Vantec NexStar 2.5" & 3.5" SATA to USB2.0 & eSATA Dual Bay Hard Drive Docking

Comment:
It works just as described. Worked first time, as soon as I plugged it in. I work with a LOT of large files, so it's extremely handy to be able to dump videos and images to a SATA drive, and then number it and stick it on my shelf. This dock makes the process super-easy. With the cost of hard drives being less per GB now than DVD-R or even CD-R (especially figuring the time it takes to burn discs) this is even a great BACKUP solution. My only complaint is that it takes several hours to format a 2TB drive the first time... but that's not a big deal.

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Used for six months, only USB (havn't tried eSATA), XP, and WD 'Green' 750 GB HD. Every aspect is as I expected from a clean appearence to the smooth function, and I consider this a good purchase. Planned to use multiple drives from the start but only one to this point. The single drive runs dead quiet and very cool temp - what is usual with a WD running at variable speed (5400 rpm). Being as I am using it for backup & storage I want reliability more than performance, and so far this has worked perfectly and been quicker than I thought it would be. When I add another drive, likely a 7200 rpm WD 'Black', and make use of the eSATA functionality I will post an update.

Comment:
Nice to have more than one drive available. Would be much nicer if you didn't have to shut down both to change one. Still have not gotten the eSATA connection to work with either of my computers; the unit is recognized immediately as a USB device, but both computers ignore it when plugged into the eSATA. That may be a limitation of XP; I don't know at this point. Also, drives run hotter under load in this unit than my Thermaltake BlacX, even when just a single drive is plugged in, to the point where I've been thinking a small fan should be incorporated to circulate air around it...

Comment:
I had 4 single docks, I made 1 into a boot dock for my new machine, gave 1 away and still have 2 (1 NexStar and 1 Thermaltake). All of these worked fine. I orded 2 of these and loved them, so I ordered 2 more! Since 1 still have 2 - 500 gig drive to dock and 2 singles, I will order 2 more. Ten I will have 10.5 Tera of storage in 6 docks. Then I will use the single NexStar for a boot dock and retire the 2 Thermtakes. I would suggest these to anyone looking for external storage solutions.

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As simple to install and use at it gets.

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Caution: Your computer has to have a port multiplier if you want to be able to use two drives at the same time.

Comment:
I've used this (over a USB connection) to help upgrade two laptop hard drives to larger capacities. Working with this is a dream. Drives are instantly recognized, insertion and ejection is easy, and it pays a good chunk of its purchase cost in saved time, fuddling and accessories (otherwise you'd have to use either two external storage boxes or some ghetto open-air interface). The eSata feature requires your motherboard to support more than one drive per eSata connection, which most boards do; the problem with that set-up is Windows: apparently one would need to reformat their SATA drives when changing access modes. I haven't confirmed this and didn't feel like trying. The USB mode worked great anyway. Definitely one of the best purchases this year.

Comment:
Would probably buy two separate units due to eSATA requirements.NOTE TO NCIX: Please remove the review length restriction!

Comment:
Works great using USB, but 1.5TB drive has major problems with eSATA interface. Won't see more than one drive. Must put 1.5TB drive in front slot only. eMailed Vantec support but did not even get a reply. Would have been better to buy two single slot units, but they only show that unit as good for 1TB drives. Love the 1.5TB Seagates but can't find a compatible external dock. The two slot idea is great, but they obviously have poor quality control. TigerDirect has now removed this product from their website, so I must not be the only one sending a unit back. I WOULD give Vantec another chance, because no-one else has a two slot 1.5TB unit. I hope they fix these problems quickly.