Akitio has announced the addition of a new hard drive enclosure to its range in the form of the new Akitio Super S3, which will be arriving soon in stores and online directly from their website for around $150.
The Akitio Super S3 is equipped with an array of connection ports including eSATA, USB 3.0, and 2 x FireWire 800, but unfortunately, it doesn’t include a Thunderbolt port. This variety of ports ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, making it a versatile choice for users with different connectivity needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Akitio Super S3 is constructed from aluminum, which not only gives it a sleek and professional look but also enhances its durability. The fanless design relies on an internal heat sink for passive cooling, which is a significant advantage for users who prefer a quieter working environment. The integrated perforated front panel helps dissipate hot air, ensuring that the hard drive remains cool even during extended use.
The enclosure’s stackable design is another noteworthy feature. This allows users to neatly organize multiple units, making it an excellent choice for those who need to manage several hard drives simultaneously. The Akitio Super S3 supports both 2.5″ and 3.5″ SATA hard disks, providing flexibility in terms of storage options. However, it’s important to note that you will need to supply your own hard disk, as it is not included with the enclosure.
Performance and Usability
In terms of performance, the Akitio Super S3 is designed to deliver high-speed data transfer rates, thanks to its USB 3.0 and eSATA ports. USB 3.0 can offer transfer speeds of up to 5 Gbps, which is significantly faster than the older USB 2.0 standard. This makes it ideal for tasks that require moving large files quickly, such as video editing or backing up extensive data libraries.
The inclusion of 2 x FireWire 800 ports is a boon for users who still rely on this older but reliable technology. FireWire 800 offers consistent performance and is often preferred for audio and video applications due to its stable data transfer rates. However, the absence of a Thunderbolt port might be a drawback for some users, especially those who have already invested in Thunderbolt-compatible devices and are looking for the fastest possible data transfer speeds.
The Akitio Super S3 is also user-friendly, with a straightforward setup process that doesn’t require any advanced technical knowledge. Simply insert your SATA hard disk, connect the enclosure to your computer using the appropriate cable, and you’re ready to go. The device is compatible with both Windows and macOS, making it a versatile choice for users across different platforms.
Overall, the Akitio Super S3 is a robust and versatile hard drive enclosure that offers a range of connectivity options and a durable, fanless design. Its stackable feature and support for both 2.5″ and 3.5″ SATA hard disks make it a flexible solution for various storage needs. While the lack of a Thunderbolt port might be a limitation for some, the inclusion of USB 3.0, eSATA, and FireWire 800 ports ensures that it remains a competitive option in the market.
For those looking for a reliable and efficient way to manage their hard drives, the Akitio Super S3 is certainly worth considering. Keep an eye out for its release in stores and online, and be prepared to invest around $150 for this high-quality enclosure.
Source: Market Watch
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