Have any unused hard disk lying around? So now is the time to use it. Sometimes you dont want to use two hard disks on a system. But still you want to use your second hard disk, which is lying around. You may be wondering how to use it, without spending much. Its simple, just use “Hard disk dock”.So now you would be confused which hard disk dock you should buy and what features to consider before buying one. Lets see which HD dock to buy.
What to Look Out for in a Hard Disk Dock
Some of the features to consider before buying a hard disk dock are:
- Should be compatible to any 2.5” or 3.5” SATA I/II Hard Drive.
- Should be compatible with different Operating Systems. (Mostly they are, because they have USB interfaces)
- eSATA interface
- Package should contain USB cable, User manual, Power adapter, etc
- If the package contains SATA to eSATA Bracket, then that would be a plus point.
Now lets take a look at Vantec hard disk dock. A quote from the website:
The Vantec NexStar Hard Drive Dock is a complete and easy way to add or swap hard drives to your computer. It gives you the flexibility of connecting any SATA I/II hard drive to your computer via USB 2.0 or eSATA connection without opening up your computer case or installing into an enclosure. Simply just insert any 2.5” or 3.5” SATA I/II hard drive into the NexStar Hard Drive Dock and you are ready to transfer, copy, or backup files.
Inserting the hard disk is simple. You just insert your hard disk with the connectors facing downwards. And then connect the power adapter and the USB / eSATA cable. Thats it, you’re ready to use your new massive hard disk. Its that simple.
Do note that you can’t insert PATA hard disks in this dock. Ofcourse nowadays, you cant even find PATA hard disks, but if you are thinking to buy this dock, just to connect your old PATA hard disk, then dont buy this dock. You will be able to connect your SATA hard disks without any problem.
This Vantec Hard drive dock has a blue hard disk activity light , it will glow when you will transfer your files or when the hard disk is being used. This is a very good plug and play device. Now you dont have to insert the hard disk by opening your cabinet, just use this dock. And yes, the transfer rate of eSATA is also very fast. I recommend to use eSATA interface only, as this interface is very fast, compared to USB. Thats it, enjoy your new storage device and keep expanding your data, after all that’s what we all do.
Maya Bailey says
we always use power adapters at home because of our different voltage applications*:’
Mukund says
1.Can you plug in or remove a Hard Disk while the computer is on ?
2. How much does the Dock cost ?
Saqib says
I think there is some confusion in your understanding. To use this, the computer should be running with an internal hard disk. After then, if you have another internal hard disk lying around, then you can use them with the help of this dock. This dock comes with an adaptor which requires power supply. First plugin your internal hard disk, plugin the adaptor and connect through USB or eSATA. This Vantec Hard disk dock comes for 30 USD on Newegg.