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Product:
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Vantec NexStar NST-355UF 3.5" External Hard Drive Enclosure |
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Price:
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$54 (CAN) / $45 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Vantec
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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November 9th, 2004
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Clare from Vantec
for sending the NexStar NST-355UF 3.5" External Hard Drive Enclosure for review.
Introduction:
Product revision is a common occurrence in a growing market where the need to keep up with consumer
demand is top priority. Some manufacturers release new products in order to address outstanding performance
issues while others may improve on functionality and overall design. Last month, MTB introduced our readers
to the brand new Nexstar External Hard Drive Enclosure from Vantec. The company has been busy building
upon the success of the first generation unit and has recently released its second generation product
marketed under the NexStar 2 brand name. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating the NexStar NST-355UF
3.5" External Hard Drive Enclosure, a plug and play solution for removable media.
Specifications:
The NexStar NST-355UF 3.5" is a second generation external hard drive enclosure and is available in
four different models. The NST-355UF is a dual combination enclosure that supports both USB and Firewire
technologies. The premise behind this product is that it has been designed for home networks, offices,
and small to medium businesses. Here are some specifications taken directly from the Vantec website:
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NexStar NST-355UF 3.5" External Hard Drive Enclosure - Key Specifications:
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| NexStar NST-355UF 3.5" External Hard Drive Enclosure: Manufactured by Vantec |
| Model: NST-355UF |
| Dimension: 210mm x 135mm x 40 mm |
| Interface: IDE to USB 2.0 and IDE to FireWire (IEEE 1394) |
| Material: Plastic |
| Transfer rates up to 480Mbps with USB 2.0 |
| Supports High Speed USB 2.0, USB 1.1 and Firewire |
| Attractive blue LED indicates Power/HDD activity |
| Hot-Swappable & Plug-n-Play |
| Compatible With Notebooks & PCs |
| Easy Installation |
| Supports: Window 98SE / ME / 2000 / XP / Mac OS 8.6 & Above |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The NexStar NST-355UF 3.5" External Hard Drive Enclosure was shipped in a standard double-walled corrugated
cardboard box with the Vantec logos printed on all sides. The packaging was very eye catching with a
large view of the NexStar NST-355UF across the front and back. On the rear of the packaging was a
summarized list of product specifications and components. Upon opening up the packaging, the product is
sealed with protective plastic and secured by a foldable cardboard sheet.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The NexStar NST-355UF 3.5" External Hard Drive Enclosure includes an assortment of accessories which
include the following:
- 1 x NexStar NST-355UF 3.5" External Hard Drive Enclosure
- 4 x Enclosure feet
- 1 x Power adapter
- 1 x USB cable
- 2 x Firewire (IEEE1394) cables
- 2 x HD vibration pads
- 1 x Driver CD
- 1 x Package of mounting screws
The documentation included with NexStar NST-355UF consists of a 19-page user manual which outlines
system requirements, hardware installation, driver installation, and partition information. The
application CD also includes USB based drivers for consumers running Windows 98 and Macintosh. No
drivers are required for consumers who are running Windows ME/2000/XP operating systems.
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