Passing this discovery onto fellow Linux users.

The Costco "MyBook" is pretty good value for $150 and 500GB of space. It is plug n play with Linux (I tried CentOS 5) with USB 2.0 and a WD drive. It also shows up as /dev/sda which gives it a lot more possibilities for software that require SCSI.

I noticed that they have the 1TB dual drive unit for about $350. Has anyone tried one of these under linux since it supposed to be able to do RAID?

yup, the 1TB works under Linux. In fact, the 1TB WD MyBook runs linux as the OS. People have spoofed the firmware upgrade and can ssh in and then install whatever software they want from tarball! Google it and you'll find the info!

Fyi, there is a zero tolerance Costco policy on avs. Besides, Mybooks can be had for about $130 or less periodically on sale at Staples, CC, and similar, even less with dollar off coupons and/or pricematching.

I've owned several WD Mybooks, a pair of 500's ands a 400.

They seemed to run well and have good build quality, but I ultimately sold them or returned them for several reasons.

The Mybook (Essentials editions, anyways) have an annoying spin down feature that I did not know how to disable or modify the spin down timeout clock.

The problem was, they spun down way too early and too often, and made an irritating noise prior to spindown and spinup. I was afraid I would exceed the rated number of spindown/up cycles in a short time, as they were stopping/starting too much every day.

Plus, if you do not stand them on their narrow end, they get very hot.

Lastly, the USB enclosure is made of plastic, furthering heat issues. You want an aluminum or other metal enclosure in contact with a big drive running 24/7, though this is dependant on the drive mechanism in the enclosure- some drive mechs run cool, but the WD's in the Mybooks I had run hot.

I switched to Seagate retail boxed 500GB internal drives for the 5 year warranty. Do not buy bare, non-reatil boxed drives- you do not know how they were handled (vibration, dropped, etc) or trust that they are not refurbs.

A couple of weeks ago, CC had 500GB Seagate retail boxed internal drives for $110 straight up, no funky Costco/Sams membership, rebates, etc.

With price matching and X off Y coupons, you can get even lower.

Then put the drive in a $15-$20 all aluminum USB enclosure from geeks.com or similar, and you've got a MUCH better USB drive- 5 year warranty, aluminum case, PATA or SATA drive mech, cooler running, and less money than the warehouse clubs.

I am very much against the membership clubs now. They really don't have any deals you can't beat at other stores with sales/coupons/rebates/price matching, plus other issues with membership clubs.

... put the drive in a $15-$20 all aluminum USB enclosure from geeks.com or similar, and you've got a MUCH better USB drive- 5 year warranty, aluminum case, PATA or SATA drive mech, cooler running, and less money than the warehouse clubs.

Ah, but the point was the built in server capability. The sole USB drive would have to be plugged into a computer or some other device. It could not serve as a stand alone server/nas


I am very much against the membership clubs now. They really don't have any deals you can't beat at other stores with sales/coupons/rebates/price matching, plus other issues with membership clubs.

I can't disagree with you there. It pays to shop around. Still, I like cheese and Sams Club has a good price for it. Oh wait, we are talking computers and gadgets. Sorry, mmmm... but I do love cheese.

Marcus

Sorry, mmmm... but I do love cheese.
Here in Wisconsin, talk like that gets us "excited".

There's a 500GB Mybook at CC this week for $129 straight up. Don't know if it's the same model as Costco...

Here in Wisconsin, talk like that gets us "excited".

Cheese and Linux. An unbeatable pair.

Marcus

There's a 500GB Mybook at CC this week for $129 straight up. Don't know if it's the same model as Costco...

Man, if that would have firewire I would jump.

Staples also has the 500GB Mybook this week for $129, perhaps $109 if you use a $20 off $100 coupon.

Staples accepts competitor (OfficeDepot/MAx, CC, BB, etc) coupons, BTW.

Ah, but the point was the built in server capability. The sole USB drive would have to be plugged into a computer or some other device. It could not serve as a stand alone server/nas
Marcus

CRUD! I'm a FOOL!

Sorry, I misread the previous post. This gadget APPEARS as SCSI device not operates like a NAS. I apologize for my dumb a** reply.

However, I did buy two 750 Gig MyBooks with firewire for 179 apiece at the local blue & yellow box store.

I think that's an ok price.

The BIG hard drive deal this week was Staples, a WD 400GB USB for $49 after MIR, less with coupon.

Of course, these are all LONG gone from stores- sale started 9/16 :(