Western Digital Releases 6TB External DriveWestern Digital Releases 6TB External Drive

Western Digital My Book Studio Edition II

Western Digital has boosted the capacity of the My Book Studio Edition II storage system for the Mac to 6 TB, making the device suitable for video-editing professionals and enthusiasts.

The latest addition to the My Book Studio Edition II line provides 33% more storage than the highest capacity of the previous model. The new system is the same size and shape as the older model. The devices are roughly 6.5 inches high, 6 inches deep, and 4 inches wide. They weigh five pounds.

The My Book Studio Edition systems are compatible with Apple's backup software, Time Machine. The external hard drives are targeted at small businesses and at professionals in art and design, photography, legal, and medical professions.

The systems provide eSATA and FireWire 800 support when faster data transfers are needed. FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 connectors are also included to broaden device support. The system can be set up in RAID 0 (striped) or RAID 1 (mirrored) configurations.

While the storage device comes formatted for the Mac, it comes with software and instructions for reformatting for Windows. The system comes with automatic backup software and is user serviceable, so drives can be upgraded by simply opening the case and replacing one of the drives. No screwdriver is needed.

The drives use 30% less energy and do not need a cooling fan, which reduces noise. The system has a capacity gauge, automatic power-up, and Led status and activity lights.

The 6 TB My Book Studio Edition II has a manufacturer suggested retail price of $550. The system is also available in 2 TB and 4 TB models.

Western Digital introduced the My Book Studio Edition external hard drives in 2007 at the Apple Expo in Paris. The first systems had capacities from 320 GB to 1 TB.