Need more hard drive space? How about 4 terabytes worth!? Want to take it with you? No problem! We anticipate many of our readers’ heads turning at the mention of a reliable external enclosure that is not only a quick install, but is also easily transportable and a dream to maintain … hence today’s review of the Rosewill R2-JBOD enclosure.
In today’s posting, we will take our readers through the ‘quick and dirty’ of this fantastic external hard drive enclosure and the flexible storage potential it can add to just about anyone’s daily life.
Who can use it?
Does the phrase “Windows 2000/ME/XP/Vista” mean anything to our readers? How about “Linux kernel 2.4.1.0” or “Mac OS 8.6/9.x/10.x and above”?
We know its not fair to answer a question with another question, but with the device being supported across essentially each and every OS, it’s hard not to find a user who couldn’t (or wouldn’t want to) add this to their desktop setup.
Note: We didn’t see Windows 7 listed in the specs, but we imagine that the device would work with no difficulties.
What can it do?
This device serves a very specific purpose. It ships with two 3.5″ bays awaiting insertion of up to (2) individual, 2TB drives by it’s owner. Once installed, the R2-JBOD device serves as one of the finest aluminum-based external hard drive enclosures we’ve had the pleasure of inserting our hard disks into.
Upon installation, the drives can be tethered together to form a single, large drive (BIG; not recommended), or can be used independently of each other; usually with the first disk being a ‘working drive’ and the second used for backup purposes (JBOD; recommended).
The unit connects to the drives via SATA I/II connections and connects to the user’s workstation via USB 2.0. There’s even a 50mm fan to keep those whopping 2TB drives cool as they work, and even cooler as they rest.
Wait. Are there cool LED lights?
Absolutely. Each enclosure lights up differently; some being more annoying than others. Check out a short video of a R2-JBOD in action (right) vs another at rest by it’s side (left) in the video below.
OK. I’m just about sold. How much does this thing cost?
$39.99 at most retailers. Tax + shipping on top of that should reel one in for around $50.
How about the drives?
2TB drives are still a little pricey, but savvy consumers can pick up a pair for around $350-$400. 1TB drives however, are dirt cheap these days. $60 apiece is the average price for quality 1TB drives.
So, what are you doing just sitting there reading this weblog entry? Click on over and expand your flexible storage potential today!
Want to learn more about AudioAcrobat? Go ahead, give it a try yourself by signing up for a 30 day Free Trial or join one of our FREE Training Classes without signing up for squat. Already have an account? Login HERE.
Coming up next … #FollowFriday!
[…] Rosewill R2-JBOD: Massive Storage, Low Cost « AudioAcrobat's Weblog […]