OpalMan's Full Review: CP International (CP-U2S-3G) USB 2.0 External Driv...
We have moved from tape based backups to a USB-connect hard drive based backup, in order to allow for encryption of our backups in an economic manner. This, unfortunately, was the first of the drive enclosures that we selected for our SATA drives that we use for our larger backups. We have been greatly disappointed in their performance.
Is Anything Good?
Yes, as with most products, this one has at least on redeeming factor. In this case, it is the SATA connections. The SATA connections are solid and do not come apart easily. (We have also used several that this was a major problem.) This is the only part of these enclosures tat has not failed on us. The Enclosure is also capable of handling very large drives. We have used as big as 750 GB.
The Problems
While some of the problems we encountered were due to the manner in which we used it, there were some that were inherent in the design. Two in particular are especially troublesome. The drive tray is the on the section that plugs in, while the power LED is on the enclosure. You must plug in a cable from the drive enclosure to the tray. As a loose wire, it is very easy to get in the way. Depending on where it ends up and what exactly happens to it, the results can be catastrophic! We encountered a simple break in the connection that only killed the power LED. While annoying, this is hardly the worst we experienced. The poor design also will allow a much worse problem. Our worst problem we encountered with this enclosure, was a stripped wire, that actually cause a short and cost us a drive.
Another inherent problem involves the screws that hold the end of the enclosure on. They are tiny and unfortunately, the part of the device that they screw into strips incredibly easily. We have had a number of these and the longest any of them held up without any instance of this particular problem was three removals. This was just unacceptable no matter how you are using this enclosure. This problem would pop up even in everyday use by your average user.
Redeeming Factors
This drive does a couple of things, if not well, at least adequately. One of our backups is quite large and we use 750 GB drives for it. This enclosure handles it with no problem. (No overheating, no mysterious disconnections) It also handles data transfer reasonably well, possibly better than some of the others we have tried.
The Bottom Line
While the drive’s performance is reasonably good, there are far too many significant structural issues with this enclosure o make it a viable option. The problems, (and their potential consequences,) are far too serious to trust your data to.
CP Technologies introduces the next generation USB 2.0 hard drive Case, a slim, stylish and powerful aluminum enclosure for your 3.5 SATA hard drive. ...More at Buy.com
Material: AluminumInternal Interface: SATAAC Adapter: YesFeatures: Plug and Play Hot swappable Stylish Design OS Requirements: -Windows 98SE / ME / 2...More at Newegg.com
CP Technologies introduces the next generation USB 2.0 hard drive Case, a slim, stylish and powerful aluminum enclosure for your 3.5" SATA hard drive....More at cameraworld.com
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