Vantec 3.5" NexStar 2 USB2.0 External Enclosure (NST-355U2):
Vantec is a Taiwanese company with a US headquarters located in Fremont, California. Founded in 1994, their website presently describes Vantec as a "premier thermal solutions leaders"... "devoted to manufacturing and developing total PC solutions for every computer user, from mainstream to enthusiast." Their line up of products includes not only drive enclosures, but CPU coolers, multi-function panels, power supplies, PC mods, and other accessories. Most of these items can be found on the virtual shelves of the review sample's sponsor, Directron. Directron is a Houston, Texas based online retailer that got their start way back in 1991. They have been in business for what can be considered an eternity in the .com age, which must be a testament to solid business practices.
The promotional image above shows the Vantec NexStar 2, and before we take a look at the actual unit from Directron, let's look at some published data from the Vantec website.
Features:
• Dampens Hard Drive vibration
• Transfer rates up to 480Mbps with USB 2.0
• Easily add storage to any system with USB
• Hot-swappable: Plug and play without rebooting
• Attractive blue LED indicates power/HDD activity
Specifications :
• Interface: IDE to USB 2.0
• Dimension: 210 X 135 X 40 mm
• System Requirements: USB 1.1/2.0 enabled PC or Mac OS
• Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP
• Mac OS 8.6 and above
• Package includes:
• Driver Disc
• Power Adaptor
• Power Cable
• USB Cable
• User Manual
• Screws
• HDD Vibration Dampener.
Physical Features:
The Vantec NexStar 2 NST-355U2 is sold in the packaging shown below. Although most of the artwork is black and white, the product is too, so you are actually getting a full color look at the enclosure. In addition, the main features and specifications are all listed on the box to educate a would be purchaser.
 
In addition to the drive enclosure, the items pictured below are also included. Shown in the below left image we have a USB cable and a two piece AC power adaptor. The power adaptor has one length of cord that plugs into the wall on one end, and then plugs into the brick found at the end of the other cord. The brick is then wired to a plug that attaches to the back of the drive enclosure. The plug is a design I don't particularly care for, as it is keyed and features four pins that need to be aligned properly before connecting. The potential for damage is greater than on a standard coaxial power plug (as found on the Ultra Products enclosure), and a quick one-handed connection is less likely.
 
The above right image shows the user's guide and driver CD, which is unnecessary on Windows XP and Windows 2000 and went unused during the review.
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