Introduction

I would like to thank Mapower for providing the review sample.

This is what Mapower has to say about itself according to their "About Us" web page:

Founded in 1987, Mapower Electronics Corporation is a Taiwan based manufacturer of computer peripherals specializing in external drive enclosures. Mapower, distinguished by its unique and extremely effective approach to quality control, exceptional emphasis on service, and innovative product designs, provides start-to-finish "one-stop" external storage enclosures and designs.

Our motto of "Sincerity, Quality, and Innovation" encompasses all aspects of Mapower's business operations, winning the loyalty of major OEM brands such as Hitachi, NEC and Philips. Tracing the evolution of the company's product line - from main boards, PCBs, switching power supplies, computer cases, to the SPS and external drive enclosures of today - it is evident that Mapower's conception of quality and service transcends any individual product.

The Mapower MAP-KC31 is available in the silver brushed aluminum variant that we will be reviewing today.

Features

• All aluminum construction allows for excellent heat dissipation
• Bright blue LED indicator for Power On and Accessing
• Plug & Play compatibility for easy and quick installations
• Enables you to transfer data quickly and safely from your PC or Mac for back-up and/or storage purposes
• Suitable for 3.5" hard drives
• Interfaces: USB 2.0, eSata
• Dimensions: (W x D x H): 5.35 x 8.2 x 1.38 in.

Packaging & Contents

The bright white box that Mapower ships the MAP-KC31 in is average in size for an enclosure. On the front of the box is a small picture of the enclosure and the words "The King's Collection". On the back of the box can a larger image can be seen. It shows the enclosure with some specific features in six different languages.


On either side of the box you will find the various specifications and system requirements. Even detailed are the several different interfaces and their specific information for the various models in the MAP-KC31 series.


Should you need to transport the enclosure, Mapower has added a handle to the box for your convenience. When this box is opened you will find an inner box that feels slightly thicker and much more sturdy.


When you lift the sides up to open the box, it literally unfolds like a spacecraft and reveals the enclosure protected in plastic as well as an additional box that contains the rest of the contents. Since it was all packed neatly and tightly I believe the packaging is done well and could survive a few accidental bumps here or there.


Inside the accessory box are an installation diagram and a sheet detailing driver installation, which is not required if you are running Windows 2000, XP or Vista. If running Windows 98 or prior a driver must be obtained from the manufacturer website. Also enclosed are the various accessories including the USB cable and an eSATA cable. Other hardware accessories include four screws for securing the drive in the enclosure as well as a small hex key tool for dismantling the enclosure. A plastic stand has been included if you prefer the enclosure to stand on its side rather than laying flat.


Also included is the Power Supply for the enclosure. It is nice that the enclosure uses this type of power supply as opposed to a bulky power brick that is included with other enclosures.

A Closer Look

The case itself is really easy on the eyes having a simplistic look. The brushed aluminum finish is really pleasing with the black fins on the sides, which provide subtle accents to the rest of the enclosure. Four hexagonal head bolts can be seen on both the top and the undersides of the enclosure that keep everything held together snugly.


On the bottom you will notice a plastic "foot" in each of the four bolts. These will keep the enclosure from scratching the surface it is placed on as well as providing a means to absorb light hard drive vibrations. On the front face is a metal mesh cover along with the power and hard drive activity LED indicator. On the rear can be found the power switch and power supply jack. Also for this particular model are included the USB port as well as the faster eSATA port.


The stand is made of very sturdy plastic and is very easy to attach to the enclosure. Simply slide the sides of the stand apart and insert the enclosure aligning the fins where you see fit. Then simply slide the sides of the stand back together snapping the enclosure in a sturdy position. The footprint of the stand is plenty and keeps the enclosure balanced very well. The only thing I find odd is the color choice for the stand. Opaque brown does not compliment the enclosure at all. Perhaps black or charcoal would have been a better choice. However the stand serves its function well despite the look.