Conclusion:
Any hard drive enclosure will allow you to take your files with you, but what makes the
Icy Dock enclosure appealing is the tool-less installation, the build quality, and above average eSATA transfer rates. The MB664US-1SB enclosure is very heavy duty, which provides a little extra peace of mind that your data is well protected while in transit.
The high speed USB 2.0 connection ensure the data will be accessible on all modern computers, while the eSATA data connection will provide the ultimate data transfer rates on compatible systems. eSATA is still a relatively new feature, but it is quickly becoming more standard. While the USB transfer rates on the Icy Dock enclosure were not as good as on a competitive product, the eSATA performance was much better. Most of the eSATA enclosures I have tested in the past have performed at about SATA 1.5 Gbps rates, but the Icy Dock MB664US-1SB was able to get much closer to SATA 3 Gbps performance using the included SATA to eSATA bracket.
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The only concern I have with the Icy Dock MB664US-1SB Screwless eSATA Hard Drive Enclosure is that the cable lock connection does not lock the hard disk into the enclosure. Sure it locks the enclosure down, but if the drive can still be taken from inside, what good is protecting an empty case? I would recommend that the cable lock connection be revised to have it protect the enclosure and the installed hard disk.
A search of
PriceGrabber finds the Icy Dock MB664US-1SB Screwless eSATA Hard Drive Enclosure starting around $58. While this is more expensive than the typical USB 2.0 and eSATA enclosure, having a tool-less enclosure does provide the user a simple and quick installation. The convenience, and the proven performance may be worth the extra money.
Given the performance, tool-less installation, and other innovative features, I award the
Icy Dock MB664US-1SB Screwless eSATA Hard Drive Enclosure the rating of "Highly Recommended".
Pros:
» Tool-less hard drive installation
» High speed USB 2.0 and eSATA
» Integrated feet
Cons:
» Cable Lock does not secure hard drive
Special thanks to
Icy Dock for providing the Icy Dock MB664US-1SB Screwless eSATA Hard Drive Enclosure to Bigbruin.com for review!
