eSATA Enclosure/HDD Combo

Are there any good single drive enclosures that I can put a barebone drive into which supplies power and an eSATA port to my laptop?

I'm looking at around $100 max, from Canada by the way.

Was looking at this one:
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29859&vpn=ST0005U&manufacture=Thermaltake
But I'll probably wait for a sale on it. There was also
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=44833&vpn=ST0014U&manufacture=Thermaltake
which has 2 bays but would that work with only 1 HDD?

Also would SSD or something like the Momentus XT work with an enclosure like that?

Thanks.

 

No, the device will recognize both drives as separate volumes even if both slots are populated (you can use both slots at the same time).

Yes. However, enjoying the performance of the Momentus XT will depend on the type of data transferring interface you're using.

 

Those docks aren't really meant for long-term use. They're more for sys-admins who are frequently swapping hard drives. If you want something attached to your PC all the time, you're better off buying a traditional enclosure with 1 or 2 bays.

 

I respectfully disagree. Indeed, docks have a more "open air" design than traditional enclosures, but I wouldn't neccessarily say that they aren't meant for long term use.

In fact, had I opinion on the issue (which I do, and will voice), I would rather use a dock than an external for the simple fact that my hard drive will operate much more cooler than being boxed up in a metal enclosure.

This is important where heat is concerned as temperature is the number one killer of spindle based storage devices (besides physically damaging it of course).

 

Oh I thought those are enclosures.
Can you point me to something that would be ideal for longterm use?

 

Sure. Silverstone MS03 External Enclosure. However, understand that docks can be and are just as "long term" as enclosures are.

Incidentally, you may be interested in a similar themed thread here at NBR, located here:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/accessories/520268-buying-external-hard-drive-advice.html

 

I found this enclosure:
http://ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=39419&vpn=NST-300SU-BK&manufacture=Vantec

it seems nice, comes with eSATA and under $30, I'll probably pick it up if it goes on sale or something. NCIX has a few enclosure choices so if any of them goes on sale I'll get em.

Also there's a choice for SATA, SATA2 and SATA3 HDD, which ones are compatible with enclosures?

 

That's a nice choice.

Any of them, really. The SATA specification is backwards compatible, that is, if you buy a 6.0Gbp/s (SATA III) hard drive, it can still be run on the SATA I specification. However, to maximize the performance of your hard drive, you'll want to match it up with the best data interface your system and enclosure can support.

 

Cool thanks for the help I think for the HDD I'll just pick whichever one goes on a good sale.

Don't really want breakneck speeds, just enough to maybe play games off of and perhaps act as the boot drive.

 

US$14 TheGeeks esata/usb enclosure. Details here.

 

Docks expose the drive to dust, pet hair, static, and other physical hazards. Again, they're fine if you're frequently swapping hard drives, but if it's going to just sit on your desk all day, it makes more sense, IMO, to have a traditional enclosure. Any enclosure worth its salt is a) aluminum so it acts like a big heatsink and/or b) is actively cooled. My Thermaltake enclosure is both so my Seagate 1 TB HDD runs at a constant 30-32 degrees.

 

Hmm interesting, but that only supports up to 500GB and is 2.5 in. I think it would be cheaper to find a high capacity drive with 3.5in in my case.

 

The Thermaltake Max4 is the one I use. You can certainly find it online for less than the MSRP. Whatever you do DO NOT buy any Vantec enclosure. I've bought a few over the years, and more often than not, they either do not work out of the box or will break down the road. I've had no issues with any other brands.

 

Heh way too expensive.

The reviews on the Vantec is pretty good.

 

Went to a grand opening of NCIX today expecting to get a $40 Seagate Barracuda 1TB and the Vantec enclosure for $20.

only got the enclosure, HDD sold out


Would've been a good deal for an external eSATA 1tb for $60

 

These hazards exist for external units as well. I'm not disagreeing with you on the application of a dock vs. external mind you. I'm simply making the point that there are inherent hazards to each storage application.

Aluminum is a great material to make an enclosure from, but it still locks in heat, regardless of the use of a fan or not.

 

My 2 cents - docks are for hot swaps. Enclosures are for portability. Universal adapters and adapters yanked from old enclosures + a stack of bare drives = my preferred madness

 

Just bought a 500GB HDD for $35 today. Couple that with the Vantec Enclosure I got for $20, pretty good deal, 500GB eSATA for $55-ish.

 

That Vantec enclosure is the one I got, when it was on sale at $20 (and no shipping since it was a shop nearby).

The HDD you listed was 5400RPM, the 500GB I got was 7200RPM but 3.5.

I originally wanted to pick up the 1TB but that was sold out.

I don't really bring the computer to many places, more like a desktop replacement since I have to travel every 4 months.

 

Nah the Vantec I got was 3.5 Maybe we are looking at different ones.