a review by Tom Piper
Hard drives have been around for 60 years, with the 3.5” version (for desktop computers) emerging in 1983 and the 2.5” version just 4 years later for laptops (by 1998, a 1” version was released, then the 0.85” in 2004, which became the heart of the first iPods). Replacing SCSI and Parallel interfaces, Serial ATA drives started in 2002, and eventually became the standard for most common 2.5” and 3.5” hard drives used today.
The challenge has been to acquire wiring “harnesses” which could connect power and data from “bare” drives to computers for effective transfer of their contents. Numerous companies accommodated this need, but Other World Computing (OWC, selling through NewerTech) has a couple of “docks” that are advanced and easy-to-use technical solutions.
The NewerTech Voyager Q is now used by pros and enthusiasts alike on an everyday basis. OWC’s latest update to Voyager Q includes a new internal chipset to provide even greater long-term reliability, and support for up to 500MB/s of pure performance -- and, it now comes with an amazing 2-year limited warranty.
Accessing multiple drives couldn't be simpler as Voyager's unique design which makes hot-swapping drives a breeze. All I have to do is insert any standard 2.5" or 3.5" SATA (spinning hard or SSD) drive (up to 6.0TB in size) into the Voyager, and connect it to my Mac (or someone else’s PC) via USB 3.0, USB 2.0, eSATA, or Firewire 800.
When I’m done using a drive, a simple press of the eject button lifts the drive off the SATA connector, allowing the drive to be easily removed. There's nothing else to install or configure -- its just that easy and convenient.
I have found that managing libraries of drive data just got easier when my Voyager is integrated into my workflow. I can save myself the time of installing a drive into a computer, or the cost maintaining multiple external enclosures, power supplies, and interface cables. And unlike internal SATA connectors inside a computer or external enclosure, the Voyager's SATA drive connector is made to be reused over-and-over to ensure long-term reliability.
With all supported interface cables included, an auto-switching power supply for worldwide compatibility, and flexible operating system compatibility, the NewerTech Voyager traverses my data universe with ease.
For only $79.99 at NewerTech/VoyagerQ, the Voyager Q can become part of anyone’s collection of fine techie tools. As with all OWC products that I use, this is another excellent and dependable device.
But, if even greater functionality is needed requiring access to two “bare” hard or SSD drives at once (mix or match 2.5” and 3.5” SATA), then the OWC Drive Dock Dual Drive Bay Solution is the dock to use.
The Drive Dock is the ultimate, high-performance bare drive access tool. For creative workflows, backup, or other tasks requiring constant access to multiple drives, this unit delivers a compact, easy solution with the exceptional performance of Thunderbolt 2 technology (that means superfast).
With this advanced solution, I can hot swap, read multiple drives simultaneously, or boot from bare drives, all at the speed of the Thunderbolt 2 and USB 3.0 interfaces. For video and audio content pros working with multiple bare drives on big projects, Drive Dock delivers extreme transfer speeds with amazing flexibility and convenience, making it an incredible drive tool.
This versatile box features two drive bays each of which can accommodate either 2.5" and/or 3.5" drives (including both spinning hard drives and solid state drives), and can access a drive in each simultaneously. Each bay features its own independent power switch and LED activity monitor. Dual Thunderbolt 2 ports deliver extreme-speed data transfers, and support daisy-chain expansion with up to five additional Thunderbolt devices. Drive Dock also includes a USB 3.0 port for versatile compatibility and the auto-switching internal power supply is compatible with any dual prong cable.
Drive Dock is flexible enough to use on almost any system. It works perfectly as an on-location backup solution, or for industry professionals using multiple bare drives. Featuring rugged aluminum construction, quiet, fanless operation, the OWC Drive Dock is an essential component to any high-demand workflow. It even includes an OWC 3-Year limited warranty.
This powerful and superfast Dual Drive Bay Solution can be acquired for $245.00 at OWC_Dual_Drive. Though pricer than its little brother Voyager Q, this Drive Dock is the heavy-duty workhorse which can handle multiple drives with the speed and efficiency that high-tech professionals need.