Conclusion:
All things considered, the
Rosewill RX81-CW-US-SLV is one of the best eSATA and USB 2.0 drive enclosures I have used. It allows 3Gbps drives to operate at just about their full potential, it makes zero noise, has simple but attractive styling, and includes a bundle of accessories that will allow you to be up and running on just about any system in no time.
The only significant issue with this enclosure is the very real potential for damage during installation. Those two capacitors are obviously there for a reason, and it seems like it might be pretty to discover how important with an inadvertent bump while sliding the tray into the housing. They really should be better protected. Other than that, Rosewill does tout this as being "screw-less" and that just isn't true. Sure you can open the enclosure without a screwdriver, but you'll probably want to install a drive.
A search of
PriceGrabber reveals nothing, as I have found with many other Rosewill brand products. The number of stores where you can find Rosewill products is generally limited to Newegg and Chief Value, and checking with
Newegg reveals that the RX81-CW-US-SLV has a price of $34.99, plus $4.99 for shipping. Definitely well priced based on the performance and full compliment of accessories provided. You could obviously buy a cheaper enclosure, but the RX81-CW-US-SLV is a very good value.
Given the price, performance, and the fact that you get all the cables you could possibly need, the Rosewill RX81-CW-US-SLV eSATA/USB 3.5" drive enclosure earns the award of Recommended and Good Value.
Pros:
» Great performance with eSATA
» Good performance with USB 2.0
» Enclosure has an understated, attractive design
» Includes an eSATA cable and a SATA to eSATA adapter
Cons:
» Despite Rosewill's claims, this is not screw-less
» Two precariously placed capacitors could be damaged during installation
Special thanks to
Rosewill for providing the Rosewill RX81-CW-US-SLV eSATA/USB 3.5" Drive Enclosure to Bigbruin.com for review!
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