Features - Storage Innovations:

WESTERN DIGITAL INTRODUCES NEW MEDIA CENTER

Continuing to deliver the ultimate choice in feature-rich storage products, Western Digital Corp introduced its Media Center storage peripheral. The Media Center combines a 250GB 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 250GB.

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 250GB.

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."