Vantec NexStar 3.5" External Hard Drive Enclosure

     Delivering anything and everything you can think of Vantec has been one of the most innovative companies for the past couple years now. Its simply amazing to see them come up with all kinds of solutions for your computing needs. Their new line of NexStar external solutions is geared towards those that know better than to walk into just about any store and grab an external storage unit that has some crummy hard drive with 2mb cache and of an unknown manufacturer. With the NST-350U2, you can use a 250gb 8mb cache internal drive, install it into the NexStar, and have access to 250gb of 7200rpm goodness. Of course you can do this same thing on just about any kind of USB external unit, but the NexStar delivers a few extras that need to be noted, so lets take a look at what Vantec's newest offering has to offer you...

Product Specifications

Model:    NST-350U2
Interface:    IDE to USB 2.0
Dimension:    190 x 108 x 23 mm
Weight:    240.0 g
Material:    Aluminum Alloy
Supports:    Window 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP Mac OS 8.6 & Above Driver Disc

Package Includes:

Enclosure Stand
Power Adaptor
Power Cable
USB Cable
Screws & Screw Driver

Features

     One of the coolest features of the NexStar is its size. Its very small and could prove to almost fit in one's pocket for late night data access or just sharing data using the USB port of your friends computer. Being IEEE1394 Firewire compatible, and USB allows the NexStar to be fully compatible with any system so long as it has those capabilities. The etched in graphics of the Vantec is also quite attractive and simple, which makes it appeal to those that are used to seeing the easily bought external hard drives...

     USB and Firewire ports are clearly seen here, along with the small size of the NexStar. Notice the HD LED which is nice for those with silent drives that you can't hear very well.

A side view of the NexStar showing the attractively simple charcoal grey and etched-in graphics.

A vertical cradle gives the NexStar space-saving capabilities.

     The NexStar comes with the following accessories... 1.) IEEE1394 Firewire cable  2.)screwdriver for screw installation  3.)screw kit  4.)AC 120v input  5.)USB cable  6.)AC Power Inverter with 120v plug

     The nitty-gritty of the NexStar enclosure is fairly simple and universal in design. a simple power cable, IDE ribbon cable can be seen here. No cooling fan is seen, although the NexStar uses aluminum for heat dissipation. Just be warned that hot drives are going to be hot if used in conjunction with the NexStar.

Conclusion

     The NexStar is a welcome addition to your desk as far as the overall picture is concerned. Having an external hard drive is almost useless if you only use your computer at home, but the good thing is that almost all of us have been in a predicament at one time or another. For example your date hears a song on the radio and you go on to boast about having it on your computer. Well now you can have that data on your drive and transfer it to her computer = brownie points! Another aspect of an external hard drive is that critical data can now be an arms reach away. Ghost images or important office documents can be made on different partitions for instant access from any computer whether its from the office, school, or another persons computer. The assets for owning an external hard drive are there, and with the NexStar you can now have the choice of any hard drive on the market and just pop it in and you're done! ClubOC recommended!