The Hunt for SATAN
Category: life, homeRecently, I posted about my “Series of Unfortunate Events” in Feb 2008 HERE. I’m down with a desktop, fortunately i still have a notebook with me. However, I still need to salvage those data in desktop before I decide what to do next with it.
I have a grim forecast about getting my desktop fixed. I have a ASUS T2-PH1 PC barebone system. It comes along with its custom motherboard, CPU cooling etc. Meaning if the motherboard is faulty, there is no way of finding another replacement. And since this is (i think) 2~3 years old, it would be hard to find support especially at the current rate the electronics products goes obsolete. In fact, it’s hardly economical to repair when new ones costs just slightly more.
But I have to get the data out first. I did have the USB/IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) portable harddisk case, unfortunately this ASUS uses newer SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) drive.
So my hunt for that SATAN really starts weeks ago, but haven’t been successful at finding a 3.5″ portable USB/SATA casing. While there are many 2.5″ portable casing, 3.5″ seems a rare breed. Well, actually I did found one but I’m reluctant to pay $80++ just to transfer my data out. I mean I could just get a 2nd desktop and hook up as 2nd drive.
Choices are plenty, but looking for economical one isn’t that easy. So today, as I was looking for other item (i.e LCD screen protector) - I finally found my SATAN!
USB-SATA/IDE connectors. It supports both SATA & IDE drives. Yes, it didn’t comes with casing, I didn’t really need one anyway. Being without casing means it can be used on 2.5″ & 3.5″ drives.
In fact, it comes with all the necessary cable bundles & power connectors. Real complete solution and thanks to China, it only cost $25! Though I haven’t even started yet, my hopes (of salvaging the data) are pretty high now. Hope to start in next few days *finger crossed*
Life is really funny - when you not looking for it, they start appearing right in front of you and vice versa. I felt its a really useful gadget especially for those who tinker with computer hardware a lot. Even if you are not, it will be real useful if you run into “unfortunate events” like what I’m going through now.
You can grab it at Chamoxa - Funan #05-10/11. Of course, if you miss it and need it urgently. I would be too glad to “lend” (READ: rent) you for a fee 
