The WD My Cloud Pro Series PR2100 is a respectable option for those looking for network storage. The Mac and PC compatibility makes it a flexible option, especially for those who are not tied to one specific platform. The Intel Pentium N3710 processor and 4GB of RAM enable seamless streaming of all file types. Web access is simple and intuitive, which is ideal for beginners to this type of storage. The tool-less, tray-less drive bays are a winner for those wanting to quickly add or replace hard drives. With up to 28 TB capacity, you won't be running out of storage anytime soon.
Pros
+
Expandable up to 28 TB
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tool-less, tray-less drive bays
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Windows and Mac compatible
Cons
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Average file transfer speeds
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Clunky quick-release mechanism
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No LED info display
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The WD My Cloud Pro Series PR2100 is part of Western Digital's Pro series of NAS enclosures. It provides two key areas of functionality: centralised backup, that is accessible from anywhere.
The enclosure includes two bays, which allows for a maximum of 28 TB of storage across two 14 TB drives. The drives are easily removable thanks to the quick release mechanism.
All that is required to facilitate easy sharing, wherever you are in the world, is an internet connection. This is an ideal solution not just for providing a centralised storage solution for one person but also for teams of people, even if they're working around the world.
Compatibility across both Mac and PC makes it perfect for users working across different operating systems.
This device offers one-touch copying functionality thanks to the integrated copy button. This provides an incredible, straight-forward solution for backing up files without requiring interaction with any software. Compatibility with exFAT also means you can plug in a camera or an external hard drive like the My Passport drive and automatically offload everything.
(Image credit: Future)
WD My Cloud Pro Series PR2100: Specifications
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Connection
USB-C, Ethernet RJ45
Capacities
4TB, 8TB, 12TB, 16TB, 20TB, 28TB
Operating Temperature
0°C to 35°C
Non-Operating Temperature
-40°C to 70°C
Operating Systems
Mac and Windows
Size
216.1mm x 108.6mm x 147.8mm
Weight
2.88 Kgs
WD My Cloud Pro Series PR2100: Design & Handling
A sand-blasted metal case is very pleasing to both the eye and the touch. The slightly more premium materials are an upgrade from common plastic alternatives and demonstrate part of what sets WD's professional series apart. The unit itself is compact enough to sit neatly out of the way.
The case is able to accept two drives, enabling a maximum storage capacity of 28 TB. The bays are 100% quick-release, which makes it convenient to swap drives out. I wasn't overly impressed by the mechanism, though, which was rather clunky. The doors must be closed for the drives to click into place, and this required an unnecessary amount of force.
(Image credit: Future)
Four illuminated buttons inform users of what is happening under the hood. The power button illuminates when on, and the lights under each bay let you know when they're busy. The final light is for the USB 3.0 port, a great addition for transferring files from flash drives.
The rear of the unit has some additional ports, including a secondary USB 3.0 port, a power supply port, and two gigabit Ethernet ports.
(Image credit: Future)
WD My Cloud Pro Series PR2100: Performance
The My Cloud Pro Series PR2100 performs incredibly well, thanks to the Intel Pentium N3710 quad-core 1.6 GHz processor and 4GB of RAM. This hardware does a great job of keeping all file types and sizes moving along relatively quickly but you're not going to be blown away by the speeds. I had the 4 TB setup, which included 2 x 2TB WD20EFAX drives.
We didn't experience any drop-outs on longer transfers and found the device to be both stable and reliable. We were able to transfer around 3GB per minute or a little less if that's a large collection of smaller files.
(Image credit: Future)
Whenever I mention NAS drives to people, they often glaze over in confusion. After I explain what they are, there is further confusion about how they would set them up. There are no such problems with the My Cloud Pro Series PR2100. WD provides a super easy-to-use wizard that intuitively leads you through the whole process.
The interface also does a great job of letting users manage permissions. This is ideal for working within a team environment, and I would imagine even those who are not tech-savvy could work this side of things out.
This NAS performs well and has a host of great features that serve creatives well. It also works great as a passive backup device.
(Image credit: Future)
WD My Cloud Pro Series PR2100: Final Verdict
The WD My Cloud Pro Series PR2100is a reliable, capable, and easy-to-use NAS device. Everything from the design to the software interface is designed to make it easy for non-technical people to use. This is a win for most creatives who really just want to focus on the work at hand.
The drive is relatively affordable compared to its competition and the fact that it is compatible with both Max and PC will make it appealing to a wide audience. The Intel Pentium N3710 processor and 4GB of RAM provide enough power to keep your files moving.
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Paul is a digital expert. In the 20 years since he graduated with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science, Paul has been actively involved in a variety of different tech and creative industries that make him the go-to guy for reviews, opinion pieces, and featured articles. With a particular love of all things visual, including photography, videography, and 3D visualisation Paul is never far from a camera or other piece of tech that gets his creative juices going. You'll also find his writing in other places, including Creative Bloq, Digital Camera World, and 3D World Magazine.
