From amazon uk
Checkout with an AU address to remove the vat
$162 WD Red 3TB for NAS 3.5-Inch Desktop Hard Drive - OEM
50
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Everything from China is by seafreight…. and by seafreight I mean it goes through several lifts, trucks and packs/unpacks… it'll be fine.
Yeah but, this is also via the UK. And we know what them Brits are like. http://youtu.be/npjOSLCR2hE
If the Chinese can't drive cars, how would you expect them to go with forklifts? Either way, comments below show there isn't really an issue with transport… should be fine unless you receive your box crushed to half its original dimensions…
All the WD drives I have purchased so far have either been made in Malaysia or Thailand, not China..
That said, it is regardless where they come from, transporting 1,000 hard drives has different logistical requirements than transporting 1 or few drives from an online store to a users home address.
The goal here is to minimise the knocks, jolts and drops the drive experiences during transportation.
Also keep in mind that hard drive are delicate, and a long journey from europe to australia via standard post may expose the drive to knocks and bumps
Are you making this up or have a source to quote? Hard drives are very tolerant to knocks, particularly when not running.
Damn straight! Once that head is parked, it takes a massive hit to do any damage. Add in the fact that they are packaged better than eggs and you'll very rarely see an issue.
To quote tomshardware guide (Aug 2010) (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/hdd-reliability-storelab…) and admittedly slightly old but potentially still current and worth keeping in mind:
Seagate:
'A drop of only 20 cm can be enough to wedge the axle, which will first manifest through increasing hard drive noise and vibration. Seagate uses a new technology in the 7200.12 and later drives to counter this issue. We will have to wait for more long-term studies in order to find out if matters have been truly remedied.'WD:
'Western Digital's construction makes drives particularly vulnerable to shocks and pressure. Unlike other manufacturers, WD does not secure the hard drive axle with a separate screw to the drive cover. Because of this, pressure exerted on the housing or cover can shift the axle, resulting in it changing its angle, and then damaging the platters.'
On the above I believe some higher end WD's do have platters secured at both ends. Just because hard drives are more tolerant of knocks than earlier generations without ramp parking does not mean I'd want to take any less care transporting them.
They are talking about during operation.
I believe the WD 3TB Reds were this price from ShoppingExpress back at the start of the year.
Like as above I also don't think this is a good deal. I won't rehash my reasons why as I and others did this in the recent Amazon US deal post
i don't get the point of the $16-$20 difference in buying it locally … say via MSY where you can take it back no sweat for a refund or exchange within a few days should it be a DOA or have some severe faults. Under warranty they will also do it on your behalf without paying post to WD after the 7 days should it become faulty afterwards..
and if it was the case you bought it with amazon uk and the drive turns out faulty, what charges and headaches are u left with?? waiting game? anxiety attacks? postal charges? more waiting game? and all for the sake of $16 difference?
say via MSY where you can take it back no sweat for a refund
Have you been to MSY?
and all for the sake of $16 difference?
That is 10%. Even if you had to throw out the drive, are you saying there is a greater than 1 in 10 chance of the drive failing? Unless there is, this is always going to work out cheaper in the long run.
MSY got in a lot of shit over their warranty policy and have had to do an about-face on a lot of the suppliers. Sure, some are still manufacturer direct returns, but better than what they used to be.
Quite regular @MSY fyi. My branch treats me quite well. Prove to them item that are doa within that 7 days I either get a refund OR if I wanted exchange.
I did used to work for 8 yrs for a large DR firm in StKilda Rd, vic part time :) luck of the draw! I'd put my money locally just for the sakes of Warranty and less headaches! You dont have to buy it MSY! others have it closely to that $16-$20 price difference.
chances are….. "IF"!!!
edit: RED WD are quite reliable.. but there are still chances you'll get a doa or ones with faults!
edit: RED WD are quite reliable.. but there are still chances you'll get a doa or ones with faults!
Yes and my point is that even if this happens, over time you win by saving 10% each time you buy something, but maybe spending a bit more on the off chance it goes wrong.
If you can claim GST back, then there is no saving.
That website makes me want to kill myself.
Just checked the Amazon deal is more expensive and waiting two+ weeks to get.
Payment Total: AUD 168.67is anyone really tricked into the wdc red marketing spin?
i purchased a pair of hgst 3tb 24/7 7,200rpm drives for much much less
faster and no need for any firmware fixes
as the name suggests, 24/7 nas operation is fine
is anyone really tricked into the wdc red marketing spin?
Unfortunately yes. There is basis for it though, some of the green firmware has had some pretty big issues where it would ingore power state commands from the OS and create serious problems.
I am running the cheapest seagates and never had a problem.
Umm….. tony, if you think fast is all you have to worry about with NAS specific drives, then you'll be in for some disappointment in the future.
It's not just marketing mate. have a good read up on them… the reds ARE superior drives for NAS setups. Not going to waste my time typing it all here- google it. There are physical differences to drives that extend further than the marketing pretend land you think they do.
And 3yrs warranty vs 1yr for cheaper drives is also a good indication that wdc are prepared to back their product… which is specifically targeted at users who will run the drives a lot more than standard desktop pcs.
There are physical differences to drives that extend further than the marketing pretend land you think they do.
Nope, only firware. Even WD doesn't claim physical differences, and they are trying to claim it is worth the money!
And 3yrs warranty vs 1yr for cheaper drives is also a good indication that wdc are prepared to back their product
It's a good indication that you paid more for an extended warranty
which is specifically targeted at users who will run the drives a lot more than standard desktop pcs.
On more? Yes. More load? Usually no, particularly writes.
Same hardware doesn't mean that they aren't binning. ie. lower vibrations, etc. become reds, the others greens.
i'm not happy about having to return wdc drives to singapore on my dime when they fail
i get the same 3yrs from other companies but only need to pay to send them to mascot
your choice but i'd never buy wdc as long as they do that
Slightly cheaper from Amazon US.
same price at MSY also.
same price at Austin Computers Perth.
$3 more expensive at Net Plus Perth.
:)
$179 for 4TB
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1001306-REG/western_di…
US though, and not shipped… still…
Unless your buying a a few of them, this equates to around $20 saving per drive compared to local prices. Posting also doesn't mention estimated postage…
Also keep in mind that hard drive are delicate, and a long journey from europe to australia via standard post may expose the drive to knocks and bumps - and while the drive may work without issues at first, they can manifest later on with issues (newegg buyers seem to have drives failing as a common issue and newegg are known for sometimes using minimum packaging on drives)…
As with any drive, probably best to run a few weeks in a nursery, let the drive settle in, then after a few weeks put into production.
We use several RED's at work with no issues but I would not buy overseas for a 10-15% price saving with issues and time delays compared to buying locally (and supporting local jobs).