The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Which external enclosure to buy!?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by pixelot, Mar 24, 2008.

  1. pixelot

    pixelot Notebook Acolyte

    Reputations:
    3,732
    Messages:
    6,833
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    pixelot, Mar 24, 2008
    #1
  2. jetstar

    jetstar Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    1,095
    Messages:
    7,034
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    I'd suggest going for a Vantec or Nextar enclosure.
     
    jetstar, Mar 24, 2008
    #2
  3. redrazor11

    redrazor11 Formerly waterwizard11

    Reputations:
    771
    Messages:
    1,309
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    I've got this one. It worked pretty well, although, it was confusing because there are two usb connectors. Apperently, one is to power the hard drive, and one is to transfer data. Goodluck!

    Edit: Reviews say it works with vista 32 and 64, but i've only used it for xp pro 32
     
    redrazor11, Mar 24, 2008
    #3
  4. bhxtyrant

    bhxtyrant Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    53
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I currently have 2 Vantec Nexstar 3's one Sata and one IDE both have worked great since i got them with no issue and are compatible with Vista.I also Have the Vantec Nexstar DX 5.25" optical drive enclosure.I think the Vantecs are some of the best out there.
     
    bhxtyrant, Mar 24, 2008
    #4
  5. redrazor11

    redrazor11 Formerly waterwizard11

    Reputations:
    771
    Messages:
    1,309
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    yep, i think nexstar is your best bet. But this post reminded me...make sure you get the right model (sata vs ide) cause i almost ordered the wrong one once :p.
     
    redrazor11, Mar 24, 2008
    #5
  6. pixelot

    pixelot Notebook Acolyte

    Reputations:
    3,732
    Messages:
    6,833
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    So do you have to use both USB cables when you're using it? :confused:

    Okay, I think I've narrowed it to three:

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817145137

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817392013

    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817145124

    I'm leaning towards the middle one. What do you guys think?
     
    pixelot, Mar 24, 2008
    #6
  7. bhxtyrant

    bhxtyrant Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    53
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    That is a 2.5" enclosure used for Laptop Hard drives.On those sometimes you do need to use both cables as one provides power and the other Data transfer to the enclosure.But it does vary as i have a Vantec 2.5" Enclosure with 100GB laptop drive and i dont need to use both connections.I only use the small 2.5" enclosure for traveling.
     
    bhxtyrant, Mar 24, 2008
    #7
  8. hydra

    hydra Breaks Laptops

    Reputations:
    285
    Messages:
    2,834
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    56
    Only for laptops that do not have full 500ma usb ports. Most new laptops fine.
     
    hydra, Mar 24, 2008
    #8
  9. pixelot

    pixelot Notebook Acolyte

    Reputations:
    3,732
    Messages:
    6,833
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Oh, that makes sense, hydra. Thanks.

    Soooo, just to confirm, does this:

    mean that it works with Vista?

    Hehe. Just found the NBR review on it. :p

    Ok, so I think I've locked in on the middle one, but I'm still not positive it supports Vista. :mad:

    But this review here seems to indicate it does...

    So I think I'll chance it. Last chance for anyone to say otherwise!

    Thanks for all your help, everyone. :smile:

    Wow, this has grown into a big post. :rolleyes:

    Ok, news is that I bought it and it works!!! Thanks again, everyone. :cool:
     
    pixelot, Mar 24, 2008
    #9