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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