Verdict and Conclusion

After testing testing the Startech InfoSafe SATA external enclosure for a few days... I can actually say that the unit wasn't bad at all. In fact, I thought it did its job pretty well. We put two 128Gb SSDs into the enclosure, and configured them to run in RAID 0 mode (stripping). The onboard SATA RAID controller, powered by Silicon Image's SiI5744 chip, gave us some pretty decent RAID performance. We didn't encounter any software or RAID problems whatsoever. Everything was pretty plain sailing.

Installation and fitting the 2.5" hard drives was simple and easy. The RAID configuration was a doddle. Plus, you get a choice of using either a USB or eSATA connections. What I particularly like about this external enclosure is that it's hot-swappable, plus the fact that it's extremely compact. It's similar in size to a 3.5" hard drive, but it feels pretty compact and much easier to carry around with you. It comes with its own stand, and can support 2 x 2.5" hard drives, each with its own lock and tray.

The only thing I didn't like, is Startech's packaging ... it's really bad. All you get is a white box. For USD $85.00, you'd expect something a little more attractive. And finally, the other thing I didn't like, but it's all part of the package is the external power supply. Sorry, can't get away from that. An external power source is needed to power up 2 x 2.5" hard drives (when fully loaded).

I want to say more about the Startech InfoSafe SATA external enclosure, but there's not much to say ... at the end of the day, it does what it says on the box in its title. It's a SATA external enclosure for 2.5" hard drives that comes with USB or eSATA connections and supports various RAID modes. Here's my advice to Startech ... improve your packaging and lower the price. If you do, I can guarantee you the Startech InfoSafe SATA external enclosure will sell.

Final words. Last time I checked at Startech's website, the InfoSafe SATA external enclosure for 2.5" hard drives will cost you around USD $82.99 (GBP 70.00), which I think is pretty pricey to be honest. But having said that, I think a lot of users will like the fact that it's hot-swappable, it's compact, comes with USB or eSATA connections and supports various RAID modes.

Update: Prices of the Startech InfoSafe SATA external enclosure have dropped (model:S252U2ERR). You can now pick these up for around USD $60-70.00. See below

SCORE
6.5/10

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