[themiragemaker]

Hi,

I'm looking for an external enclosure for my 250 GB Maxtor HDD/ DVD burner.

I'm hoping that this post would help other people post their favorite HDD enclosures if you're like me and want to get an enclosure but want it to actually look good as well.

So hopefully you can use the links in this post to help you if you're looking for one or if you've seen better, please post the links to that as well.

Amongst the enclosures being designed, I've noticed, there aren't many nicely designed enclosures . THAT SAID.....

I'm trying to find a 5.25"/3.5" enclosure so that if I need to switch it with my DVD burner I can do that as well-save some money and all that.

I've been looking around for ages on Newegg and something or the other is missing or it has it all but it looks like swearing editted by moderator

Here's what I'm looking for and I'm trying to find something that has all these requirements which I thought shouldn't be hard but it is....


-- 5.25"/3.5"

-- Support for 200+ GB HDD and DVD-RW's

-- Built in QUIET fan (cos if I'm using the HDD in it, it's going to be on for quite some time)

-- ALUMINUM enclosure only (same reason as above, too handle heat efficiently)

-- Firewire AND USB2.0 connectivity (Why? Cos even if you favor one of the two, the DVD-RW's in the market are pretty picky 'sometimes' about the connection you're using and I'm not looking for new coasters)

-- SHOULD LOOK GOOD (this is personal, but it helps if there isn't an ugly bit of machinery that isn't on your desk, right?)

-- OPTIONAL - can stand upright with an included base stand

I really like this one
http://www.ppa-usa.com/product_pages...sures/2230.htm
or for clearer pictures
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...155-214&depa=0

but, shiite man! it doesn't say anything about 3,5" hardrives on either site! So what's the point of it being 3.5" optional as well then?

Anyway that's the sort of design look I'm trying to find. Does anyone know if PPA has a 5.25" design that does it for HDD's as well?
Or this is my best bet so far - meets all the requirements except it doesn't look as good as the earlier mentioned PPA enclosure.

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...145-152&depa=0
or
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...146-022&depa=0
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For examples of ugly ass design check out these external matchbox-design enclosures (once again this is personal and subjective, so if you don't agree, that's cool)
These are all examples of aluminum enclosures only because I'm looking for something sturdy, handles heat well to stay on for long periods supporting big HDD's. Not interested in plastic!

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....145-357-05.jpg

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....173-006-05.jpg

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....146-199-05.jpg

http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....146-019-01.JPG

and whoooooh, look, colored lights - look at what it looks like with the lights off!
http://www.newegg.com/app/Showimage....146-311-10.jpg