Final Thoughts

One of the things that endears the Sans Digital MobileSTOR to me is that the operating system-based software is simply not needed to effectively use the device. The software only really adds alert features, and there are highly visible LEDs on the front of the unit which can notify the error state instead.

It really is a very simple device. It's virtually fire-and-forget: install the drives, set the mode, plug it in, and forget about it. Use your favorite backup software (Windows Backup and Recovery, Time Machine, or rdiff-backup, or the included Shadow application?), or use it as a file safe with its SAFE mirroring mode.

Honestly, the next step up the tech chain is a network attached storage device. This MobileSTOR is probably about as much as most home or small business users can manage without putting it on a network. The benefit with a USB or eSATA-attached drive is the improved speed, but a lack of remote connectivity may be an issue for some users. Portability is important, too, and this enclosure has that.

ThinkComputers gives the Sans Digital MobileSTOR MS2UT+B Dual Bay Hard Drive Enclosure a 9 out of 10 score.

Pros:

- Svelte
- LCD shows lots of useful information
- Easy migration between storage modes via dial or LCD interface
- USB and eSATA connectivity

Cons:

- Can't tell which level the RAID is on initially
- Requires unique drive release keys
- Better off simply using the GUI to configure the storage mode