Not everyone needs the higher-capacity HDDs that are in the market. The average user only has around 1-2TB of space within their computer. However, professionals and enthusiasts that collect a lot of data can sometimes require some intense storage or backup solutions. Something that just got a little easier with the launch of WD’s (Western Digital) new 44TB My Book Duo.
This is the latest release of the company’s My Book Duo series (which now spans between 16TB and 44TB, with 6 capacity options to choose from in total). As the name suggests, the external enclosure contains two drives inside (2x22TB) in RAID configuration. The user can run in either RAID-0 (default) or RAID-1. RAID-0 is a single 44TB drive solution and offers the best transfer speeds, and RAID-1 is two separate 22TB drives running mirrored (one shadowing the other for data redundancy). You can also run it as simply two separate drives that can be used however you like.
It makes use of a USB 3.2 Gen 1 (USB-C) connection for maximum speed potentials and can also be used with USB 3.0 connections if you need backward compatibility to an older port (at slightly slower speeds).
It features 256-bit AES hardware encryption and any unused ports on the back (not being used to connect to your system) can be used for accessories like a mouse, keyboard, card reader, etc. So it can also act as somewhat of a dock for your laptop or computer as well.
The drive comes with the software needed to configure/manage it as well as both USB cables (USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A).
There’s no inventory at retailers at this time, so the drive is likely still making its way to stores. It will likely only be available online due to its limited audience and features an MSRP of (wait for it…) $1,500 (ouch). Amazon currently has it listed but the only seller is a third-party looking to rip people off by selling it for much more than its MSRP price (some people just have no shame). WD does have it listed on its website, but there is no telling how quick it will ship if inventory is still making its way around.
