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JULY 16, 2009
iStar HDD Docking Station (xAGE N99-SAU)
Anyone can use it if I can!
 Sample 1
Sometime in early 2008 I had a hard drive failure in my Dell desktop. The system would not start as it could not access the 3.5” drive. The warranty had expired. My very basic consumer knowledge led me to believe the entire system was done for. Of course I always prefer a new system rather than trying or paying to fix an old one. I checked around and decided to donate the entire computer with the exception of the hard drive. I had good backups of all my work so I was OK. I just did not want someone else to have access to my stuff. I wish I had the iStar HDD Docking Station at that time. I could have fixed the old computer with just a $37.99 investment and a little time. Of course I do have a new computer.
 I had no idea how to setup the eSATA connection so I just used the USB cable to connect the Hub with the Lenovo ThinkPad. I then placed the Dell drive in the hub and turned it on. Windows 7 recognized it just like any other external drive. To be safe I copied all of my files to another external drive and then reformatted the Dell drive. I now have it installed in the new Dell as a second drive for Video and photo work.
Sample 2
I am using a Lenovo ThinkPad R400 to test Windows 7 Release Candidate. Lenovo sent a blank 2.5” hard drive to replace the one that came with the loaner ThinkPad. The Win 7 tests are continuing much longer than I expected. After my success with the Dell hard drive recovery I decided to try to access the first Lenovo ThinkPad 2.5” Drive using the iStar HDD Docking Station (xAGE N99-SAU). I had to remove the side rails and the drive holder. The drive was recognized and opened easily. I was able to open all of my work files as well as several test programs. I am going to leave the 2.5” Lenovo Drive in the iStar docking station as a second drive for a while. This allows me access to files I would not have easy access to without swapping the drives in and out of the ThinkPad. I have also copied all the existing files from that drive to another external drive to be safe.
In the Box
The Drive Hub Itself
Power Supply
eSATA Cable
USB 2 cable
Two Protective Sleeves for the Drives you are working on.
Small Manual
Specs and Details
Model Number xAGE-N99-SAU
RoHS Compliance Version Yes
Dimensions (W x H x D) 85 x 150 x 80 mm
HDD Interface 2.5"/3.5" SATA I/II
Host Interface USB2.0/eSATA
LED Display Power On/HDD Access
Material Plastic (ABS)
Color Black
Power Adapter 100-240V/AC to DC 12V 2.0A
Technical people may think this is an everyday thing. I can assure them that many people will find the iStar HDD Docking Station (xAGE N99-SAU) an amazing and inexpensive way to retrieve data with very little investment and possibly bring their drive back to life. It may also save a bundle in service calls. Of course it could also keep you from that new computer you have your eye on.
For More info on iStar and their products CLICK HERE.
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