Image courtesy of StarTech
As a Systems Administrator, I’m always looking for new tools to help me get my job done faster and more efficiently. I spend a lot of time at work creating operating system builds and imaging in preparation for mass deployment. During the process I have to build an image, distribute it to a few machines, start and then test for any issues. I have some great hardware and software to help me with that, but the latest offering from StarTech could make my life all that much easier. The new SATDOCK4U2E Hard Drive Docking station from StarTech is an industry first — a 4 bay hard drive dock that allows for both SATA and IDE drives and connects through either USB 2.0, USB 3.0, or eSATA connection (depending on model).
Tech Specs:
SATDOCK4U3E
- Supports up to four 2.5” and/or 3.5” SATA HDDs or SSDs
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0 and eSATA connections to host with support for data transfer speeds of up to 5Gbps and 3Gbps, respectively
- Backward compatible with USB 2.0 host connections
- High speed eSATA with Port Multiplier host interface with supported transfer rates up to 3 Gbps
- Dual variable-speed cooling fans
- Independent power buttons and drive eject buttons for quick, easy hot-swapping
- Enables fast, swappable access to four 2.5”/3.5” SATA drives, from multiple computers
- Supports up to four 2.5” and/or 3.5” SATA HDDs or SSDs
- Dual High Speed USB 2.0 host interfaces with support for transfer rates up to 480 Mbps
- Four high speed eSATA host interfaces with supported transfer rates up to 3 Gbps
- Dual variable-speed cooling fans
- Independent power buttons and drive eject buttons for quick, easy hot-swapping
Since the MSRP for both products is around the $190 mark, I would not hesitate to put my money in the SATDOCK4U3E model; the reason being mostly because it offers USB 3.0 connection and eSATA Port Multiplier which would allow simultaneous connections to the device using a single eSATA connection. Both models support 2.5″, 3.5″ and SSD hard drives, which would most likely allow you to replace any other external drive adapter you may be using.
With all these features built-in, the two part numbers have you pretty much covered with a complete external drive docking solution. With all current and older drives covered, you have a future-proof drive dock that can connected by any number of port options. The only drawback is that if you are restricted to using a machine that is only USB 2.0 (no eSATA or USB 3.0) you must get the SATDOCK4U2E which also has eSATA, but not USB 3.0 or the eSATA Port Multiplier. I have to check with StarTech to be sure, but I don’t believe that the USB 3.0 port is backwards compatible – which is why I’m assuming there are two models available.
I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these to try it out. Whether you’re a system administrator, family tech guy, or just want an easy way to connect several drives for storage, this could be a great option for you. This is basically just a simple way to connect hot swappable hard drives to any machine. I can say that StarTech does not always have the cheapest prices in town for the products they offer, but I can tell you that you certainly get what you pay for. I have a half-dozen or so StarTech products that I own and use, and I have yet to be disappointed by any one of them. I absolutely do not mind paying a little extra to get a higher quality and more reliable product. So many times in the past I have purchased cheaper versions of products like this, and due to failure I have ended buying the same item twice or three times … and in the end I usually just end up getting a StarTech version.
These docks are available right now from StarTech for $189.99 (SATDOCK4U3E) and $186.99 (SATDOCK4U2E). Check out the site for more info and more great products.
Via Startech
Past postings on GD about StarTech Products
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