"A 250 GB external HD, 8-in-1 memory card reader, USB 2.0 hub, and Firewire connection -- All in one unit!" It was time to add hard drive storage space for the myriad of photo, music, movie, etc. files that seem to proliferate on my computer these days. The decision to opt for an external hard drive was made for me by the fact that I have no drive bays left for expansion inside my Dell Dimension 4100 (Intel III, 933 MHz, Win2K). I was also considering the purchase of a USB 2.0 self-powered hub to provide for future needs. In addition, I wanted to be able to take advantage having Firewire connectivity. And like many users, I recently entered the world of digital photography with the purchase of my first digital camera. Providing for all these “needs” looked to be a difficult task.
At the suggestion of billyd, a helpful and very knowledgeable USB tech specialist I talked with at the Everything USB website forum, I discovered, later purchased, and am now using a Western Digital Media Center (model WDXF2500JB). This wonderfully versatile device provides in one very compact and attractive external enclosure a fast and quiet Western Digital 250 GB USB 2.0 / Firewire external hard drive, a built in 8-in-1 card reader, 2 Firewire ports, and a USB 2.0 hub (2 ports). The combination is proving perfect to suit my needs.
Unit features as detailed at the Western Digital website (http://www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=75) include:
·8-in-1 memory card reader
·Dual-option Backup—automatic or on-demand
·USB 2.0 hub with two ports; one conveniently located on the front for easy connection of USB peripherals such as a keychain drive, printer, keyboard, or mouse
·7200 RPM rotational speed and 8 MB cache for maximum storage performance.
·Includes Dantz Retrospect® Express backup software
·Built-in USB 2.0 hub for additional drive connections
·Two FireWire ports
·Front-mounted power button with Safe Shutdown for additional data protection
·Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) motor for near-silent operation with WD's whisper-quiet hard drives
·Cool running ensured by an elegant, heat-dissipating case
·Vertical or horizontal placement
·Kensington® security lock
The unit’s hard drive comes preformatted as fat32 in one partition and is ready to use. Just plug it in and go, as the unit is truly “plug and play”. Although it is suggested that Win2K users may want to format the drive as NTSF rather than fat32, those like me who plan to use the drive only for storage, want portability, and anticipate the possibility of connecting the unit to computers not running on Win2K will find the preformatted drive to be suitable “right out of the box”. Non-Win2K users should also find the unit as preformatted to be very functional.
The 8-in-1 memory card reader provides direct and speedy downloads at readily accessible card slots for digital cameras, MP3 players, or other digital recording devices using one of the most popular card formats.
The added advantage of the integrated USB 2.0 hub (two ports) and the Firewire ports allow for further expandibility through connecting additional USB 2.0 or Firewire devices and even daisy chaining if desired.
Several online merchants offer the WD Media Center for approximately $275.00. For those who desire a WD 250 GB external hard drive (connectable via either USB 2.0 or Firewire), an 8-in-1 memory card reader, a USB 2.0 hub with two ports, and all integrated within a self-powered and attractive external enclosure, this unit would appear to be a very suitable and cost effective purchase. At least, so far that’s the opinion of this very satisfied user.
From Stomper, August 10, 2004
We're currently upgrading our user review system; so we won't be accepting new reviews for now. Dual-Option Media Center 250GB Specs
Windows 98 SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, MacOS 9.1, MacOS X
Capacity
250GB
Rotation speed
7200 rpm
Average transfer rate
--
Seek time
4.2ms
Buffer size
8MB
Software
Dantz Retrospect Express
Internal drive type
WD 3.5"
Integrated battery
None
Extra?
Integrated 2-port USB hub, 8-in-1 flash reader
Dimensions
8.6" x 6.08" x 1.74"
Weight
--
Power source
Self-powered
Warranty
One year
Extras Turn on and off this self-powered device automatically with your PC.
Lost a USB cable? Get a replacement USB cable.
Running out of USB ports? Get an extra USB hub.
You may need a new USB card to achieve Hi-Speed USB speeds.
Confirm with our USB 2.0 FAQ if you have Hi-Speed USB on your PC.
Where to buy Western Digital Dual-Option Media Center 250GB?
