Coolmax HD-389-U2 3.5IN Sata External Encl with USB2.0 Connection Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently purchased this unit to be used with a SATA hard drive. Upon receiving it yesterday I discovered it only has an IDE style connector.

I called Coolmax's tech support number, and was told that this unit was originally manufacturered in an IDE version, but they have since changed it over to a SATA interface, without changing the model number.(Nice, huh?)Apparently there are both versions floating around in the marketplace, and they even have the identical UPC bar code number.Coolmax tech support offered to ground ship me a different front face plate, to convert my unit over to SATA.But who knows how long that is going to take?

If you read Amazon's product description for this unit (as of June 19, 2008) it says "SATA" in the title, but says "Interface: IDE" buried in the description.

Since my Amazon order was placed through TigerDirect, I also contacted them to see what they might be able to do for me.They said their notes also indicate that some folks who wanted the IDE interface received the SATA instead.He said I could return my unit and reorder a new one, but there is still no guarantee which version I would receive the second time around.

So if you place an order for this unit, be forewarned you have no control over which interface you will receive. There are alternative products you could buy instead, and save yourself the potential aggrevation.

+++ Update Edit: After about five days I did receive the replacement panel from Coolmax. However, because of panel connection differences, the hard drive position inside the enclosure is different, and I had to drill four new holes in the aluminum box for mounting it. I'm up and running, but much more grief than necessary. Also, I see Amazon has now removed the previously mentioned IDE reference in the product description.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Coolmax HD-389-U2 3.5IN Sata External Encl with USB2.0 Connection

Product Description:
Supporting high speed data transfer rates up to 480/400 Mbps . Fully compatible with 3.5 SATA HDD . Soft-start for slow turn-on feature prevents high inrush currents when initially powering capacitate loads . Anti-shock design protect the hard disk from damage when moving it . Insulating designed PCB . Aluminum case transmits the heat quickly . Powered by a DC 12V-2.0 A transformer

Want to read more honest consumer review about Coolmax HD-389-U2 3.5IN Sata External Encl with USB2.0 Connection now ?