Pros:
- Easy to install & use on Win2000, XP and OSX
- Runs quiet & cool
- Small, compact form factor
- Rubber feet that don’t scratch surfaces
- Sturdy, durable outer casing
- Simple, easy-to-use backup software included
Cons:
- FireWire 400 cable not included
- Setup instructions get lost in multi-language paragraphs/bullet points
- Drive tray rails could be sturdier
- A little bit on the expensive side
Conclusion
Overall, this drive enclosure proved to be a sturdy and well-performing unit. But it is still expected that the question arises, “Why buy the MS2C1 over a cheaper single-drive enclosure?”
The cost of a good single-drive enclosure runs about $40-$50. So, comparatively speaking, you will be spending about $80-$100 on two hard drive enclosures, versus about $210 for a single enclosure supporting two drives and RAID 0. So yes, the price of the MS2C1 is definitely a deterring factor.
Using two separate enclosures, each one can be operated simultaneously while maintaining constant transfer speeds, unlike the MS2C1 when under JBOD mode. However, using RAID 0 shows no loss in performance in that regard because the two drives are seen as and operate as one over the USB/FireWire interface.
In the end, it comes down to how much you are willing to spend; whether or not it’s less expensive to buy two smaller drives than one large one to attain the same capacity (two small drives for RAID 0 vs. a single large drive for a single-drive enclosure). Perhaps you need the largest partition you can get with the smallest amount of desk space (1.5TB maximum with the MS2C1, and 750GB maximum with an individual drive).
Ultimately, the choice is entirely up to you, but if you do choose to go with the MS2C1, it has certainly proven itself here as a solid (albeit expensive) product in this review.
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The Novac SATA to USB 2.0 Hard Drive Enclosure measures 135 x 248 x 172mm, weigh approximately 2.4 kg (body only) and is available in white and black variants.