Storing 3.5" HDDs

[TooNice]

I am thinking of backing up data with internal HDD via an HD Dock as it looks like less hassle than maintaining multiple external HDD. For a start, I won't use multiple power sockets/switch cables, and it's potentially less bulky.

The problem is, I won't feel too comfortable leaving the HDD out on the table to collect dusts when not in use, nor am I willing to just pop it in my laptop case with everything else without some minimum protection.

So I am wondering if there is: 1. Some kind of plastic covers usable for HDD like you used to find for floppy disks, and 2. Some kind of mini-rack/shelf I could use to store them at home to save me from stacking them on top of each other. Typical enclosures are too bulky for what I need.

[arthurleung]

Anti-static bags and a standard HDD plastic box should be enough. They are not terribly stackable though.

If enclosures are too bulky then I think you're aiming too high TBH.

[TooNice]

Or maybe I should say too expensive/wasteful. Whenever I look for enclosures, I find those that are meant to be used as an external HDD and they come with power supplies, cables etc. But I have no need for that all of that. I am just looking for a light (maybe even soft) shell to keep it away from dust and such. As for stacking, come to think of it, those racks the removable racks for the Antech P18x case may do the job. I wonder if it's possible to buy replacements or something similar.

[PeteSmith]

+1 for using the standard plastic box the HDD's come in. If you do intend on going down this route i would advise against taking the HDD's with you in your laptop bag. Thats a recipie for a dead HDD. If you want truely portable then you really should consider the WD Portable or similar, they were designed for that type of use/abuse.

[Funkstar]

I asked Scan if they would get these in:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/09/04...e-storage-box/



They didn't sound too keen. I would still like one though.

[malfunction]

Maybe something like these?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Colour-Silicon...d=p3286.c0.m14
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3-5-SATA-IDE-H...d=p3286.c0.m14

Edit - available here too:

2.5'' - http://www.startech.com/item-stock/H...ector-Cap.aspx
3.5'' - http://www.startech.com/item/HDDSLEV...ector-Cap.aspx

The "View More Images" link shows them plugged into a SATA dock without removing the back half of the case too

[peterb]

The other option is to use 2.5" self powered enclosures, although the maximum capacity is less than that available for 3.5" - but if it is for backup/archive, then you can compress the data (big Zip file).

Do test the drive/enclosure first to make sure that the laptop will power it - some laptops are a bit iffy in the power they can supply via USB - alternatively use a connection lead with two USB connectors on one end (the second just boosts the power available and isn't used for data)

Otherwise you might be interested in this

http://www.microwarehouse.co.uk/catalogue/item/A0441215

Not cheap, but supposed to be rugged. (The link is with a 500Gb cartridge, smaller capacity ones at lower prices are available)

[PeteSmith]

I asked Scan if they would get these in:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/09/04...e-storage-box/



They didn't sound too keen. I would still like one though.

Hmm they look a lot like cardboard, could you not just make one?

[Funkstar]

Hmm they look a lot like cardboard, could you not just make one?

Yes, they are just cardboard.

A desk is just wood, what's the point in buying one, just make it yourself.

A car is just bits of meta, whats the point in buying one, just make it yourself

Yes, I could make one (god knows I've recycled enough cardbord over the past couple of months) but It wouldn't be as nice and neat as that.

[TooNice]

I actually like those cardboard. Sure that's all they are, but finding one that's the perfect size may prove difficult. And those silicon cases are pretty neat to keep 2-3 on the table.

I do have a couple of 2.5" WD Passports. They are nice, especially as portable storage I can take with me all the time with my laptop, but relatively expensive per GB for backup purpose (multimedia files do not compress that well).

The comment about taking 3.5" in laptop bag is not something I would do on a regular basis. In fact, it's likely a one-way trip, or at most a once per year type of thing. I have fair amount of content I would like to bring from Aberdeen to London. It's nothing one or two large 3.5" HD wouldn't be able to handle, but I would like a good way to transport them (if I have enough space in the luggage, I may just put them in little cardboard box). But once there, I would also still like a good way to store them.

[arthurleung]

I actually like those cardboard. Sure that's all they are, but finding one that's the perfect size may prove difficult. And those silicon cases are pretty neat to keep 2-3 on the table.

I do have a couple of 2.5" WD Passports. They are nice, especially as portable storage I can take with me all the time with my laptop, but relatively expensive per GB for backup purpose (multimedia files do not compress that well).

The comment about taking 3.5" in laptop bag is not something I would do on a regular basis. In fact, it's likely a one-way trip, or at most a once per year type of thing. I have fair amount of content I would like to bring from Aberdeen to London. It's nothing one or two large 3.5" HD wouldn't be able to handle, but I would like a good way to transport them (if I have enough space in the luggage, I may just put them in little cardboard box). But once there, I would also still like a good way to store them.

I almost stopped buying internal drives, and when I put those external drives in storage, I put them in a huge box, with lots of airbags / bubble paper (shipped with SCAN). Unfortunately that takes up a lot of space.

I wouldn't recommend the wood box as wood is relatively hard and any impact will be transferred to the hdd, probably more than the 200G typical HDDs can handle.

I remember seeing some HDD LDPE(MDPE?) cases (for SCSI hdds typically AFAIK) which a big block of LDPE with a few holes cut to the shape of hdds, and you just slide it in. It is still quite bulky but probably the most secure method while being very light.

[Blastuk]

I approve of this thread, I am planning to go the exact same route by buying a sata dock and internal hdds and then sticking the hdds in storage.

Those cardboard boxes look useful if they had a cover of sorts to stop dust getting in.

[shaithis]

Maybe something like these?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Colour-Silicon...d=p3286.c0.m14

Edit - available here too:

3.5'' - http://www.startech.com/item/HDDSLEV...ector-Cap.aspx

The "View More Images" link shows them plugged into a SATA dock without removing the back half of the case too

Nice finds I have the 2 port Sharkoon and those Startech bays looks like a rebadge.....but at $10.99 per sleeve I almost had a heart attack! The EBay ones aren't much cheaper when you look at the shipping cost + no buy it now....

Gutted as I didn't realise these were available until seeing the thread and then realised I need about 8 of them

[Vimeous]

When you buy multiple similar drives from places like Scan you tend to get them in a reasonably sized cardboard box with a single foam insert and multiple drive cut-outs. Most recently I purchased 3 drives for work and they arrived in a box with packing for five - perfect

[Blastuk]

When you buy multiple similar drives from places like Scan you tend to get them in a reasonably sized cardboard box with a single foam insert and multiple drive cut-outs. Most recently I purchased 3 drives for work and they arrived in a box with packing for five - perfect

maybe scan could add those to product listings for pennies.. saves them chucking it

[Singh400]

maybe scan could add those to product listings for pennies.. saves them chucking it

+1 on that. Scan - do you hear us?!