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USB
2.0 Hard Drive Enclosure Overview
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Today's
portable storage solutions are easy
enough to
come by, but finding portable storage solutions that have
enough
punch to make it convenient isn't as easy as finding it.
This external hard drive enclosure supports
USB 2.0, with the USB 2.0 cable interface, this unit will
transfer data at rates up to 480Mbps. The
USB enclosure case allows for full Plug-and-Play
/ hot swapping compatibility. PC and laptop users with
an absolute need for a portable hard drive solution
can be assured of this enclosures reliability, speed, and
convenience.
The
USB 2.0 3.5 inch IDE hard drive enclosure also gives you
the opportunity to add stackable HDD enclosures through a
USB hub, each hard drive with storage capacity of up to 120
GIG, a great back up server solution. |
USB 2.0 Hard Drive Enclosure Features
USB 2.0 hard drive enclosure Features
- Compatible
with 3.5" IDE Hard Drive up to 120
Gig
- Interface for USB V2.0, backwards compatible with USB V1.1
- Works with both Windows and MAC
- Easy Plug and Play
- Interface Transfer Rate: 480Mbps
- Power Source: External Power Cord
- Enclosure Case: Light weight plastic
- Operates on Windows 98/98SE/ME/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or higher
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The USB 2.0 hard drive enclosure includes the power cord,
mounting screws, USB cable and CD-ROM. |
Hard Drive Installation Overview
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Once
the hard drive is installed in to the USB 2.0 enclosure,
connections are simple. Essentially
the USB 2.0 hard drive enclosure is like making connections
to your computer. The power cord necessary to power the
drive within the enclosure will plug into any grounded
outlet in or outside of the  home or office. The USB 2.0
cable will connect to any type "A" USB port on
a PC or laptop enabling the data connection between the
hard drive
and computer. |
Step by Step hard drive install to the USB 2.0 Enclosure
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Step 1. Slide the body of the USB 2.0 enclosure out from the plastic
casing. |
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Step
2.
Notice the underside of the USB 2.0 hard drive enclosure. The
two rails inside of the slots are where the hard drive
is mounted to with the included mounting screws.
The hard drive is placed inside the enclosure for mounting. |
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Step 3.
From the top of the USB 2.0 enclosure, simply slide the top
cover backward to remove it from the body and expose the
needed connections. At this point it would be advised to
practice ESD (electrostatic discharge) safety. |
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Step 4.
The
hard drive assembles into the USB 2.0 enclosure much
like any hard drive into a desktop or tower PC. Connect
PIN-1 of the data ribbon to PIN-1 of the HDD connector,
then connect the Power Supply of the enclosure to
the
HDD.
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A
slightly closer look at the hard drive installed into
the USB 2.0
enclosure. Notice the power supply connection and the
data ribbon connector at the bottom right corner of the
image.
make sure they are seated well into their ports for proper
function.
The hard drive used in the USB 2.0 enclosure was a Hitachi Deskstar
hard drive.82.3 GIG storage, ATA/100, 7200 RPM |
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Step 5.
After connecting the data ribbon and power plug to their
respective ports, turn the USB 2.0 enclosure over and attach
the hard drive in 4 locations with the supplied mounting
screws and slide the top cover of the enclosure back into
place.
NOTE: Because
of the length of the data ribbon (approx. 2.5 inches)
take care in the position of the mounted hard drive.
Make sure
the data ribbon is not extended to tightly, there should
be some degree of movement in the ribbon. This is to
assure proper connection between the hard drive and
the USB 2.0
enclosure. |
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Step 6.
Slide the USB 2.0 enclosure back into its plastic case and
secure it with the included screws on the back side, one
screw on either end of the enclosure. Connect your power
and USB cable to your computer. Now your drive is ready to
use.
NOTE: Before
you use your newly installed hard drive, you must initialize
it for your system to recognize it. Please view this short
movie for a visual
demonstration of the process of initializing your hard
drive. |
USB 2.0 hard drive enclosure Testimonial
The USB 2.0 hard
drive enclosure was really easy to work with, certainly
much easier than taking the case cover off my PC and installing
a new drive. Just to make some comparisons between the
USB 2.0 hard drive enclosure and installing into a PC.
USB 2.0 Enclosure |
PC / Tower |
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| No screws
holding case cover on (slides off/on) |
Usually 3 - 4 screws holding case on |
| Easier work space (more open) |
Have to work inside the frame of PC |
| Mounting
screws for HDD screw in from top. Less chance of
falling. |
Mounting screws for HDD screw in on sides of bays. |
| Portable wherever a USB port available |
Not portable unless moving entire PC |
| Easily removable |
Not so easy |
After the assembly was finished, all it took was the power
cord and the USB cable and I was up and running. Portability
is a great plus as I could switch from one computer to another
very easily and without
problem. Depending on the amount of desk space you have the enclosure
can be laid down or stood up on its side, which ever id preferred.
All in all this is an excellent investment to improve your mobility
when doing your personal computing. Take it from someone who is constantly
on a computer, it's nice to be able to change your scenery once in
a while. Definitely a worth while buy.
Bob Boisvert...Web Professional |
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