WiebeTech has introduced the USB DriveDock v4, a device used to connect raw hard disk drives to a host computer. The device works with Mac OS X, Windows and Linux operating systems and costs $49.95. It ships in early December.
The USB DriveDock v4 connects to 3.5-inch Serial ATA (SATA), 3.5-inch IDE/PATA, 2.5-inch SATA and 2.5-inch IDE/PATA hard disk drives — the types most commonly used in desktop and laptop computers. It connects to a USB 2.0 port on the host computer, enabling you to access the drive and its contents.
An included AC adapter provides power; alternately, you can draw power from the computer’s power supply. A power status LED verifies if the unit is working, another status LED confirms if the DriveDock has made a connection to the drive, and a third LED confirms that a USB connection has been made.