In the digital world we live today, our need for storage space is ever increasing. Cloud storage provides a means to store and access data on the go. However, the need for an internet connection for downloading and uploading files, as well as the risk of cyberattacks, mar the use of cloud storage. Fortunately, hard drives provide a viable alternative for our increasing storage needs without worrying about cyber attacks. As we keep piling up data, we need more storage space nay hard drives. Hard drive docks allow us to access the files on hard drives without going through the rigor of opening up the motherboard. Drive docks bring convenience to accessing data stored on our hard drive. In reviewing the best hard drive docks above, we showed you the best docks for your hard drives. This buying guide will help you select the dock that best suits your needs. The guide contains tips on the factors to consider when making a purchase. The final part of the guide answers frequently asked questions about hard drive docks.
What are the Things to Consider Before Buying a Hard Drive Dock?
You are spoilt for options when it comes to buying an HDD dock. To ensure you get value for money spent, you should consider some factors before splashing the cash.
Compatibility
The first factor you will want to scrutinize is the dock’s compatibility with your computer. An incompatible dock will turn out to be a total waste of money. You should ensure the dock is compatible with your computer’s operating system for a seamless user experience. Alternatively, you can opt for docks that are universally compatible. These HDD docks can work on any operating system.
An extension of the compatibility factor you should consider is the drive size compatibility. You need to ensure that the dock you are buying can support your hard disk’s form factor. Usually, the form factor of hard drives is either 2.5 inches or 3.5 inches. If you have 3.5 inches hard disks, they will not work with a dock station made for 2.5 inches drives. Thus, it is important that you ensure that the dock can support your hard drives form factor. If you are not sure, you should buy a dock that supports both form factors. It puts you on the safer side.
Connectivity
It would help if you also looked out for the connection options available to you before buying a docking station. The docking station’s connectivity affects data transfer speed.
Typically, docking stations come with USB ports for connecting to the computer. The version of the USB port could be one of USB 2.0 or USB 3.0. USB 3.0 is the faster of the two. Hence, you should purchase a dock with USB 3.0 if speed is important to you. You can get faster transfer speed with docks that support UASP protocol.
Number of Bays
The number of bays is pretty straightforward. Once you consider the number of drives you have and how often you may want to use them simultaneously, you can arrive at the number of bays you need on your docking station. The minimum bay you can have on a dock is one; there are options for multiple bays depending on your needs. The higher the number of bays on a dock station, the higher the price you will pay for it. If you do not envisage your data needs skyrocketing soon, you can settle for the single bay or dual bay docks. For those with ever-increasing data needs, you should get docks with multiple bays to save the future cost of buying a new dock when the single-bay dock becomes inadequate.
Duplication
Devices like hard drive docking stations make data transfer faster and more seamless. In line with this, some docking stations allow users to duplicate data between two drives. This feature saves you the stress of copying files one by one.
You should note that only docks with multiple bays can offer this feature because you need to plug the two drives (the source drive and the target drive) into the docking station at the same time. This is another good reason to consider buying docks with multiple bays.
Form Factor
The dock’s size is another factor you may want to consider. You should ensure that you have enough space on your work table to fit the dock. There is little you can do about the dock’s size, especially if it has multiple bays because the extra bays it carries translate to a bigger size.
Ease of Use
For a great user experience, you should also ensure that the dock you buy is easy to use. Usually, manufacturers include a manual to put you through. The best way to ascertain the ease of use is to check the reviews of previous buyers.
How Much do Hard Drive Docks Cost?
Various factors determine the price of HDD docking stations. Chief among these factors is the number of bays on the dock. Docking stations cost between $15 and $150. Single and dual bay docks cost between $15 and $45, while docks with four bays cost between $80 and $150.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a docking station to clone a hard drive?
A: Yes, you can. All you need is a docking station with at least two bays to plug the source drive and the target drive simultaneously. You then press the clone button to start the process.
Q: How do you use a hard drive with a docking station?
A: Insert the hard drive into the docking station’s bay. Ensure you have a docking station that is compatible with your hard drive’s form factor. Connect the docking station to your computer and power it on. Once powered on, the computer should recognize your drive.
Q: Does a docking station charge a laptop?
A: A docking station does not charge a laptop. Its primary function is to connect hard drives to your computer.