0ur opinion:

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Form and functionality collide with style in the NexStar-SX 2.5' External Hard Drive Enclosure from Vantec. With its mirror finish in two classic col








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Buyer's feedback: - * One of the better value cases ...
The case is sturdy and solid, except for one thing. The top and bottom halves slide off after being released by catches on either side of the middle section. This design is really nice, except that the middle section is made of plastic which doesn't look as durable as the covers. The catches are a little weak and the top cover slides off easier than the bottom one.
The hard drive is held in very well with 4 screws. Use the included tiny screwdriver, otherwise extra force may crack the plastic frame.
The shiny covers show fingerprints and I would have liked to see rubber feet - it slides all all over.
Overall an acceptable quality for the price. Maybe they could have saved some money on the excellent packaging the drive came in and made a sturdier (metal) frame?

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Buyer's feedback: - Great bank for the buck...!
For $16 and change, you can't go wrong. I upgraded the hard drive on my laptop and installed the old drive in the Vantec SX hard drive enclosure.

Installation was as easy as it gets. I just plugged the enclosed drive into my laptop, partioned and formated it, and I was ready to go. No drivers were necessary.

The drive comes with a split cable. The cable is designed so that you can tap into two USB ports to ensure sufficient power is available for the drive. There is not separate power supply, a definite plus in my opinion. One of the plugs has a pass through feature to allow other USB devices to be plugged into the USB port, thereby saving on computer resources.

I purchased four adheasive backed 3/8" rubber pads which I mounted on the underside of the enclosure so that it does not slide around on my desk. I would highly recommend this if you do not plan on toting the drive around with you.

I use the Vantec enclosed drive to back up my data with the "backup" utility that comes with Windows XP. Backup is fast and efficient.

The "on/off" switch is a handy feature. Since I only back up my data once a week. I leave the drive off most of the time saving on wear-and-tear.

The finger print problem is a non-issue in my opinion. I do not handle the drive, as it is essentially a fixed installation into the port replicator for my laptop. In fact, I have an appreciation for the high gloss finish because it gives the enclosure a high quality appearance, not to mention the fact that it looks very sleak and attractive.

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Buyer's feedback: - * Very nice.... ...
Vantec Pn hd enclosure is a Great product. Very well put together and well worth the money. No extra intelligence needed when it comes to putting this together with an ATA hard drive (That is an older hard drive with pins, like an IDE for your desktop. This is NOT a SATA HD enclosure).

As mentioned the enclosure does have a very nice glossy finish to it, but it does attract the finger prints. Still not a big deal. The included usb cable is very nice as well, even if it does not match the color of the enclosure. It does split into two usb cords. One end connects to your computer, the MINI usb to the enclosure and the other usb (not mini) which can plug into another accessory or can be plugged into by another accessory, so it is like you didn't lose the usb hub in your laptop or desktop (did that make sense?). Anyway, this enclosure also has an on/off switch, if you are looking for that feature. Once again, a Great buy and a good deal....

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Buyer's feedback: - Great buy !!
POSITIVE:
The Nexstar SX is a good aluminum enclosure, and even during prolonged continuous activity (data backup +1hr), the drive was cool. I'm using a Seagate Momentus 5400rpm 80GB (5400.3 model IDE).

The drive fits the enclosure very snug, almost as if the drive was made for this case! The drive has to be attached to the casing by 4 other screws to ensure it's securely fastened.

The enclosure comes with a leather pouch which looks very stylish, and I actually keep the drive in the pouch when I use it to keep it clean.

Only requires 1 USB port (even though there's a USB Y-cable supplied).

Green/Red activity LED

NEGATIVE:
The glossy finish attracts fingerprints like no other!! This is by far the only serious problem I have with the case.

The case has a polished black finish, which can take off the black paint eventually (only small wear & tear places - depends on the usage).

The long USB cable is beige - not a traditional color, nor does it match the drive (if you're particular that is).

SUMMARY: Excellent buy/value for your money, would buy again if it wasn't for the glossy finish, otherwise it's a perfectly built case. I'll go with one of Nexstar's other cases next time (like the CX).

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Buyer's feedback: - * Great Value ...
Does everything as advertised. Very good build quality on the unit, case, cord. Well packaged and ducumented. Simple installation and use. Runs flawlessly under OS X and XP; no need for drivers. A simple way to breath new life into that old laptop you have lying around. Recommended.