Almost ten years after USB 2.0 release, the USB 3.0 promises speeds ten times faster: 600 MB / s (4.8 Gbit / s), against 60 MB / s (480 Mbps). This rate remains theoretical, but the arrival of the first USB 3.0 hard drives, including this one, will allow us to verify the real difference.

This WD disk looks like a regular My Book, with the same design, same activity indicator light on front, same capacity (1 or 2 TB, depending on the version). The only difference lies in its manufacturing and its USB cable. USB 3.0 connectors require a special cable, labeled SS for "Super Speed", the new name of the third generation, after the High Speed USB 2.0 and Full Speed USB 1.0.

Since no computer has yet USB 3.0, it is necessary to install a controller card in the machine (notice, you cannot use it in your laptops). Fortunately, the manufacturer provides it with its disk. Once the drive is plugged the performance is impressive, reaching more than 100 MB/s read and 50 MB/s write. Like all USB 3.0 drives, the My Book is compatible with the good old USB 2.0 ports.

3.0 proves to be two to three times faster than USB 2.0 with this external hard drive. Very far from the very theoretical advertised speeds of ten times higher, but still not so bad.

The price of this disk is still high. Blame it on the controller card required, but remember prices inevitably fall over time.

This new My Book will please those who seek a solution for storing large amounts of data (photos, videos ) in minimum time.