Sharkoon Introduces QuickPort Combo HDD Adapter with IDE Support

[btarunr]

Due to numerous customer requests, Sharkoon has expanded their "QuickPort" hard drive adapter-series with a model that now includes an additional IDE-interface: The Sharkoon QuickPort Combo now offers an interface for IDE-devices located beside the SATA-hard drive connection port.

Sharkoon's QuickPort models are the ideal solutions for hard drive collectors, allowing them to attach their external storage mediums quickly and easily to their PC or notebooks- perhaps occasionally for a fast HD-backup or for also accessing the private hard drive media center as an application for a TV streaming client. The hard drive is simply inserted into the QuickPort and immediately recognized as a device, therefore eliminating time consuming installation to a computer or external housings. The adapter itself is attached via USB to the computer. Like the previous models, the QuickPort Combo also accommodates SATA-Hard Drives in both 2.5 and 3.5 inch formats. A folding mechanism ensures a secure hold on either size model. When finished, users can simply take the hard drive with them by utilizing the eject button.



New, located in the front of the Combo model, is the additional IDE-interface which can be quickly and easily connected to a PC or notebook from the hard disc and optical drives. The IDE-Data Cable for the 3.5 inch device and the 2.5 inch hard drive along with the 4 pin power cable, the power adapter and cable for the QuickPort, a USB-cable, and a short reference guide are all included within shipping.



End customers will find the Sharkoon QuickPort Combo available immediately from authorized retailers for the suggested retail price of 29.99 euros.

So this runs off mains power and can support sata?

Count me in

[[I.R.A]_FBi]

This is hot

Im really liking the look of this. I hate how my DVD drive breaks up the clean lines on the front of my Silverstone, plus I have an 80GB caviar that i just use for storage, so rather than messing around cable managing that in, Ill just get one of these

[mtosev]

hasen't IDE died already?

[zort15]

Originally Posted by mtosev

hasen't IDE died already?

IDE is pretty much dead for newer and middle aged machines, but a most of the drives I have lying around that are not already in machines that I would like to use with a dock like this are older drives that are still IDE. I've been waiting for a dock like this for a while now.

[timta2]

I too have been waiting for this as I have a collection of older IDE drives that are in good shape. I hope it is available here in the US.

[Necrofire]

Can someone explain how this is any different than one of these?
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.21571

I have one, and I use it for my IDE dvd drive, my laptop sata drive, and my various IDE hard drives, and it's a lot smaller than the thing posted here.

I'm confus

[Wile E]

Almost what I wanted. Give it an eSATA interface instead of just USB, and I'm sold.

[rhk22463]

Originally Posted by Wile E

Almost what I wanted. Give it an eSATA interface instead of just USB, and I'm sold.

If you buy the Sharkoon Quickport PRO, you will have eSata (and USB)
This dual connectivity option works fine for me.
Depending upon your needs, it may also work for you.

It has no IDE connectivity though, so you'd need an adapter that maybe AC Ryan can provide.

[Wile E]

Originally Posted by rhk22463

If you buy the Sharkoon Quickport PRO, you will have eSata (and USB)
This dual connectivity option works fine for me.
Depending upon your needs, it may also work for you.

It has no IDE connectivity though, so you'd need an adapter that maybe AC Ryan can provide.

That's just it, I want it to provide eSATA and USB, and both SATA and IDE for the drive interface. There are plenty of SATA to IDE adapters, why can't somebody just incorporate it directly into a dock?

[rhk22463]

I understand and I agree with you.
As IDE drives are becoming more rare, it's probably not interesting for the companies to offer this particular setup. That's why I have the IDE-to-SATA converter connected to a Vantec (IDE) EZ-Swap Drive bay (unscrewed) for the few IDE drives I use on my own pc and I use the AC Ryan UDrive when I need to be mobile (this has USB only but is more compact than the Sharkoon dock).
Connect an eSATA-to-SATA cable and external power supply to the Vantec setup and it doesn't have to be built into the pc anymore, provided the pc has eSATA port(s).
It looks like shit, but it works if you don't have to swap IDE drives too often and you have to accept the lower USB throughput when going mobile with the AC Ryan setup.

To be more flexible the companies almost force you to replace your IDE's with SATA's or build your own solution. Let's hope for your sake that Sharkoon has the Quickport IDE with eSata in the making.

[newtekie1]

Originally Posted by Necrofire

Can someone explain how this is any different than one of these?
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.21571

I have one, and I use it for my IDE dvd drive, my laptop sata drive, and my various IDE hard drives, and it's a lot smaller than the thing posted here.

I'm confus

Thats what I use, but I think this just gives it a cleaner look. Something that for the most part can just sit on your desk and look like it belongs there. Not to mention it has power combined into the unit, so no secondary cables to connect, for SATA drives you just put the drive in the dock, and go. A lot simplier and cleaner than the adaptor you/I use.