Western Digital's My Book World Edition (click for larger image)

Western Digital on Wednesday introduced a redesigned My Book World Edition network storage drive for consumers looking to back up home PCs or Mac computers.

The latest version, which is available in 1-TB and 2-TB models, offers "plug-and-play" installation and automatic continuous backup, according to WD. The drive plugs into a network router and can begin backing up files from all computers on a network after only a few clicks with the mouse. Changes to files on the connected computers are automatically and continuously backed up.

The device also simplifies the set up of a shared digital media library, the vendor said. Music, photos, and video can be streamed directly from the My Book drive to a PC, Mac, or connected gadgets built on the interoperability standards set by the Digital Living Network Alliance. Such devices include the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 video-game consoles, wireless digital picture frames, or digital TVs. In streaming content, the My Book drive uses its Universal Plug and Play media server and Apple iTunes Music server software.

For accessing files over the Web from remote locations, the new drive includes an Internet remote access service, which requires a broadband connection.

The My Book World Edition is scheduled to be available this month at retailers and WD's online store. The manufacturer suggested retail prices is $230 for the 1-TB model and $450 for the 2-TB version.

WD's rivals in consumer backup devices include Toshiba, Cavalry, Iomega, LaCie, Maxtor, and Seagate.

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