Testing

There is obviusly a speed differnce between USB & esata, lets see what the difference is using Sisandra.

70%* increase when using esata over usb

60%* increase when using esata over usb

The charts are self explanatory really, using esata gives approximately a 70%* increase over usb when using esata on 2.5" drive, and 60%* increase on 3.5". Although the access times are pretty much the same.

* - depending on drive specs.

Conclusion

Overall I really like this docking station, the use of inserting drives is very simple and quick, and can accomodate both sizes of drives. No drivers where required when using on Vista x64, the docking station was auto detected and drivers installed. The option to use either usb or esats is an even bigger plsu, as I have an esats external connection on my Asus motherboard it made this even better.

Even if you don't have a esata port you are supplied with usb io shield plate to plug directly into a spare sata port on your motherboard. The unit does feel very plasticy, but it is well built - it has just what is needed, no extra fancy bits to go wrong. The does exactly what is says, and because he hard drive is not in a caddy it won't get as hot - but you do have to beacreful when handling the drive, keep your finder of the circuitry on the back (just in case).

The unit retails for around £39.99 at Amazon, but you can get it from various other places!

Pros
Various connection methods
Does what it says on the tin
Backup software included

Backup software Cons

Won't accept ide drives
Can't backup via esata