Connect desktop IDE device to laptop

[aye29]

Is it possible to connect a desktop IDE device like a hard drive or an optical drive to a laptop? Are there any adapters that allow me to connect can IDE cable to a USB or Firewire port on my laptop and use the IDE drive like an external device?

 

[mrzeeedler]

Yes their is. For instance on hard drives they make external bays for internal hard drives. So you can make an internal hard drive external. I am pretty sure they around 50 bucks and make it either usb or firewire.

Edit: THey are actually available for anything and come for any size drive. Go here on newegg.com
http://www.newegg.com/app/manufactory.asp?catalog=92&DEPA=0

 

[aye29]

Thanks for the link, this is just what I needed.

 

[mrzeeedler]

Glad to help i found out about them at the same time. lol

 

[aye29]

If I do put an IDE hard drive in an external enclosure, will the speed of the drive be reduced because it is external?

Edit: Would this adapter serve the same function as an external enclosure? If so, what would be the difference between using the adapter and an external enclosure?

 

[mrzeeedler]

yes but that leaves your drives exposed and can be easily damaged that way.