External Examination:

The below left image shows the top of the enclosure, featuring the Kingwin logo. The finish on the enclosure is a shiny black, and although it is not a mirror finish, fingerprints show up very easily. On the bottom of the enclosure (below right image) there is some basic technical and manufacturing related data. The main body of the enclosure is made out of light weight aluminum that is thick enough to protect your hard drive from being crushed if it is put into a bag for transportation.


On the back of the unit we find large thumbscrews on each side of the enclosure and the various connection ports in between. The ports include (from left to right) the power connection, a tiny back-up button, eSATA, and USB 2.0. I found the back to be an odd place for the back-up button, and the front of the enclosure would have been a better choice in my opinion. While eSATA is not widely used, it is quickly becoming available on new systems. While the main body of the enclosure is aluminum, This connection plate is made out of plastic. Finally, notice there are many holes on the bottom of the connection plate that should allow the drive to breathe.


Like the back plate, the front plate is also made out of plastic. The only feature up front is a power button, but there is plenty of room for Kingwin to place the back-up button up front as well.


Around the power button there is a blue ring which lights up when the power is turned on. This does not flicker to indicate drive activity, and since so many others do I was expecting that it would.