Binba <drorworld@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Sounds extremely specific, but in a way I can't
> see why such a product wouldn't be the standard

They are becoming that with the exception of the internal power.

> - external drives are about flexibility (so USB+1394), SATA is the new format,

Yes.

> and what's the point of having that power brick externally?!

Basically USB and 1394/firewire cant supply enough
power for a 3.5" drive. Its fine for a laptop 2.5" drive.

> I found some units, in prices ranging from $60 to $100 - compared to
> $20-50 for units with less features - and that's even without a built-in
> AC adapter, and most looke shady anyway. Maybe you know better?

Yes, that there are some real advantages in eSATA, particularly
much faster and you can see the SMART data trivially. Not quite
as convenient cabling wise and far fewer desktop systems have
a eSATA port, but its trivial to add if its got SATA internally.

Its technically possible to have all 3, eSATA, USB2, 1394/firewire.

> One thing I don't care about is an external SATA interface.

You should, its got real advantages and isnt
that hard to do when the drive is a SATA drive.

They wont have internal power any time soon.