Vantec NexStar eSata/USB Hard Drive Dock Review

**MIG-31** · May 17, 2008, 05:24 PM

Back in April, I reviewed Thermaltake’s BlacX USB Hard Drive dock and heralded it as a step in the right direction, away from those boring hard drive enclosures out there. Although it was a cool concept, it lacked in the performance department due in part to the omission of something faster than your standard USB port. Vantec has come along with a new product called the NexStar eSata/USB Hard Drive Dock which sports not only lowly USB, but kicks up the performance with an eSATA port.
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Review: Futurelooks

Tipstaff · May 18, 2008, 12:03 AM

I've tried this one, and the Thermaltake one, and while it is a nice little unit I have the same issue as the reviewer does with it: it's too light. The Thermaltake one is heavier, and they used better material.

BTW, the reviewer mentioned that Thermaltake BlacX doesn't come with an eSATA connector, but what he doesn't mention is that the BlacX comes in 3 different versions: USB ($30), USB/eSATA ($40), and they have an SE version that has USB and a built in 4 port USB hub ($50). I have the one with the eSATA connector on it at work (model number ST0005U), and I like it a lot. I use it mostly for checking clients hard drives, and transfer data off of them.

May 17, 2008, 05:24 PM	#1
MIG-31 HardwareHeaven News Mod Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Nottingham,UK Posts: 56,854 Rep Power: 471 System Specs	Vantec NexStar eSata/USB Hard Drive Dock Review Back in April, I reviewed Thermaltake’s BlacX USB Hard Drive dock and heralded it as a step in the right direction, away from those boring hard drive enclosures out there. Although it was a cool concept, it lacked in the performance department due in part to the omission of something faster than your standard USB port. Vantec has come along with a new product called the NexStar eSata/USB Hard Drive Dock which sports not only lowly USB, but kicks up the performance with an eSATA port. ____________ Review: Futurelooks __________________ Please Post Your News Submissions Here

May 18, 2008, 12:03 AM	#2
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 191 System Specs	I've tried this one, and the Thermaltake one, and while it is a nice little unit I have the same issue as the reviewer does with it: it's too light. The Thermaltake one is heavier, and they used better material. BTW, the reviewer mentioned that Thermaltake BlacX doesn't come with an eSATA connector, but what he doesn't mention is that the BlacX comes in 3 different versions: USB ($30), USB/eSATA ($40), and they have an SE version that has USB and a built in 4 port USB hub ($50). I have the one with the eSATA connector on it at work (model number ST0005U), and I like it a lot. I use it mostly for checking clients hard drives, and transfer data off of them. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.