Mods - as this isn’t specifically about the MyCloud, if there’s a better forum for this to go in please feel free to relocate it
Hi all,
I’m looking into a NAS solution for my home network (following the premature expiry of my MyPassport portable drive a couple of days ago) and having looked at both MyCloud and MyBook products at PC World and talking to their staff, I’m now somewhat more confused about what the differences are between them. What I understand is summarised below, I’d appreciate it if someone in the know could confirm whether this is correct or not so I can make a correct purchase.
MyBook:
- Local storage only (other than manual uploading via Smartware to Dropbox).
- Single disk (MyBook) or dual disk (MyBook Duo) storage for whatever capacity is bought.
- Existing PC World stock is Raid 0, but he said these are on clearance as a new version with Raid 1 is coming?
- For raid 0 version of Duo, basically by splitting it across two drives you have twice the chance of disk failure, but half the impact on data if it does occur and a disk fails.
- Remote access is possible via WD servers and apps (presumably routed to local disk via user’s own internet).
- In case of disk failure, basically tough for data, return under warranty for hardware (like my deceased MyPassport).
MyCloud:
- Single disk (MyCloud) or dual disk (MyCloud Mirror) storage, under raid 0 or raid 1 (presumably user-configurable).
- All content of the disk(s) is automatically backed up to WD server cloud, to space equal to that of the local drive, without any monthly fees or anything like that. Uploading would be via users broadband account/provider, depending on line speeds and any data usage caps etc?
- Remote access is possible via WD servers and apps, presumably to that cloud copy of the data on the servers?
- In case of disk failure, the copy of the data on the WD servers could be used to recover local copy once hardware is replaced under warranty?
- If there is a problem with the WD servers (having read the reports of the recent issues) does this only impact access from outside onto the drive (or the cloud mirror of it), or is there any problem with local usage or setting up (does it need continual log-in to the server and stop working if it can’t achieve that?).
For local usage (on home network) both products would appear functionally the same, with provision of DLNA service (Twonky iirc) and automatic back-up etc via Smartware. The main difference is whether the drive content is cloud backed-up or not, hence the difference in the price between the two products.
Are both products being actively continued for sale, or is the MyBook being superceded by the MyCloud and to be discontinued or similar? Is my understanding above correct, or if not can someone let me know the real situation so I can judge properly which one may be the one to consider purchasing?
Thanks in advance