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Western Digital My Book Live — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Cloud Storage DevicesWestern Digital My Book Live

Western Digital My Book Live — image 1

Western Digital

Western Digital My Book Live

Expert Review Analysis

The WD My Book Live 3TB is a personal cloud NAS that provides centralized 3 TB storage for home networks, offering media streaming, remote access, and Time Machine backup without monthly cloud fees.

✓ Best for: Home users who need a centralized media library, multi‑computer households requiring shared storage, Mac owners wanting Time Machine backup over Wi‑Fi, and entertainment enthusiasts who stream to DLNA‑compatible devices.✗ Not ideal for: Power users or small businesses that require data redundancy, high‑performance multi‑user access, or RAID protection, as well as anyone needing faster sustained network throughput.

Pros

✓Centralized 3TB storage hub that consolidates movies, music, photos, and documents for the whole household.
✓Built‑in DLNA/UPnP server streams media to TVs, game consoles, and WD TV Live HD without extra software.
✓Provides remote access over the internet, allowing users to retrieve files securely from anywhere.

Price History

Current

$399.95

Average

$392.24

Lowest

$197.00

Highest

$399.95

Price trend (90d):0.0%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#205Best#48Worst#585 +293

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Design

Height6.60 in (167 mm) mm

Width2.00 in (51 mm) mm

Depth5.50 in (140 mm) mm

Weight2.41 lbs (1.09 kg) g

Features

DLNA/UPnP ServerSupported

iTunes ServerSupported

Remote AccessSupported

Apple Time Machine CompatibilitySupported

Data RedundancyNone (single-drive design)

General

BrandWestern Digital

ModelWDBACG0030HCH-NESN

ColorCharcoal

Warranty3 years

Supported PlatformsWindows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X Leopard/Snow Leopard

Network

Ethernet SpeedGigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mb/s) Mb/s

Performance

ProcessorAPM82181 CPU

RAM256 MB MB

Read Speed (Network)61.2 MB/s MB/s

Write Speed (Network)45.5 MB/s MB/s

Software

Operating SystemLinux Kernel 2.6.32.11

Storage

Capacity3 TB GB

Dimensions & Weight

Height5.5 inches

Width2.0 inches

Depth6.6 inches

Weight4.2 Pounds

Research Sources

storagereview.com

bhphotovideo.com

westerndigital.com

westerndigital.com

community.wd.com

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User Reviews

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3.6

(1,473 reviews)

Out of Stock

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WDBACG0030HCH-NESNCharcoal3 TB

Cloud Storage Devices

✓Apple Time Machine compatibility enables wireless backup of Macs over Wi‑Fi.

✓Gigabit Ethernet connection delivers up to 61 MB/s read speeds, utilizing most of the LAN bandwidth.

Cons

✗Single‑drive architecture offers no RAID or data redundancy, so a drive failure results in total data loss.
✗Maximum network throughput caps at roughly 61 MB/s read, which is slower than multi‑bay NAS units.
✗Modest APM82181 processor and only 256 MB RAM limit performance for demanding tasks.
✗Original system requirements target Windows XP/Vista and older Mac OS X versions, indicating dated software support.
✗Lacks built‑in backup or mirroring features, requiring external solutions for data protection.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓StorageReview measured average network read speed of 61.2 MB/s, which is adequate for home media streaming.
✓The device’s gigabit Ethernet utilizes most of the available LAN bandwidth, delivering reliable file transfers.
✓Easy network discovery on Windows and Mac platforms allows quick setup without technical expertise.

Criticized by Experts

✗Professional testing highlighted the absence of any data redundancy, making the unit vulnerable to drive failure.
✗Reviewers noted the performance ceiling of around 61 MB/s, which trails behind higher‑end NAS solutions.
✗The modest CPU and 256 MB RAM were criticized as insufficient for more intensive multi‑user environments.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Users appreciate the plug‑and‑play setup, with Windows and Mac computers detecting the drive within seconds.
✓The intuitive web interface lets everyday users share files and stream media without needing advanced networking knowledge.
✓Remote access feature is praised for letting families retrieve photos and documents while away from home.
✓Time Machine support is highlighted as a convenient way for Mac owners to back up over Wi‑Fi.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers commend the My Book Live for its straightforward setup, solid gigabit Ethernet performance, and useful media streaming capabilities, but they criticize its lack of redundancy, modest hardware, and performance ceiling compared to more robust NAS offerings.

What Users Say

Everyday users value the ease of installation, automatic network discovery, and remote access, especially for sharing media and backing up Macs, while many express concern over the single‑drive design and limited speed for larger file transfers.

Common Complaints

Lack of RAID or any redundancy, performance limited to about 61 MB/s read, modest processor and RAM, and outdated software compatibility with older operating systems.

How It Compares

vs. Synology multi‑bay NAS (e.g., DS220+)

Advantages

✓Offers RAID configurations for data redundancy and protection.
✓Higher CPU and RAM deliver faster multi‑user performance.
✓Scalable storage with multiple drive bays for larger capacity.

Disadvantages

✗Higher cost and more complex setup than the single‑drive My Book Live.
✗Requires purchase of separate hard drives and additional configuration.
✗May be overkill for simple home media streaming needs.

Choose the My Book Live for simple, low‑cost home media storage; choose a Synology NAS when you need redundancy, higher performance, and expandability.

Rating Trend

Rating3.6/ 5Reviews1,473+10 reviews -0.30

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