Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The FireWire connection with this unit only worked once I solved a problem
with MS Vista (this is a shortcoming of Microsoft, not Macally):
MS Vista (SP1, no less!) does not detect a Firewire drive if it can also be connected via USB!!
To solve this problem, you must edit the Windows Registry.
Step-by step instructions are found on the Microsoft support site,
knowledge base article: 948911.
"An external hard disk that is based on the IEEE 1394 standard
is not detected on a Windows Vista-based computer"
(sorry, Amazon doesn't let me post external links)
I hope this will get fixed automatically in a future hotfix update!
It's not a difficult hack, but it's a hack nevertheless so novice PC users
may not be comfortable using this product with MS Vista (and if you're just
going to use the USB connection, there are cheaper products available).
Overall, this enclosure works as advertised and is a decent product at a great price.
Four more comments:
1. as another reviewer has pointed out before, this unit is FIREWIRE 400 (IEEE-1394A), NOT FIREWIRE 800 (IEEE-1394B)!
2. Interestingly, the USB connector is a mini-A but the Firewire connectors on the unit are full size!
3. the unit comes complete with 3 cables (USB, USB power cable and full size, heavy FireWire cable). While this product is definitely designed for use with a laptop, the firewire cable is too bulky to lug around. I replaced it with Retractable Firewire Cable.
4. The first unit I bought was (partially) DOA. USB worked but the power connector
was broken, so no FireWire (I didn't need to attach the separate power cord for USB). Unfortunately I only noticed that a month after I bought the unit, so I had to contact Macally directly to exchange the broken unit. It was tough to find contact information on their website (they say nothing about returns - in the end I contacted techsupport@macally.com) but once I was in touch with them, they were very competent to deal with. It still took a few weeks for me to complete the RMA exchange. What was nice is that they replaced the unit with a new, boxed one, including cables!
Click Here to see more reviews about: Macally PHRS-250CC FireWire 400/USB2.0 External Storage Enclosure for 2.5 SATA HDD
Product Description:
Compact size for portability; Shock absorbent rubber strip on top and bottom; Solid Aluminum body for protection and excellent heat dissipation; Design for 2.5" IDE HDD (up to 9.5mm height) ; Works with both Mac and PC computers; Supports both USB2.0 & USB1.1 connection; Supports IEEE 1394 A FireWire connection; Dual FireWire ports for daisy chain; Supports hot plug and play; Active LED to indicate power and data access; No AC power adapter required. System Requirements: Mac OS 9.2, Mac OS 10.1.5, Mac OS 10.2, Mac OS 10.3, Mac OS 10.4; Any desktop or notebook computer with an available USB port or FireWire port. Specifications: Net Weight: 6.9oz; Dimensions: W 3" x L 5.1" x H 0.8"; 1 year warranty.
Want to read more honest consumer review about Macally PHRS-250CC FireWire 400/USB2.0 External Storage Enclosure for 2.5 SATA HDD now ?
0 comments:
Post a Comment