How to connect 2.5" SATA Drive to Mac?

Question

Level 1

6 points

How to connect 2.5" SATA Drive to Mac?

I bought several 2.5" Sata drives which I will send out with data.
The problem is, that those people who receive them might not know much about computers. But I am sure, they all use a Mac.
But my concern is, how will they be able to get on the data?
I can not buy for everybody a Firewire adapter with AC power.
What would be the easiest/most simple way to connect such a drive. I presume the internal drive bay is only for 3.5" drives.....?

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.5.2)

Posted on Apr 5, 2008 8:28 AM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Apr 5, 2008 9:00 AM in response to dwctv

They would need a notebook enclosure that accepts a notebook SATA drive and has Firewire and/or USB connectivity.

The Mac Pro has no facility for the direct connection of a notebook drive.

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Answer 2

dwctv Author

Level 1

6 points

Apr 5, 2008 9:15 AM in response to Kappy

Hmm, could you connect the SATA bare drive to a notebook?
Meaning, just slip it in or you have to open the notebook?

Is there not an adapter from 3.5" to 2.5" like for Windows?

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Answer 3

Apr 5, 2008 12:17 PM in response to dwctv

You need something like this:-

http://www.cooldrives.com/seatatousb20.html

There are cheaper ones around if you search.

The SATA connections on a 2.5 inch and 3.5 inch are the same.

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Answer 4

Kappy

Level 10

362,007 points

Apr 5, 2008 12:23 PM in response to dwctv

You have to replace the laptop's drive. There's no place to slip it in.

There may be an adapter, but I couldn't tell you what or where.

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Answer 5

rob_ART

Level 2

426 points

Apr 5, 2008 8:29 PM in response to dwctv

One cheap way to connect is with a $14 SATA to USB enclosure like this:
http://www.xpcgear.com/eb24000066.html

If you need more speed, here's a FireWire 400 one for $24:
http://www.xpcgear.com/ufe940hdcase.html

But there really is no way to transfer the data to the desktops without the use of some kind of USB or FW enclosure.

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