01 March 2004
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Continuing to deliver the ultimate choice in feature-rich storage products, Western Digital Corp. (NYSE: WDC) has introduced its Media Center storage peripheral. The Media Center combines a 250 GB WD Caviar® SE hard drive, an 8-in-1 memory card reader, USB 2.0 hub and the company's exclusive Dual-option Backup feature in one convenient external storage device.
Western Digital's Media Center is the only storage peripheral that provides consumers with all-in-one functionality and an easier way to download and store files from a variety of digital accessories.
Western Digital also introduced its new external USB 2.0/FireWire® hard drives with Dual-option Backup. The external USB 2.0/FireWire hard drives with Dual-option Backup are offered in storage capacities of 120, 160, 200 and 250 GB.
Western Digital's exclusive Dual-option Backup system gives consumers the option to back up data either automatically or on-demand with the simple touch of a button. Using an easy set-up wizard, users can schedule a recurring backup; a button glows blue to confirm that files will be backed up automatically. The Media Center and new external drives with Dual-option Backup are also capable of backing up data from multiple sources for consumers who have a number of drives and/or PCs and notebooks.
Western Digital's Media Center and new external hard drives feature: a built-in USB 2.0 hub with a USB 2.0 port on front for easy connection of peripherals; 2 FireWire ports; Dantz® Retrospect® Express software; easy set-up wizard to schedule automatic data backup; extra data protection with Safe Shutdown; front-mounted power switch; elegantly designed, heat-dissipating case; and Kensington® security lock connection. The Media Center and new external hard drives are designed with award-winning WD Caviar SE hard drives. Western Digital's Media Center will initially be available in capacities of 160, 200 and 250 GB.
Combining external storage with a built-in card reader for space-saving convenience and easier downloading at the touch of a button, the Media Center is compatible with 8 major media card formats, including CompactFlash Type™ I and II, IBM Microdrive™, SmartMedia™, Memory Stick™, Memory Stick PRO™, MultiMedia Card and SD Card.
"Western Digital's Media Center and external hard drives with Dual-option Backup provide Best Buy customers a simple storage solution that addresses the needs of digital video/photography hobbyists and music lovers by helping keep their data safe and secure," said Todd Ciresi, business team leader of peripherals for Best Buy.
"The breadth of storage-hungry content that consumers and businesses deal with today requires a high-performing and robust all-in-one storage peripheral," said Richard E. Rutledge, vice president of marketing for Western Digital. "WD's Media Center delivers a feature-rich storage facility while at the same time providing users choice, convenience and flexibility for all of their storage needs."
Compatibility/System Requirements
The Media Center storage peripheral and new external USB 2.0/FireWire hard drives with Dual-option Backup are compatible with both Macintosh® and PCs with an available USB port and/or OHCI-compliant FireWire port or adapter; are backwards compatible with existing USB 1.1 ports, using either Windows® 98 SE/ME/2000/XP or Mac® OS v9.2.2 or later operating systems; and are compatible with Mac OS X v.10.1.3 or later. USB connection is required for memory card reader and hub for both Macintosh and PC. Full product specification sheet may be viewed/downloaded on the Web at http://www.westerndigital.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=75. All Western Digital external hard drive products carry a one-year warranty, unless otherwise required by law.
Regional Press Notes on Western Digital’s Media Center
About Western Digital
Western Digital, one of the storage industry's pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company's core business produces reliable, high-performance hard drives that keep users' data close-at-hand and secure from loss.
Western Digital was founded in 1970. The company's storage products are marketed to leading systems manufacturers and selected resellers under the Western Digital brand name. Visit the Investor section of the company's Web site (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Continuing to deliver the ultimate choice in feature-rich storage products, Western Digital Corp. (NYSE: WDC) has introduced its Media Center storage peripheral. The Media Center combines a 250 GB WD Caviar® SE hard drive, an 8-in-1 memory card reader, USB 2.0 hub and the company's exclusive Dual-option Backup feature in one convenient external storage device.
Western Digital's Media Center is the only storage peripheral that provides consumers with all-in-one functionality and an easier way to download and store files from a variety of digital accessories.
Western Digital also introduced its new external USB 2.0/FireWire® hard drives with Dual-option Backup. The external USB 2.0/FireWire hard drives with Dual-option Backup are offered in storage capacities of 120, 160, 200 and 250 GB.
Western Digital's exclusive Dual-option Backup system gives consumers the option to back up data either automatically or on-demand with the simple touch of a button. Using an easy set-up wizard, users can schedule a recurring backup; a button glows blue to confirm that files will be backed up automatically. The Media Center and new external drives with Dual-option Backup are also capable of backing up data from multiple sources for consumers who have a number of drives and/or PCs and notebooks.
Western Digital's Media Center and new external hard drives feature: a built-in USB 2.0 hub with a USB 2.0 port on front for easy connection of peripherals; 2 FireWire ports; Dantz® Retrospect® Express software; easy set-up wizard to schedule automatic data backup; extra data protection with Safe Shutdown; front-mounted power switch; elegantly designed, heat-dissipating case; and Kensington® security lock connection. The Media Center and new external hard drives are designed with award-winning WD Caviar SE hard drives. Western Digital's Media Center will initially be available in capacities of 160, 200 and 250 GB.
Combining external storage with a built-in card reader for space-saving convenience and easier downloading at the touch of a button, the Media Center is compatible with 8 major media card formats, including CompactFlash Type™ I and II, IBM Microdrive™, SmartMedia™, Memory Stick™, Memory Stick PRO™, MultiMedia Card and SD Card.
"Western Digital's Media Center and external hard drives with Dual-option Backup provide Best Buy customers a simple storage solution that addresses the needs of digital video/photography hobbyists and music lovers by helping keep their data safe and secure," said Todd Ciresi, business team leader of peripherals for Best Buy.
"The breadth of storage-hungry content that consumers and businesses deal with today requires a high-performing and robust all-in-one storage peripheral," said Richard E. Rutledge, vice president of marketing for Western Digital. "WD's Media Center delivers a feature-rich storage facility while at the same time providing users choice, convenience and flexibility for all of their storage needs."
Compatibility/System Requirements
The Media Center storage peripheral and new external USB 2.0/FireWire hard drives with Dual-option Backup are compatible with both Macintosh® and PCs with an available USB port and/or OHCI-compliant FireWire port or adapter; are backwards compatible with existing USB 1.1 ports, using either Windows® 98 SE/ME/2000/XP or Mac® OS v9.2.2 or later operating systems; and are compatible with Mac OS X v.10.1.3 or later. USB connection is required for memory card reader and hub for both Macintosh and PC. Full product specification sheet may be viewed/downloaded on the Web at http://www.westerndigital.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=75. All Western Digital external hard drive products carry a one-year warranty, unless otherwise required by law.
Regional Press Notes on Western Digital’s Media Center
- Western Digital, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hard-disk drives, announced today the launch of the Media Center in the Middle East. The new hard-disk drive is expected to be popular with mobile technology and home PC users who want to store more digital information.
- Western Digital’s Media Center, which is the only peripheral available in the market that provides consumers with all-in-one functionality, is expected to attract interest in the Middle East from professional photographers, reporters and graphic designers who rely on PDAs and notebooks for critical work information.
- The new hard drive is a simple and easy-to-use storage solution that also meets the needs of people who want to store everything from music and videos to photographs. The Media Center enables data from mobile technology equipment to be easily and securely stored, allowing the limited storage capacity of mobile devices to be utilized where it is needed on the move
- The Media Center combines a 250 GB WD Caviar SE hard drive, and 8-in-1 memory card reader, USB 2.0 hub and the company’s exclusive Dual-option Backup feature in one convenient external storage device. Western Digital’s exclusive Dual-option Backup system gives consumers the option to back up data either automatically or on-demand with the simple touch of a button. Users can also schedule a recurring backup.
- The first delivery of the Media Center will arrive in the region this week. It will be available through Western Digital’s diverse range of distributors throughout the Middle East.
- The Media Center, which is available in160GB and 250GB formats, will cost about US$250 to US$350 respectively.
About Western Digital
Western Digital, one of the storage industry's pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organizations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company's core business produces reliable, high-performance hard drives that keep users' data close-at-hand and secure from loss.
Western Digital was founded in 1970. The company's storage products are marketed to leading systems manufacturers and selected resellers under the Western Digital brand name. Visit the Investor section of the company's Web site (www.westerndigital.com) to access a variety of financial and investor information.
© Press Release 2004



















