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    HDD via eSATA to laptop w/o eSATA?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by puter1, Jan 1, 2010.

  1. puter1

    puter1 Notebook Deity

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    What are the options to connect a hard drive via eSATA to a laptop that doesn't have an eSATA port? If it doesn't have an ExpressCard, what can one do?

    Is your only option a USB cable (changing the external drive connection via USB?) or using a USB to eSATA adapter? I assume both of these would limit you to only USB speeds?
     
    puter1, Jan 1, 2010
    #1
  2. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    Do you have a CardBus slot? There are eSATA CardBus cards available.

    Yes, the speed would plummet to snail-like USB speeds. :)
     
    tilleroftheearth, Jan 1, 2010
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  3. puter1

    puter1 Notebook Deity

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    I'm just inquiring... many of the laptops I like lack at least one feature I want. If I compromise on an eSATA port, for e.g., I was wondering what my options are. I like to back up my data or have data storage on an internal drive in an enclosure connected via eSATA.
     
    puter1, Jan 1, 2010
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  4. puter1

    puter1 Notebook Deity

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    I don't know whether it would have a Cardbus slot... Probably. It doesn't sound like an eSATA port is hardware I want to compromise on, though. ;-)
     
    puter1, Jan 1, 2010
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  5. cloudbyday

    cloudbyday Notebook Deity

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    It sounds like you don't have the laptop yet. Is that true?
     
    cloudbyday, Jan 1, 2010
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  6. User Retired 2

    User Retired 2 Notebook Nobel Laureate NBR Reviewer

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    User Retired 2, Jan 1, 2010
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  7. puter1

    puter1 Notebook Deity

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    What is the speed penalty, if any?

    Correct.

    Would you buy a laptop without eSATA if you wanted it and just go with one of the solutions mentioned?

    I thought it might be inconvenient to have one of these options especially if I'm hit with a major speed difference.
     
    puter1, Jan 2, 2010
    #7