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Brando's SATA HDD dock makes the obligatory leap to USB 3.0
It had to happen at some point, so why not now? After a startling -- almost terrifying -- year-long gap between Brando SATA HDD docks, the company is finally outing another. For those who've been camped out under the nearest boulder for the past few years, these external HDD docks allow users to plug any 2.5- or 3.5-inch SATA hard drive in, and then have said drive mount on the desktop of a connected computer. It's pretty handy for those running diagnostic tests or looking to clone a drive without a dedicated machine, and now it's taken the expected leap to USB 3.0 -- a move that rival Sharkoon made back in 2009. You'll also find a trifecta of SuperSpeed USB ports on the rear, though this gem will set you back a full $140 if you buy in today. Yikes.
Sharkoon's USB 3.0 SATA HDD dock doubles up, now handles two drives
We tell ya, these HDD docks... they sure know how to keep pace with the latest and greatest of technological innovations. Shortly after Sharkoon busted out a USB 3.0-enabled version, along comes this fellow: a dual-drive version of the same device. Packing a pair of SuperSpeed USB sockets and room for two 2.5- or 3.5-inch hard drives (or a combination, if you prefer), this device makes it dead simple to clone drives and ready a new one to supplant your existing platter. It's available now for €59.90 ($81), but if you wait a fortnight or so, we're almost certain the next iteration will be out to take its place.
NewerTech's Voyager Q converts SATA HDDs into hot-swappable external drives
Man, talk about a hasty refresh cycle. NewerTech just unleashed its original Voyager in early December, and barely a month later we're being treated to the Voyager Q. Delivered at Macworld today, the quad interface device (USB 2.0, eSATA, FireWire 400 and FireWire 800) sports a sleek, glossy exterior, hinged flaps to cover the gaps when your internal HDDs are being used internally and support for hot-swapping, too. Both 2.5- and 3.5-inch SATA I / II drives are supported, and yes, both OS X and Windows platforms are fully supported. If you've finally lost the inability to avoid procuring one of these type units, you can get the Voyager Q on its way to you this moment for $99.95.
Brando offers up laptop cooling pad with built-in hard drive dock
Brando's many peripherals certainly attract their fair share of derison, but it looks like the catch-all retailer may win over a few of the doubters with its new laptop cooling pad / USB hub / hard drive dock, especially considering its $33 price tag. That'll get you two fans that promise to keep your laptop from melting whatever surface it's on, plus three USB ports and, most interestingly, a slot that'll accomodate any 2.5-inch hard drive you might have laying around. Of course, there's always the slight chance that things could go completely haywire (or simply fall apart) but, if you want to give it a go, you can get your order in at the link below.
