eSATA/USB combo port question?

Hello to all....I'm new to the forum...looks great!!!

I recently bought a M17X, I'm trying to copy large amounts of data to external hard drives and USB 2.0 is slow on this task, so I'm planing to upgrade and take advantage of the eSATA/USB port that is built in my new laptop.

I'm no pro on this matter, I would appreciate your advice on this matter....

What's the best cable?
What's the best Hard Drive?
Should it be powered or can it be powered thru the port?

Thanks in advance.

 

Hi, I use a Verbatim Quad Interface. Comes with eSATA and other cables. Needs external power though. Speed is nice for taking backups.

Don't know if there's a drive that can draw its power from the port (I had to select from a limited number of marks/models).

Quad Interface External Hard Drive 1TB | Quad | Verbatim Europe - Data Storage, Computer & Imaging Consumables

 

Hello Belien, Thanks for your reply,
how has it worked for you?
how about speed Vs. USB 2.0?

 

Good question there, never tried, but you made me curious. Copying the same 4GB file gives these results:

USB2.0 : 35 MB/s
eSATA : 81 MB/s

Hope this helps you to make up your mind.

 

you can also get an expresscard to usb 3.0 adapter

 

They also have USB/ESATA Combo Cables which can(if the enclosure supports it) power and transfer data in one cable.

Amazon.com: StarTech ESATAUSB3 eSATA + USB Cable M/M (3 Feet): Electronics

 

I finally, after months and years, found an external 2.5" case with eSATA+power port and it works flawlessly on my M17xR2, my HP HDX18, my Latitude Z600 and my Latitude XT2. All have the combo eSATA+Power port. This case also comes with the eSATA combo cable you need (plus a Y-ended USB cable in case your PC doesn't have the eSATA+Power port)!

Plus, it's dirt cheap. (build quality is good, but it's no LaCie!!).

Get it here!

 

TWENTY BUCKS???? Just for the cable??

The drive enclosure I linked to includes a case and cable and is only $14!

 

Yes, but this is both into one cable usb + esata. + you can use it with a rosewill case with the 80MM fan on the top. Love my setup.

 

Not sure what you are saying. The case/cable from geeks.com carries eSATA + power (from the usb portion of a combo eSATA/USB port) on one cable. No other power cable needed to power your external drive.

You're saying this cable on Amazon somehow acts as either a USB cable or an eSATA cable? The picture on Amazon doesn't show that...it looks like an eSATA cable to me.

 

For just a cable, this is more what I would expect to pay...

There is this enclosure, also, but at $31, I could buy two of the ones from Geeks...

 

No, I am saying it uses the Combo Port to power/transfer data to the External. Yah that case also has OTB which is why it is more expensive plus it also has a combo port

I think i confused yours as it is seperate cables usb to usb and esata to esata.

either way the one you posted is nice and a great deal.

 

Mine comes with a USB cable (which you don't need) and a power over eSATA cable.

 

Ahhh, ok well that is a great deal like i said above was editing when you posted.

 

My Antec MX-25 2.5" enclosure is a total rip-off. Antec doesn't even sell the 5volt power adapter in order to use the Esata port. You have to power it with the USB cable and transfer at USB speeds.

Thanks to whoever found this link to the Geeks website. I just bought one.

 

lancorp, do you still have any extra latitude Zs?

 

Extras? No, just my own. If you're looking for one and the price were right...

 

Thanks to all for your input.....
I think I'm going with the flexible option by seagate called free agent go flex
Where they give me the option to get a esata kit or even better (after some info I read) USB 3.0 although most people think USB 3.0 still needs more adjustments it looks promising.

best regards.

 

Considering the cost of the bare GoFlex drives, plus the cost of a USB 3.0 interface, and the fact that the M17x does not even have USB 3.0, seems like a bad choice. Get the external power-over-eSATA case from Geeks, get a good deal on a big, cheap 2.5" drive, and be happy for less than $100. My 2 cents worth...

 

Thanks lancorp, will consider it......I read that they only hold up to 500 GB?

Thanks in advance

 

The specs say that, but I think any 9.5mm high drive that fits will work. Right now, that's 750GB, although 640GB 5400RPM drives were selling for $50 last weekend at newegg. Great price for a data drive!

 

Haha im waiting for those supposed dell outlet "coupons" for the z... i havent even gotten one yet. do you know how those work?/

and what have u customized to your liking on your own Z?