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Hard disk docking stations

  • What was a hard disk docking station?

  • What hard drive docking stations are there?

  • What do I need to pay attention to when purchasing hard drive docking stations?

  • Data backup with multiple hard disks

  • Different connections for hard disks: SATA, eSATA and more

  • FAQs: The most common questions about hard drive docking stations

  • Conclusion: How to buy the suitable hard disk docking station

 

What was a hard disk docking station?

A hard disk docking station enables the external connection of HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Disc) hard disks without the installation in the computer. A quick connection with the PC is established via a connection cable (e.g. USB 3.0 or eSATA) and all desired data can be stored. Additional features such as clone functions for easy cloning of hard disks or an erase function for secure deletion bring many hard disk docking stations with you.

 

What hard drive docking stations are there?

Hard disk docking station with clone function

Hard disk docking stations with clone function can clone hard disks completely without the detour via a PC. This means that all data as well as the data structure are transferred from one hard disk to another hard disk, depending on the equipment with very high write speeds. Often, such hard drive docking stations also have an erase function to erase hard drives.

HDD docking station

Hard drive docking stations can connect external hard drive to PC via USB and other ports. In this way, data can be stored quickly and backed up to another storage medium. Depending on the equipment, several ports are available for HDD as well as SSD. Many devices also offer the connection with eSATA and other USB-places.

 

What do I need to pay attention to when purchasing hard drive docking stations?

The right hardware

  • Suitable for SSD or HDD
  • Number and size of ports: Suitable for the desired hard disks
  • USB port (to computer): USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB-C (plug)
  • ESATA port for the computer: Supports high-speed transmission
  • Maximum transmission speed/transmission rate
  • Clone speed
  • SATA connector (for the hard disk): SATA I, SATA II, SATA III.
  • Supported storage capacity: Total and per hard disk
  • Appropriate system requirements: Operating system
     

Required functions

  • OTB function (one-touch backup): Data backup at the touch of a button
  • Clone function: Cloning of hard disks without detour via the PC
  • Erase function: Complete and secure deletion of all data on the hard disk
  • Hot-Swap: Replacement of hard disks during operation
  • Plug and Play: Ready to use right out of the box
     

The right equipment

  • LED screen
  • Power saving mode, sleep mode
  • USB hub

Practical advice

In order for the data transfer to succeed without any problem, in addition to the docking station, the PC and some hard disks further details are necessary, such as corresponding cables, which support the high transfer speeds of the docking stations. Especially USB 3.0 connections can only use their potential with appropriate data cables.

 

Data backup with multiple hard disks

There are several possibilities for fast and professional data backup. A proven option is to store the data on multiple physical storage media, i.e. Hard disks. With small amounts of data, for example, the hard disk of the PC and USB stick are suitable; however, for large amounts of data and especially the data structure, a separate hard disk with sufficient storage capacity is required.

With hard disk docking stations, the data from hard disks of the PC can be stored on other media, but it is also possible to clone complete hard disks. The clone function transfers the architecture (file structure) as well as the stored files completely to a second hard disk. This has the advantage that in the event of a system failure, another hard disk is available, which immediately replaces the defective hard disk without having to adapt the system.

Important data, for example from companies, can be stored on hard disks in a secure place.

 

Different connections for hard disks: SATA, eSATA and more

While external hard disks are usually connected to the PC or laptop via a fast USB connection, hard disks inside a housing are equipped with so-called SATA (Serial AT Attachment) connections. Several generations of these ports are now available and are (unofficially) referred to as SATA I, II or III.

The eSATA (external SATA) has also been developed for the external connection, which enables the high speeds of the SATA connections for the external connection to the PC.

 

FAQs: The most common questions about hard drive docking stations 

Which hard disks are suitable for a hard disk docking station?

All hard disks with a connection type (SATA) and size suitable for the ports of the docking station are suitable for use in hard disk docking stations. However, special care should be taken with HDDs which may not be suitable for vertical positioning in the ports of the docking station.

Are there suitable hard drive docking stations for Mac?

Each docking station supports specific operating systems. Many models are limited to common Windows versions. However, hard drive docking stations are also available to allow additional hard drives to be used with Mac devices.

What was the cost of a hard disk docking station?

Entry-level models for hard disk docking stations are already available in the low double-digit price segment. From there, the price increases with further ports, faster USB and SATA connections as well as additional functions such as clone and erase function.

 

Conclusion: How to buy the suitable hard disk docking station

Before purchasing a hard disk docking station, you should determine what it is needed for. In particular, the support of the correct operating system is necessary for a successful use. While the convenient backup of data on another hard disk with all docking stations succeeds, medium to high-priced models have special functions like the Erase or Clone function. Especially professional users can benefit from these functions, which work completely without the use of a PC. Fast and uncomplicated data backup is no longer a problem.

In addition to the core features, some hard drive docking stations offer additional USB hubs that offer even greater flexibility.

 
This text is machine translated.   Hard disk docking stations What was a hard disk docking station? What hard drive docking stations are there? What do I need to pay attention to when purchasing hard drive docking stations?...