Gadgets Found on eBay: USB to IDE Hard Drive Connector

[Jason Dunn]

I like buying computer equipment. More specifically, I like buying computer equipment that I think will be useful in certain scenarios. Those scenarios might not come up very often, but I always want to have the right tool for the right job. If you've ever had to diagnose a bad hard drive, or rescue data off a drive pulled from a messed up system, you'll appreciate this adaptor I bought for under $10 USD. Previously, I've had to crack open an ADS external drive enclosure, which is a major hassle and only worked with 3.5" drives. Here's what the USB to IDE connector looks like:

http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/ebaygadget-harddriveadaptor.jpg

It works amazingly well: that's a 2.5" laptop hard drive in the photo, which I connected to the adaptor then connected the whole thing to the USB port on the front of my computer. Within a few seconds the hard drive was recognized and I was able to access it. What's particularly impressive is that it did this with only one USB port worth of power. The other side of the adaptor is for 3.5" drives, and the kit also came with a external power supply to power the 3.5" drives. The buyer I purchased has an eBay store (http://stores.ebay.ca/DizzySnake_Cable-Connector-Converter_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQftidZ2QQtZkm) if you want to pick up something similar.

[Mike Temporale]

I got one like this too. It's very handy. Especially when I have to send my laptop in for repair. I tell them that the system is theirs but I'm keeping the HD. At least this way I can open some files and I'm not totally without during the repair.

Every tech household should have one of these. :mrgreen:

[brianchris]

I'm a freelance network admin, doing everything from Microsoft Small Business Server Installs to home user issues, and everything inbetween. I can't tell you how many times I could have used a part like this to recover and transfer data off client's (and my own) drives! Previously I used two external enclosures (a 2.5" and 3.5") just for their USB interface parts (and rarely actually used the cases), but I was just thinking the other day how clunky that was.

Now, with this part, one cable handles both types of drives, AND its small enough to fit in my briefcase so its always with me! Needless to say, I've already ordered one of these from the same eBay seller. Thanks Jason for posting about this!! I know some people may dislike such posts about seemingly minor and arbitrary things, but I appreciate exactly such posts, becuase you never know who will benefit from them!

[Jason Dunn]

Thanks Jason for posting about this!! I know some people may dislike such posts about seemingly minor and arbitrary things, but I appreciate exactly such posts, becuase you never know who will benefit from them!

Glad you found it useful - and no one has complained so far. ;-)

[cmchavez]

Very nice piece of equipment and looks to be relatively portable also. This will have a place of honor in my tech bag of tricks! Thank you also Jason!

Which brings up the question of what type of bag\case to other techs use to carry their "tools of the trade" in? I'm currently using an older "Totes" Saddlebag\Laptop bag for my stuff. :)

[jeffd]

I want one. ^^ This thing is so cheap and incredibly usefull for those "disasters".

[Damion Chaplin]

Sheeoot, I don't even have an external enclosure. I just never could justify the cost when all it's doing is saving me from opening my case up (so many other things to spend my $30 on)... But I think I can justify this expense. :wink: Thanks!

[ctmagnus]

Brilliant! I've got an old computer that I used nearly every day for eight years +, and three days after I got my new Tecra M4 the monitor on the old one blew. Fortunately, I had the foresight to install a VNC server on it when it was still capable and I've been controlling it that way for a while but I won't have to borrow a monitor when it comes time to fdisk and zero the drive after I get everything I want off of it, now that I've ordered one of these babies.

[brianchris]

Which brings up the question of what type of bag\case to other techs use to carry their "tools of the trade" in? I'm currently using an older "Totes" Saddlebag\Laptop bag for my stuff. :)

Since you asked, this is the bag I use: http://us.samsonite.com/webapp/us/servlet/SProductDisplay?productId=162087&storeId=10001&langId=-1&pc=C30

It fits everything I've needed for some time in an organized fashion....I'm very happy with it.

[Jason Dunn]

Which brings up the question of what type of bag\case to other techs use to carry their "tools of the trade" in?

I tend to use stuff from www.roadwired.com because it rocks. ;-)

[ctmagnus]

Which brings up the question of what type of bag\case to other techs use to carry their "tools of the trade" in?

The MEC Gigabyte (http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442545303&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699713&bmUID=1126848229695).

[tasi]

This is great as far as backpacks go:

http://www.heys.ca/epac/

Very comfortable, has a side pocket for the laptop, and can be used as a roller.


They also carry a great traditional laptop roller, but can't seem to find it on the website.

T.

[ctmagnus]

Back on topic (somebody has to do it ;) ):

I received my kit today. Are the drivers on the CD actually required to use this?