Some basic parameters: RAID 0/1 or JBOD are possible, individually reach the disks 100-110 MB / s, in the raid actually ~ 200-210 MB / s. 233 MB / s I did not quite make it.
That's fast, but what makes this Thunderbolt system afloat, that is Thunderbolt. Unlike USB 3.0 drops these tiny perceived "lag" away and the transfer rate is practically better / higher. You can work with it in fact, as if the board installed in the PC / Laptop! I never achieved with USB 3.0. This holds true whether you're running the drives in RAID 0 or 1, the operation is incredibly responsive, even as internally. In the blind test, I would be able to notice any difference.
The cable is guided in a track to the cool housing, a power supply is not necessary. This makes the system very portable. On an activity LED has - in my opinion fortunately, the Geblinke irritates me often and annoying - waived. The fan came forward to 4TB data transfer after about 2 hours for the first time ever for about ~ 1 min and was unpleasant humming loudly, but he's really off as good as ever.
I am very fond of this Thunderbolt system! Nevertheless, there are some things to complain about: Thunderbolt is not as widespread. Newer systems have, of course, but an upcoming USB 4.0 standard I would prefer, because of the backward compatibility. It's annoying when you have to go through another disk or network to detour when others just do not have a Thunderbolt. Simple and inexpensive adapter to USB A la Thunderbolt there were unfortunately not. Something bulky Klotz is also a gewöhliche 2.5 "sleeve is too shallow, but a usually over-sized 2.5" casing of Hama was high enough on the 2.5 "casing Amazon Basics in which I my other 2 , 5 'USB drives usually pack that you will not fit in.
The other would be the relatively high price to USB 3 drives. Really only recommended for semi-professional users who need a really fast transfer rate and responsiveness as described above, can be larger USB drives have to store larger amounts of data for a lot less money. One should also critically ask the seller whether the 2 or 4TB model is available! Interestingly, the larger costs 2x 4TB version not too much more than the smaller 2TB variant. WD itself labelt the 2x2TB version as "2TB", which is the default RAID 1 mode.
Addendum 1 June 2014: The four little plastic nubs which serve as feet are poorly glued in recesses of the aluminum housing. Two have already been solved. Really succeeded this design is not just larger plastic feet that would not so easily fall it can be.
