My exp:
I bought a MyBook Premium Edition II. running with a Dell Dimension 9150 2gb ram, Xp Home.
Raid 1 configured with WD software. 2 Tb's= 1Tb.
I bought a Lacie firewire 800 to connect it. Despite the computer could detect the connection, never could read the files in MB. So, It's connected now by USB2.
I've found out shortly, that when I was working (PS) on files in Mybook, after sometime, the computer/WD-MB ceased to comunicate. I had to save my processed file to my desktop, restart the pc in order to re-establish comunication. Then save file to the Raid disks.
Very shortly, after this, I realized that when comunication was absent, the WD-MB would indefinetely be on even after the pc was turned off. Hot, hot, hot!
I realized this arrangement was flimsy and unreliable. I decided, to use the WD-MB as a remote storage unit. That is, never hooked up, until I'm finished with a folder and I'm ready to save it to the Raid array.
I first finish connection from Windows tool bar. Then I unplugged the usb. Finally I disconect power. Otherwise, there's something still on. (Remanent heat)
To connect it, I reverse this procedure. I hope I'm doing things safely (I'm no geek) Opinions anyone?
This way, the WD-MB stays cool and not spinning (of course, its shut off). I hope this way, I'll get my money worth at least for a few years of service as a remote raid storage unit .
I emailed a few times a few questions to WD. They take forever to answer, but apparently they always do. However, they answers seems to lack commitment and seem like being generated by software, not people(imho).
Would I buy WD again? Certainly not.
My 2 centavos.
Eduardo