives. RAID 1 (mirrored) accesses half of the total capacity for data protection

Ideal For

• Gain peace of mind with this true data guardian
• Organize and archive vast photo, music, and artwork libraries
• Edit and exchange massive audio and video projects

System Requirements

• Available USB port
• Mac® OS X 10.4.11+, 10.5.2+
• Windows® 2000/XP/Vista

Package Includes

• Dual-drive storage system
• USB cable
• AC adapter
• Software CD
• Quick Install Guide

One of the best features of the design of the My Book Mirror Edition's enclosure is the easy-access top panel for simple servicing of the drives.    If you ever need to replace one of the two drives inside (heaven forbid) the My Book Mirror Edition all you have to do is press firmly on the top panel until it springs open.    After that, unscrew the thumb screw holding the metal drive plate in place and remove the drive plate.   Now you have open access to both drives ... they're even labelled "A" and "B" if you look very closely enough so there can be no mistake in removing the wrong disc.  To extract the failed drive pull firmly on the extraction plastic handle and out pops your non functional disc drive.  Its that easy.