In a country where seemingly all information is shared and the average household contains 5.7 devices connectable to a cloud source, the need for a storage device for them to connect to is rising. Experts believe that the average household in the U.S. will have 3.3 terabytes of data in cloud storage by 2016. If this is the case, then the WD My Cloud 4TB Personal Cloud Storage - NAS is the perfect device for the average United States household and will be a must-have within the next year.
This cloud device is built much like a large storage external hard-drive with a few ports at the rear including a USB 3.0 port for additional storage needs, a gigabit Ethernet port to connect to a local network, and a port for a standard Kensington security cable. It holds 4TB of information, though there are 2, 3, and 6TB options as well. It is 6.7" tall, 5.5" deep, 1.9" wide, and weighs 2.19 lbs and can operate in temperatures ranging from 41°F to 95°F and can be stored in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 149°F.
Western Digital's personal cloud storage unit features a dual-core processor and is both Mac and PC compatible. To access the cloud built into this unit, you simply download an app to your computer or mobile device so long as specifications to use the software are met. With this app, you can search through your photos, music, and movies with just a few clicks or swipes. For access with Apple Iphone or Ipad, you must be running software update 6.0 or later. With Android smartphones or tablets, version 2.3 or later is required. Mac requires Mac OS X Mountain Lion version 10.8, Lion version 10.7 and Snow Leopard version 10.6 or higher. PCs require Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP (SP 3) 32 or 64 bit.
While most online reviewers are happy with their devices, 717 of 1,871 reviews on Amazon giving a rating of five stars, most reviewers have two common issues that WD is more than willing attempt to help resolve: speed and connectivity.
The speed issue seems to be stemming from people expecting the cloud storage to react just as quickly or faster than local storage. While some units have had offers for the reviewer to return the item, in case of malfunctioning hardware or software, others seem to be having no issues with the slightly lowered speed on functionality.
The connectivity issue, however, can seemingly be fixed with firmware upgrades available through Western Digital. If the firmware updates do not provide a more stable connection, the company has offered some reviewers the opportunity to exchange their cloud device for another in case the hardware or software is defective.
On the other hand, people love the easy setup and sleek design of the device. They also enjoy having the ability to access their files from anywhere on the go or at home without having to haul around a bulky external storage device.
The prices for this device vary depending on when Western Digital is having a sale, but are generally right at the $200 mark. While there are devices that are on the market for cheaper, many do not provide the same access as Western Digital has promised to provide with their My Cloud devices or the customer service provided to those that may not have had the ideal experience.
While there are many happy owners of Western Digital's My Cloud 4TB Personal Cloud Storage - NAS, you should be aware that the speed granted by this storage unit is not quite up to par with what you might get with a local storage unit. It is, however, highly spoken of when the speed does not seem to be an issue and Western Digital's customer support team is willing to work with anyone who is unhappy with the speed or is having issues with connectivity. binary trading