utilizing IDE hardrive as external hardrive to laptop

[death_knight]

i'm not sure if this is possible just something i've been thinking about for awhile. do you think it is possible to use a ide hardrive as an external hardrive to a laptop. do youknow if there are any ide to usb cables or anything to that effect. also let me know if you have any views on this.

[ramesh]

You can use an external casing for your hard drive and plug it into your USB or firewire port on the laptop. The one thing is that the external casing has to be plugged to a wall socket.

[death_knight]

thanks ramesh. i just found out that intcommex sells the external casiing that converts it and i think it also comes with the cable and power supply so i think i'm gonna get it

[Chris]

Yup, that's the way to go ... get a kit ;)

[death_knight]

yeah cris that i say too. i got a 10 gig ide today just for testing, and it did free so i can't vex. now do you know of anybody that uses the external enclosure i don't wanna get it and it sucks. i want some perfomance ratings. if anybody uses this let me know if it just as good as an external hardrive

[Nastrodamus]

I have used the casing and I must say they are quite good. I would suggest that you ensure that the casing that you get supports USB 2.0. You will get great file transfer rates with this. (I say this assuming that the laptop supports USB 2.0).

[MiTcHiE]

What r u guys talking about?? Can someone post a picture?

[OE]

I have and use this enclosure for a 200GB Maxtor HDD. I recommend getting an aluminum enclosure as it keeps the drive much cooler than the steel enclosures. Also, some have fans to keep the HDD cool but I find them to be too loud. This model supports USB 1/2.0 and Fire Wire, works with PC and MAC and has a blue led that is activated by drive activity. Maximum drive capacity is 300GB.


Regards,

OE


http://home.cogeco.ca/~o.e/hdd.gif

[ramesh]

What r u guys talking about?? Can someone post a picture?


Mitchie, the enclosure is just a metal or plastic box with a power and IDE connector on the inside and a USB and/or Firefire connector on the outside. They are usually powered by A/C, (I've not known any to be powered by the USB cable). Some have a removable cover on the front, especially those for CD/DVD drives. Usually very easy to take apart and connect. I have one at home, I don't use it now because I can't find the power cord.

[MiTcHiE]

OHHHHH