Western Digital’s Unique Hard Drives
by the Gadget Gals
My photo card reader wasn't working so I headed to the Internet to find one that would be more reliable. During my search I came across the Western Digital Media Center, which looked very interesting. At $159.95, it was definitely more expensive than a card reader, but it offered 160 GB of hard drive storage, a USB 2.0 hub, and automatic backup of my files. Because it was in a drive case measuring about 9"*5.5", I thought it would lessen the mass of hubs, drives, and wires under my computer desk. I ordered it and when I took it out of the box, I couldn't find the card reader part. There was a good reason for that, because what I opened was the WD ExtremeTM Lighted Combo. I mention this because this drive is a great one for adults and kids who are gamers, DJs, or would love to add a glow-in-the-dark and/or kaleidoscopic look to their computer equipment. The "cool" drive was listed at the same price, but it didn't have the card readers or hubs like the Media Center. Not having DJ aspirations and not needing my drive to glow, I sent it back and got the correct one. The Media Center was easy to hook up, and I thought everything was working. However, when I put in my photo card, nothing happened. I discovered that I hadn't connected the USB cable to my computer. The drive includes two connections to the computer, one for the drive and one for the card readers and the hub. Once everything was connected, it all worked well. I've stationed the drive next to the monitor on my desktop, which gives me easy access to the card readers, manual and automatic backup option buttons, a USB port, and the on/off button. To be sure, the Media Center provides what is called "all-in-one functionality" and "an easier way to download and store files from a variety of digital accessories." There are USB ports both on the front and back of the drive and two Firewire ports on the back. The card reader slots are on the front and can read media from CompactFlash Type I and IITM. OBM MicrodriveTM, SmartMediaTM, Memory StickTM, Memory Stick PRPTM, MultiMedia Card and SD Card. The backup software and the Media Center work with both Macintosh and PC computers. I do love the Media Center, but secretly it would be nice to see it light up, too. Additional Information: Western Digital Media Center
BH PhotoVideo
http://www.phphonovideo.com
$159.95 Western Digital Extreme Lighted Combo
BH PhotoVideo
http://www.phphonovideo.com
$159.95 Western Digital Support
http://www.westerndigital.com
Telephone support: 1-877-934-6972
View Gadgets Archive
|
