[iomatic]

It will NOT provide FireWire, unless the computer host is already connected via FireWire.

http://www.barefeats.com/hub01.html

It will provide bootable SATA drive connectivity, at the expense of no USB ports. You'll still have to get a USB hub (same footprint Belkin, perhaps).

[analogika]

How does this improve anything over just connecting a USB hub and attaching the drives to that?

The ONLY thing it does is offer two additional eSATA ports. It neither overcomes the USB 2.0 speed limit, nor does it replace Firewire.

[iomatic]

I just said it was an option; not the best option.




Hmm. The more I think about, the more interesting it is. I'm not totally clear, but it appears you can boot off eSATA. Though, I wonder if your machine has to be hooked up via FireWire.* A couple RAID options too.

eSATA faster than USB?**


-----
*I guess not:
A USB host connection is a
bit slower and is bootable with Intel-based Macintosh models.

**Duh, USB would be the limiting factor

[analogika]

Originally Posted by iomatic 

**Duh, USB would be the limiting factor

bingo.

Thus, I fail to see the point.

[iomatic]

The point that's relevant is that it exists. Whether or not it's very useful to Air owners, unlikely. It does though, provide a bootable option (I'm assuming through USB) with eSATA drives. (I haven't been caught up, has Apple made the USB bus bootable?)

It's probably more useful to MBP owners though, providing FW or USB + eSATA, both bootable. I'm thinking a full external dedicated to Windows gaming would be a good application.

[Big Mac]

Intel Macs have been USB bootable since their debut.

[analogika]

Originally Posted by iomatic 

The point that's relevant is that it exists. Whether or not it's very useful to Air owners, unlikely. It does though, provide a bootable option (I'm assuming through USB) with eSATA drives. (I haven't been caught up, has Apple made the USB bus bootable?)

It's probably more useful to MBP owners though, providing FW or USB + eSATA, both bootable. I'm thinking a full external dedicated to Windows gaming would be a good application.

MacBook Pro owners already HAVE Firewire 800 and USB 2.0, both of them bootable, and can add eSATA using a $40 ExpressCard - rather cheaper than the $130 SpyderHUB that offers absolutely no additional benefits except a shapely box lounging around on an already cluttered desk.

[mduell]

USB to eSATA(/SATA/IDE) converters are about $30 (or $20 if you have a SATA-eSATA cable). Little reason to buy this box.

[lpkmckenna]

Here's an awesome solution: SATA drive dock.

[iomatic]

Thanks for the pointers! It's good to know what the storage options are if you no longer have a MacBook Pro...

Also, since they are bootable, can anyone point me to a trusted resource for creating a Windows-specific bootable external? It that possible?

Thanks.

[Ted L. Nancy]

I, too, fail to see the point. On the other hand...

Originally Posted by lpkmckenna 

THAT is something worth showing off.

[Gankdawg]

Originally Posted by lpkmckenna 

Here's an awesome solution: SATA drive dock.

I'm definitely going to check this out.