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    Ditch the Plug

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by darklich, Oct 27, 2006.

  1. darklich

    darklich Notebook Consultant

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    I have a Pexagon 500GB external hard drive. It's powered by a hella big 10v adapter. Is there another safe way to power the drive without the adapter? I hate traveling with that big plug.

    Thanks for any help.
     
    darklich, Oct 27, 2006
    #1
  2. KrispyKreme50

    KrispyKreme50 Notebook Evangelist

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    I don't think so. The adapter's there because the USB port/Firewire can't supply the power required in the first place.
     
    KrispyKreme50, Oct 27, 2006
    #2
  3. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    You can get a USB powered case for a notebook drive, but that will limit you to 200GB hard drive.
     
    ZaZ, Oct 27, 2006
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  4. Gator

    Gator Go Gators!

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    Witchcraft aside, nope.
     
    Gator, Oct 27, 2006
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  5. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    It sounds as if you were supplied with an old fashioned transformer PSU. That reminds me of the 2X NEC external CD-ROM drive I bought in 1994 - the transformer was heavier than the drive (which was quite large). It wouldn't have been out of place as the door stop for a barn door.

    I have recently bought a Freecom 400GB HDD http://www.freecom.com/ecproduct_detail.asp?ID=2893&CatID=8020&sCatID=1146443&ssCatID=1146554 which came with a very compact electronic PSU rated at 12V, 2A and weighs only 180g (6 1/4oz). The HDD itself has a thick aluminium case and weighs 1.2kg (2lb 10oz), but there are other lighter models.

    My suggestion is that while you can't leave the PSU behind, you may be able to find a much lighter electronic PSU.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Oct 27, 2006
    #5
  6. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Look for 3.5" hard drive enclosures on newegg (it has pictures of how big everything included is) and then transfer your drive to a new enclosure. About the only solution I know of, unless you want to do as ZaZ says and get a 2.5" drive + enclosure, which allows you to use USB to power the drive.
     
    Pitabred, Oct 27, 2006
    #6