GearBits

Bytecc HDD Enclosure

Having spare computer parts, especially usable parts, just sitting around (or in a closet or drawer) not doing anything bugs me. Having a perfectly good 80 GB hard drive unassigned to a PC really bugs me. I wanted to be able to put it to use on my main PC (which doesn't have any open IDE positions) and be able to easily relocate the drive -- an external USB2.0 enclosure seemed like the perfect idea.

While at the Dayton Computerfest today (which, sadly, has become pretty lame since its hey-day in the early 90's), I found a decent deal -- the Bytecc ME-350 Aluminum 3.5" USB2.0 HDD enclosure (pictured).

The case is made from a single piece of extruded aluminum channel (quite strong) with matching endcaps and side trim pieces. Overall, it's a really solid-feeling enclosure (based on the $36 price, I was skeptical).

Setup literally took under 2 minutes and I only had to use a screwdriver -- if you've never put one of these together, there is absolutely no reason to be intimidated by the prospect of doing so. I plugged the unit into the power, let it spin up (there's a power switch on the back of the drive as well), plugged in the USB cable to my PC, and Windows XP immediately recognized it as another hard drive. No muss, no fuss -- just the way I like it.

There's a decent review of the ME-350 over at TechTastic.ca.