Home > Consumer Reviews > Cables To Go - 39994 - USB To IDE And Laptop Drive Adapter Kit

When my Sony VAIO notebook finally died from a combination of it's congenital motherboard seizure disorder and memory module slot malformation, I needed the data that was stuck in it's rotting corpse. I could have brought it to the laptop undertaker who would charge well over $100 just to get the data on DVD. Instead, I spent ~$60 for this awesome little cable/connector collection and have a new HD on my system to use as I like. The connection takes a couple of minutes to build and then just plug it in. Now that I have my "lost" data, I'll use this to do regular speedy backups of the next laptop I buy. (I'll give you a hint what brand it WON'T be...)

This kit allows you to connect an IDE or laptop drive to a USB port. You can then access data, format the disk, etc. The kit includes all of the adapters and cables you need to attach a range of drives.

I found the kit easy to use. I was able to to salvage data off of a laptop disk, for example. I would not want to leave the drive connected permanently simply because there is no case for the drive, but for occaseional use, this kit is a winner.

The instructions for this device are poor. The connectors must all be done exactly correctly but there are not keys or images to help. I zapped the motor for the lap top drive I was attempting to read. The red and black power connection was inserted reverse and the unit received 5v on ground rather than 5v to correct power. I had another lap top drive and was able to load it up correctly. Since I had no use for that drive I reversed the power connections and burnt its motor. Later it acted dead when the power was oonnected correctly. There are some helpful connection layouts on this site http://base.liveperson.net/hc/s-21882319/cmd/kb/kbvisitorcontrol.jsp?cmd=entry&entryid=173509&ticket=LTK152020723080X My main message is to be very careful connecting the drive to the unit

My laptop's power blew so I saved the hard disk and chucked the rest.

Then I got this and managed to copy all the files I wanted from the laptop's hard disk to my desktop as easy as any other USB external hard disk or memory stick once assembled.

This is a decent product with poor instructions. It would be easier to use if the laptop adapter had an index to make sure it was on the right way...

But it powered up the drive and ran great. Good speed, and simple setup. It was recognized by Vista right away and had no problems with the 64-bit OS.

Oveerall,recommended but be careful with the laptop connector and make sure it's on right. I could see frying a drive if you get it wrong.