Access any old Hard Drive via USB

February 22nd, 2007 by Al in PC Gadgets, USB Gadgets

USB UNIVERSAL DRIVE ADAPTER

This is a great idea, the USB Universal Drive Adapter, the easy way to get data off all those old drives you’ve got kicking around.

I’ve lost count of the number of old hard drives I’ve got hidden away in cupboards and drawers. Before I throw away an old PC I’ll take all the useful bits out and store them as they may come in useful in the future (deluded I know). The discs then gather dust as I never have the drive (excuse the pun) to dismantle a current working machine to connect it to.

The USB Universal Drive Adapter however makes it a piece of cake to re-use your old discs (or just extract data from). Simply connect the USB end to your PC and the other end to the old disc (via standard IDE/ATA/ATAPI 40 pin or Serial-ATA) and you can then access the disc like any other. Simple but effective.

You can get the USB Universal Drive Adapter from newer technology for $24.95 and IMO is one gadget that should be in every support technicians gadget bag.

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4 Comments on “Access any old Hard Drive via USB”

Sam Leung Says:

February 22nd, 2007 at 4:19 pm

What about power for drives that need power? How does it provide that?

Al Says:

February 22nd, 2007 at 4:28 pm

Good question Sam. I never noticed that in the press release but I’m guessing it will either be powered off USB though I’m now wondering if USB would provide enough power for that (and where’s the power connector), I’ll ask and post a follow up comment.

livakero Says:

April 3rd, 2007 at 8:55 am

my first thouhgt was the device use a inner converter to obtain 12V and 5V. usb delivers 5Vx0.5A=2.5W, ten times smaller hdd requires. so i take a look at http://www.newertech.com/products/usb2_adapt.php. there is a power adapter and cord in the box.