Sharkoon SATA QuickDeck: an eSATA+USB Docking Solution

Internal hard disk drives remain the most popular storage media among computer users. Compared to their external cousins, they offer cheaper price and larger capacity. At some occasions, however, users would feel the need to transfer files from one internal hard drive into another. This is when external hard drive enclosures would come in handy, but sometimes, even enclosures are too bothersome since we still need to open the assembly and slid the hard drive in. What about a device that instantly turns your internal hard disk into an external drive without you needing to dismantle anything?

A hard disk docking unit provides just that: an instant access to all the files inside your hard disk, since the operating mechanism is as easy as plug and play. Sharkoon is a manufacturer of such product, and this time they sent us a sample of their most recent hard disk dock, the SATA QuickDeck. Just like what the name suggests, it accommodates SATA storage devices.

You can plug in just about any kind of SATA storage to the QuickDeck, whether desktop standard 3, 5 inchers or 2, 5 inch notebook storage, conventional hard disks or more sophisticated SSDs. Simply open its “mouth” and connect the SATA power and data ports on your hard disk to the connector on this device. A retention lever is available to keep smaller disks in place. Next, you can switch on the QuickDeck and connect its interface cable to your computer. Your internal hard disk, connected through the QuickDeck, will be identified as an external storage unit.

Speaking of the interface, you can choose between USB 2.0 and eSATA. The flexible USB 2.0 interface renders the QuickDeck usable on any computer, while the eSATA provides more transfer speed on capable systems. Some users may need to restart their system before eSATA devices can be detected, but that’s perfectly normal.