Suggest an external enclosure!

[Chu]

Hello all. I need a 3.5" external enclosure, but trying to pick one out is incredibly confusing. In random comments I see people talking about different chipsets (NEC vs. Oxford, etc.) and such, but nowhere can I find someone pointing to a good one to actuially buy. All I want is the following:

1. As small as possible and can still hold a 3.5" drive.
2. Fast. Apparently this means I'm looking for an Oxford . . .
3. Supports ATA/133 i.e. 250gigs+
4. Laptop style switching AC adaptor, no wall wart!
5. USB 2.0 absolutly a requirement, but I'll drop $10-$15 more for firewire as well.

This really shouldn't be that hard to find considering i'm willing to drop $50-$60 if I have to, but yet it is. Can someone point me in the right direction?

-Chu

 

[metalmania]

You can find it nowhere according to your "standards".

 

[Chu]

Which one specifically is causing the trouble? I've seen those all individually on most enclosures . . . I can't imagine there isn't one that has all of them.

-Chu

 

[metalmania]

Quote "1. As small as possible and can still hold a 3.5" drive.

4. Laptop style switching AC adaptor, no wall wart!"

Do you mean you want a power adapter brick for this enclosure or else?

Anyway, check Newegg or Dealsonic for Bytecc or Plumax brand 3.5" Firewire/USB2.0
combo, with Oxford 911 chipset, less than $50.

 

[Chu]

Originally posted by: metalmania
Quote "1. As small as possible and can still hold a 3.5" drive.

4. Laptop style switching AC adaptor, no wall wart!"

Do you mean you want a power adapter brick for this enclosure or else?

Anyway, check Newegg or Dealsonic for Bytecc or Plumax brand 3.5" Firewire/USB2.0
combo, with Oxford 911 chipset, less than $50.

(1) means what it says . . . I don't see what the confusion is. Those 5.25 are definatly a no go, and there are some 3.5 enclosures that fit fairly snug with only about an inch added to the back for the controllers, and some that give more then half an inch of leeway around the drive or a huge amount in the back. The Plumax seems to fall into this category, although the "fashing cooling LED" version that ByteCC looks good.

-Chu

P.S., "fashion cooling LED" has to be the most morinic marketing statement I have ever heard, especially considering enthusists are the ones buying these