external enclosure / docking station ? must have e-sata

[Deusfaux]

I've seen the Vantec one here:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=29676&vpn=NST-D100SU&manufacture=VANTEC

Which is not bad, and probably the front runner for me so far.

I saw Thermaltake's model - but it looks ugly as sin, even though it comes in the superior black (it also costs $10 more).



I'm thinking of moving away from doing the pre-packaged externals from WD or Seagate and going DIY to have more freedom of choice of parts and upgradeability.


It has to have USB and eSATA - and WORKING eSATA. Not that shit that Seagate put into all their FreeAgent Pros, for example.

I'll probably pair it with a WD640GB, or a Seagate 7200.11 - 500 GB or more.

[Eluder79]

I'm using an Antec Veris MX-1. It's fast and keeps the drive nice and cool. I'd highly recommend an actively cooled enclosure.

[Old Hippie]

AFAIK, at this time, that Vantec you linked is the only docking station with eSATA sold in the US.

I'll throw my vote with Eluder, Vantec MX-1. ;)

[Deusfaux]

actually there is the Thermaltake which I mentioned too.

I think the advantage of a docking station (besides being able to swap drives in and out of it with ease) is that I can take the HDD alone, and store/hide/lock that up

as opposed to the whole kit and kaboodle.

[bexamous]

Thermaltake SE one looks better than first design IMO. I've got the older Thermaltake USB-only one... 15MB/sec limit sorta sucks-- but works! Eventually I'm going to upgrade it to the SE one to gain esata and a usb hub... I could cut down on wallwarts that way as well. Currently have an entire wall wart plug just for a super small usb hub :(.

[Old Hippie]

Here's the cradle I bought (http://www.geekstuff4u.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=640). eSATA, cover, 4 port USB hub, and the kitchen sink. :D

Only thing is, it'll cost ya @ 100.00 to your door.

[Eluder79]

Woah, that's one pricey cradle!

[Rabid Badger]

Logitec != Logitech

It may be an excellent piece of equipment, but names like that make me nervous.

On the other hand, I just picked up one of the Thermaltakes at work and it's very well made, but mine isn't the e-SATA version.

[Old Hippie]

It may be an excellent piece of equipment, but names like that make me nervous.


I know what ya mean.

I compared it to a friend's, and have a hard time believing mine and the Thermaltake Black X/SE aren't being popped out of the same factory.

I bought mine in Feb. before any in the US were offering eSATA connections.

The question just begs to be asked, why hasn't TT put an eSATA connection in their top model cradle?

[axan]

The question just begs to be asked, why hasn't TT put an eSATA connection in their top model cradle?

they did http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153071

[Old Hippie]

they did http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153071

Why not include it in the one with a USB hub, HD cover, and more letters? The SE model also has the highest list price.

I guess "top" is in the eye of the beholder. ;)

Regardless, now they have room to upgrade the SE model with an eSATA port and sell it to those that hafta have it all! :D