With the increasing market for external drive storage there are many options to choose from. These devices allow users to safely and easily store data at impressive data transfer rates. Mapower is one of the many manufacturers in this field, and they have designed an enclosure that can efficiently transfer and store data with their institution of eSATA and USB 2.0 transfer interfaces. In addition, the design is also touted for its unique approach to heat dissipation which utilizes small ventilation holes instead of a cooling fan.


Model MAP-AL31CS was provided for this review, which is the version that supports a SATA hard drive. There is also a version available that supports an IDE hard drive that may appeal to those with an older drive that still has some life left in it.

Before taking a look at the Mapower MAP-AL31CS USB 2.0 + eSATA 3.5" External Enclosure, let's look at some features and specifications taken from the Mapower website:

Features and Specifications:

» Drive Type : 3.5" SATA Hard Disk Device
» Interface : USB 2.0 + eSATA
» Material : Aluminum
» Dimensions (WxDxH) : 4.99 x 7.65 x 1.24 inches (126.8 x 194.4 x 31.6 mm)
» Package : AL31 Enclosure, Data Cable (no SATA cable included), Adaptor, Foot-Stand
» Power Source : external universal switching power adaptor (12V/2A); CE FCC certified
» OS Support : MS Windows, Mac OS (eSATA not supported by Mac)
» Bright cold blue LED light is easy to monitor the status of data accessing
» Vertical streamlined foot stand provides the best way for space saving
» Plenty of air holes on top & bottom cover for excellent heat-dissipation
» Ultra lightweight and plug and play function

Packaging and Accessories:

The packaging for the Mapower MAP-AL31CS USB 2.0 + eSATA 3.5" External Enclosure is shown in the images below, and in my opinion it might be a bit deceptive to anyone shopping for an enclosure like this. Overall the box provides a good amount of information on the product, and from what I read the product is apparently quite fascinating. The front of the box shows a silver label advertising the fact that USB and eSATA interfaces can be utilized, while the back of the box also states that the drive combines USB and eSATA transfer rates.


The side of the box shows that a data cable is included. What type of data cable you ask? Well, definitely not an eSATA cable. All over the box it boasts about the USB 2.0 and eSATA interface, but only a USB 2.0 data cable is included. While the website's list of features and specifications states that "no SATA cable included", people relying on the information on the box or perhaps on a retailer's website may be mislead. This was where I experienced my first disappointment with this product. People (such as myself) looking to get setup on their first eSATA enclosure may think they have everything they need, but another purchase will be necessary to get connected.