Dell External Media Bay

Hello all,

Does anyone have Dell's external media bay for Latitude E or Precision models? I am interested in knowing whether it only works with Dell laptops or if it can serve as a generic DVD reader when I put my optical drive in it (useful for my netbook).

Thanks in advance!

 

It uses eSata port, if you netbook has eSata, it works i think...but usually netbooks doesn't have eSata

 

I have the external media bay. The port on the bay appears to be proprietary to Dell. However, the cable that connects to the laptop is a combination USB+eSATA port. The USB portion provide power only and the eSATA handles the data. While I have not tested it with other devices, I would expect it to work with any USB+eSATA port.

 

OT, but it'd great idea to join USB and eSata, fast external 2.5" HDD-s dream...is there some USB-eSata box with HDD inside?

 

Could you try it on a USB-only port?

 

HerrKaputt:
The connector will not fit in a standard USB port, only the combo USB+eSATA port. I also examined the connector. It only has the two outside pins that are used for USB power.

Wixr: Agreed. That would be nice. So far I have not seen one, but I think it is only a matter of time as more manufacturers adopt the USB+eSATA combo port. I would be interested if you happen to find one.