kdphotography
Well-known member
I just thought I'd share one of my latest "toy" acquisitiions----The Thermaltake BlacX eSATA and USB external HD docking station. Very nice for only $45 at TigerDirect. See, http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3829117&CatId=2785
It's not a replacement for a good RAID or back-up, but it does open up a great many options! Apparently, can work with the new 1.5 TB drives. I'm using Hitachi 1TB drives now. eSata card was easy to install---I bought a Vantec card---and supports hot swapping 2.5" and 3.5" HDs. PCI Express card supports 3.0Gbps. PCI slot cards support "only" 1.5 Gbps----both much faster than either USB or FW. I just got tired of having all these adapters and external HDs around. Now I can just store/back-up files to a labeled HD, place in a case, and store on the shelf or fireproof safe. HDs are hot-swappable----just slide it into the dock.
These are the cases I found (like old VHS plastic cases, but made for 3.5" HDs. See, http://www.wiebetech.com/products/cases.php
Inexpensive. Faster than USB or FW. Easy to use. And it works!
It's not a replacement for a good RAID or back-up, but it does open up a great many options! Apparently, can work with the new 1.5 TB drives. I'm using Hitachi 1TB drives now. eSata card was easy to install---I bought a Vantec card---and supports hot swapping 2.5" and 3.5" HDs. PCI Express card supports 3.0Gbps. PCI slot cards support "only" 1.5 Gbps----both much faster than either USB or FW. I just got tired of having all these adapters and external HDs around. Now I can just store/back-up files to a labeled HD, place in a case, and store on the shelf or fireproof safe. HDs are hot-swappable----just slide it into the dock.
These are the cases I found (like old VHS plastic cases, but made for 3.5" HDs. See, http://www.wiebetech.com/products/cases.php
Inexpensive. Faster than USB or FW. Easy to use. And it works!