Hi all,

I bought a 40 gig hard drive for a laptop computer once,
and I've since sold the laptop but not the drive.
It's a good Hitachi drive, with a parallel interface and
probably has data on it that I can use or need.

However I can't make use of the drive.

1. My current laptop is SATA, so I can't
install a PATA drive.

2. I have a USB 2.5" enclosure, but USB doesn't provide
enough current to run the drive. The drive
needs 1 ampere. Another 4 gig drive that I had
did work with the enclosure. It used 0.5 amperes.

3. I don't have an iPod or any other MP3 player
to put the drive into, and thereby hook it up to the computer.

4. The AC power supply for my enclosure is
rare and costs $6.5 + $16 shipping from
coolerexpress.com, which is ridiculous.

After if get any data off the drive,
the question remains, how to make use
of it for backups and/or for music/video.

Option A
I have noticed that there are now 2.5" enclosures
that have MP3 and video playing capability,
but no screens (!). I don't want to waste my
money on one of those. They don't even come with
AC adaptors usually.

Option B
Buy an old iPod and put this drive in it,
discarding the original drive. Does anybody
know if the original iPods will even take a
40 gig drive?

Option C = preferred
Does anybody know if there is an MP3 player
manufacturer that sells an MP3 players
with a screen on it but with an empty hard drive
bay?

Thanks.

"Flarky" <yubbers9******.com> wrote in message
news:1164752678.851984.10880@45g2000cws.googlegrou ps.com...
> Hi all,
>
> I bought a 40 gig hard drive for a laptop computer once,
> and I've since sold the laptop but not the drive.
> It's a good Hitachi drive, with a parallel interface and
> probably has data on it that I can use or need.
>
> However I can't make use of the drive.
>
> 1. My current laptop is SATA, so I can't
> install a PATA drive.
>
> 2. I have a USB 2.5" enclosure, but USB doesn't provide
> enough current to run the drive. The drive
> needs 1 ampere. Another 4 gig drive that I had
> did work with the enclosure. It used 0.5 amperes.
>
> 3. I don't have an iPod or any other MP3 player
> to put the drive into, and thereby hook it up to the computer.
>
> 4. The AC power supply for my enclosure is
> rare and costs $6.5 + $16 shipping from
> coolerexpress.com, which is ridiculous.
>
> After if get any data off the drive,
> the question remains, how to make use
> of it for backups and/or for music/video.
>
> Option A
> I have noticed that there are now 2.5" enclosures
> that have MP3 and video playing capability,
> but no screens (!). I don't want to waste my
> money on one of those. They don't even come with
> AC adaptors usually.
>
> Option B
> Buy an old iPod and put this drive in it,
> discarding the original drive. Does anybody
> know if the original iPods will even take a
> 40 gig drive?
>
> Option C = preferred
> Does anybody know if there is an MP3 player
> manufacturer that sells an MP3 players
> with a screen on it but with an empty hard drive
> bay?
>
> Thanks.
>

A USB cable with 2 ends for the computer is available-I got one with a 2.5
enclosure that I bought. Plugging into 2 USB connectors on your compute will
give you the 1 amp you need. Should be able to Google for it

olfart wrote:
> A USB cable with 2 ends for the computer is available-I got one with a 2.5
> enclosure that I bought. Plugging into 2 USB connectors on your compute will
> give you the 1 amp you need. Should be able to Google for it

It came with one of those, but it fails to provide
enough power with both USBs plugged in.

On 28 Nov 2006 14:24:38 -0800, "Flarky" <yubbers9******.com> wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>I bought a 40 gig hard drive for a laptop computer once,
>and I've since sold the laptop but not the drive.
>It's a good Hitachi drive, with a parallel interface and
>probably has data on it that I can use or need.
>
>However I can't make use of the drive.
>
>1. My current laptop is SATA, so I can't
>install a PATA drive.
>
>2. I have a USB 2.5" enclosure, but USB doesn't provide
>enough current to run the drive. The drive
>needs 1 ampere. Another 4 gig drive that I had
>did work with the enclosure. It used 0.5 amperes.
>
>3. I don't have an iPod or any other MP3 player
>to put the drive into, and thereby hook it up to the computer.
>
>4. The AC power supply for my enclosure is
>rare and costs $6.5 + $16 shipping from
>coolerexpress.com, which is ridiculous.
>
>After if get any data off the drive,
>the question remains, how to make use
>of it for backups and/or for music/video.
>
>Option A
>I have noticed that there are now 2.5" enclosures
>that have MP3 and video playing capability,
>but no screens (!). I don't want to waste my
>money on one of those. They don't even come with
>AC adaptors usually.
>
>Option B
>Buy an old iPod and put this drive in it,
>discarding the original drive. Does anybody
>know if the original iPods will even take a
>40 gig drive?
>
>Option C = preferred
>Does anybody know if there is an MP3 player
>manufacturer that sells an MP3 players
>with a screen on it but with an empty hard drive
>bay?
>
>Thanks.

There is a device sold by Newertech called a USB 2.0 Universal
Adapter. It is not a case, just a set of cables and a power supply.
With this "kit" you can connect any drive SATA, or ATAPE/IDE up to the
USB port on a computer. I've used it to connect a notebook drive and
an IDE drive and can verify that it works fine for either. It has a
separate power pack enabling power to either the notebook or to the
3.5" drive. I expect it will also work fine for a SATA, I just haven't
needed it for that yet.

I don't remember how much it cost, but it was around $10. I think the
web page was www.newertech.com.

I woundn't recommend it for continuous use, but for backing up a
drive, or transferring information quickly between computers, it works
great.
Charlie Hoffpauir
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~charlieh/

Did you actually try the drive in a USB enclosure, or did you simply
assume that since it said 1 amp, it wouldn't work. If you simply made
and assumption, then try it. The vast majority of laptop drives work
with a USB adapter (even one with only a single-ended USB cable).


Flarky wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I bought a 40 gig hard drive for a laptop computer once,
> and I've since sold the laptop but not the drive.
> It's a good Hitachi drive, with a parallel interface and
> probably has data on it that I can use or need.
>
> However I can't make use of the drive.
>
> 1. My current laptop is SATA, so I can't
> install a PATA drive.
>
> 2. I have a USB 2.5" enclosure, but USB doesn't provide
> enough current to run the drive. The drive
> needs 1 ampere. Another 4 gig drive that I had
> did work with the enclosure. It used 0.5 amperes.
>
> 3. I don't have an iPod or any other MP3 player
> to put the drive into, and thereby hook it up to the computer.
>
> 4. The AC power supply for my enclosure is
> rare and costs $6.5 + $16 shipping from
> coolerexpress.com, which is ridiculous.
>
> After if get any data off the drive,
> the question remains, how to make use
> of it for backups and/or for music/video.
>
> Option A
> I have noticed that there are now 2.5" enclosures
> that have MP3 and video playing capability,
> but no screens (!). I don't want to waste my
> money on one of those. They don't even come with
> AC adaptors usually.
>
> Option B
> Buy an old iPod and put this drive in it,
> discarding the original drive. Does anybody
> know if the original iPods will even take a
> 40 gig drive?
>
> Option C = preferred
> Does anybody know if there is an MP3 player
> manufacturer that sells an MP3 players
> with a screen on it but with an empty hard drive
> bay?
>
> Thanks.
>

The device sold by Newertech for $24.99 is available for $4.99 from a
source in Hong Kong:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=330054864151

[Shipping is only $8.99, but it takes 3 weeks .... parcel post from Hong
Kong]

[If this auction has ended, just do a search for "IDE USB SATA Tri" ...
this seller runs about 1 to 2 dozen auctions at a time for these, and
has been doing so for months.]

[The seller and the product are both reliable and work well, I've bought
4 of them over the past 6 months or so.]


Charlie Hoffpauir wrote:

>
> There is a device sold by Newertech called a USB 2.0 Universal
> Adapter. It is not a case, just a set of cables and a power supply.
> With this "kit" you can connect any drive SATA, or ATAPE/IDE up to the
> USB port on a computer. I've used it to connect a notebook drive and
> an IDE drive and can verify that it works fine for either. It has a
> separate power pack enabling power to either the notebook or to the
> 3.5" drive. I expect it will also work fine for a SATA, I just haven't
> needed it for that yet.
>
> I don't remember how much it cost, but it was around $10. I think the
> web page was www.newertech.com.
>
> I woundn't recommend it for continuous use, but for backing up a
> drive, or transferring information quickly between computers, it works
> great.
> Charlie Hoffpauir
> http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~charlieh/

Barry Watzman wrote:
> Did you actually try the drive in a USB enclosure, or did you simply
> assume that since it said 1 amp, it wouldn't work.

I tried it. The enclosure is a Bytecc ME-930, which doesn't
come with an AC adaptor, and to get one would cost $24.

I also tried a different 40 gig drive, same result, and
a different laptop, same result.

On 28 Nov 2006 14:24:38 -0800, "Flarky" <yubbers9******.com> wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>I bought a 40 gig hard drive for a laptop computer once,
>and I've since sold the laptop but not the drive.
>It's a good Hitachi drive, with a parallel interface and
>probably has data on it that I can use or need.
>
>However I can't make use of the drive.
>
>1. My current laptop is SATA, so I can't
>install a PATA drive.
>
>2. I have a USB 2.5" enclosure, but USB doesn't provide
>enough current to run the drive. The drive
>needs 1 ampere. Another 4 gig drive that I had
>did work with the enclosure. It used 0.5 amperes.
>
>3. I don't have an iPod or any other MP3 player
>to put the drive into, and thereby hook it up to the computer.
>
>4. The AC power supply for my enclosure is
>rare and costs $6.5 + $16 shipping from
>coolerexpress.com, which is ridiculous.

That's not so bad, only a total of $22.50.

>After if get any data off the drive,
>the question remains, how to make use
>of it for backups and/or for music/video.
>
>Option A
>I have noticed that there are now 2.5" enclosures
>that have MP3 and video playing capability,
>but no screens (!). I don't want to waste my
>money on one of those. They don't even come with
>AC adaptors usually.
>
>Option B
>Buy an old iPod and put this drive in it,
>discarding the original drive. Does anybody
>know if the original iPods will even take a
>40 gig drive?
>
>Option C = preferred
>Does anybody know if there is an MP3 player
>manufacturer that sells an MP3 players
>with a screen on it but with an empty hard drive
>bay?

Buy an adapter and put it in a desktop.
or
Splurge the $22.50 for the adapter.

>Thanks.

Barry
=====
Home page
http://members.iinet.net.au/~barry.og

Well, you don't need THEIR adapter. You only need an adapter with the
right voltage (probabaly 5 volts), enough current (1 amp, give or take),
the right connector and the right polarity. If it's 5 volts, you should
be able to find something for under $10. Try Radio Shack.


Flarky wrote:
> Barry Watzman wrote:
>> Did you actually try the drive in a USB enclosure, or did you simply
>> assume that since it said 1 amp, it wouldn't work.
>
> I tried it. The enclosure is a Bytecc ME-930, which doesn't
> come with an AC adaptor, and to get one would cost $24.
>
> I also tried a different 40 gig drive, same result, and
> a different laptop, same result.
>

Rummage around in thrift stores - you're bound to find an appropriate wall
wart that will power the enclosure. 5V at 1W is a bit tough, but I've found
them. Watch the tip polarity!

Val

"Flarky" <yubbers9******.com> wrote in message
news:1164767856.939613.193290@n67g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com
> Barry Watzman wrote:
>> Did you actually try the drive in a USB enclosure, or
>> did you simply assume that since it said 1 amp, it
>> wouldn't work.
>
> I tried it. The enclosure is a Bytecc ME-930, which
> doesn't come with an AC adaptor, and to get one would
> cost $24.

I'll bet money that you could get an appropriate wall wart from Radio Shack
or your nearest Jameco or other similar parts supplier for a whole lot less.

Flarky wrote:
> Barry Watzman wrote:
>> Did you actually try the drive in a USB enclosure, or did you simply
>> assume that since it said 1 amp, it wouldn't work.
>
> I tried it. The enclosure is a Bytecc ME-930, which doesn't
> come with an AC adaptor, and to get one would cost $24.
>
> I also tried a different 40 gig drive, same result, and
> a different laptop, same result.
>
You can get almost any voltage/current power supply at
www.allelectronics.com for about $5 and their shipping is flat rate $7.

Flarky <yubbers9******.com> wrote:

> I bought a 40 gig hard drive for a laptop computer once,
> and I've since sold the laptop but not the drive.
> It's a good Hitachi drive, with a parallel interface and
> probably has data on it that I can use or need.
>
> However I can't make use of the drive.

Have you seen the USB <--> PATA and SATA cables you can get with
contacts for both 2.5 and 3.5" disks, complete with external power
supply for 3.5" drives?

Very, very handy for the occasional backup or restore operation or data
rescue. For continuous operation or frequent use I would go for an
enclosure because of the wear and tear on the disk's pins, but apart
from that this belongs in any IT person's toolkit, IMHO.
--
/Jon
For contact info, run the following in Terminal:
Mail: echo 36199371860304980107073482417748002696458P|dc
Skype: echo 139576319600233690471689738P|dc

Jon wrote:
> Flarky <yubbers9******.com> wrote:
>
>> I bought a 40 gig hard drive for a laptop computer once,
>> and I've since sold the laptop but not the drive.
>> It's a good Hitachi drive, with a parallel interface and
>> probably has data on it that I can use or need.
>>
>> However I can't make use of the drive.
>
> Have you seen the USB <--> PATA and SATA cables you can get with
> contacts for both 2.5 and 3.5" disks, complete with external power
> supply for 3.5" drives?
>
> Very, very handy for the occasional backup or restore operation or data
> rescue. For continuous operation or frequent use I would go for an
> enclosure because of the wear and tear on the disk's pins, but apart
> from that this belongs in any IT person's toolkit, IMHO.

I looked at those, you can do a web search and find a usb to drive cable
(some with 2 connectors for different pinout). They also come with ps
and connector for 5v plug on drive. Not very neat but presume they will
do the job. The catch is they run close to $30 retail. Ebay show a whole
bunch. With postage they should run under $20 if you like dealing with ebay.
Dave Cohen

Well, close. But instead of 2 connectors for $30, how about 3
connectors for $4.99:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=330054864151

[That particular auction may have ended, but that seller sells these
continuously, and typically is running about 1 to 2 dozen at a time on
E-Bay. Do a search on "USB IDE SATA Tri", or just click on "See
Seller's Other Items". Shipping is $8.99, parcel post from Hong Kong.
The seller is reliable, I've bought 4 of them over the past 6 months,
but being parcel post from Hong Kong, allow 3 to 4 weeks for delivery.]


Dave Cohen wrote:

>
> I looked at those, you can do a web search and find a usb to drive cable
> (some with 2 connectors for different pinout). They also come with ps
> and connector for 5v plug on drive. Not very neat but presume they will
> do the job. The catch is they run close to $30 retail. Ebay show a whole
> bunch. With postage they should run under $20 if you like dealing with
> ebay.
> Dave Cohen