Derek, I have the ME-320U2 enclosure, same except no firewire, that I bought from Dealsonic. Additionaly I have bought, at different times, several midtower cases, fans, etc., from them with no problem. I use the ME-320 enclosure differently than you envision. I use it to easily copy files/folders from one computer to another. Using it I don't have to install networking cards, software, etc., in a temporary computer. The HDD is easily installed using the bottom mounting holes. Since my use is temporary, I don't close the case so I don't know how effective the quiet fan is. If you are going to permanently install a HDD, look for some screws with large heads or washers. The mounting slots in the bottom of the enclosure are a little wide. The screws hold, but I would feel more comfortable with larger heads if I was going to be moving the enclosure around a lot.
Jim Baird
------------------------------
Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 13:14:34 +1300
From: Ian <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: external case for an internal drive
Derek, I haven't used that brand so can't comment. But there's a couple =
of things to watch for with these cases - unfortunately you probably =
won't be able to spot them without actually doing an installation.
The first is whether the inbuilt fan is (a) silent (b) will remain =
silent and won't get noisy within a couple of weeks (c) is actually =
effective. This last is more applicable to a HDD than a CD.
Secondly, some cases are diabolically difficult to install drives into - =
I've had two brands that were very badly planned and engineered.
As I said, unless someone can recommend a case to you, it's a matter of =
caveat emtor - buyer beware.
Just had a look at the boxes that came with two of mine - there's no =
brand name. But one says it's an 'ME-720 series'. Steer clear of that =
one - awful thing. It LOOKS good, shiny silver space-age design but =
crap.
The other just says it's a 'Mass StorageUSB2' enclosure. This one is =
excellent, even tho it's a clear plastic container. Simple design and =
easy to fit a drive into. The USB lead fits in nice and snug, too.
Oh, one other thing - don't buy ANY brand that doesn't have an external =
on-off switch.
=20
Ian Porter
Computer Guys Inc.
Arrowtown
New Zealand
[log in to unmask]
The NOSPIN Group
http://freepctech.com
----- Original Message -----=20
From: watcher22=20
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] external case for an internal drive
Thank you Ian and David for responding,
I did a little research and found the following:
http://www.dealsonic.com/bymecoidetof.html
Bytecc ME-320U2F Combo Firewire 1394 (Oxford 911) & USB 2.0 External =
Enclosure for 5.25 / 3.5 Inch HDD/Device, w/ Fan, Silver, Retail
$48.00 + 4.95 shipping
It seems to fit all the specs I want and has a power button which =
a friend had recommended that I get. The cost is in the range that was =
estimated. My question is has anyone used this model of case before or =
dealt with dealsonic.com?
thanks in advance,
Derek Buchanan
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