Vantec EZ-Swap MRK-102FD review

Adding a touch of flair to your PC doesn't mean you have to sacrifice practicality, and data security is just as important to a PC enthusiast as it is to anyone else. If you need your data to be secure and portable, Vantec's EZ Swap removable hard disk rack could be just what you're after. It provides an easy way to take your hard disk on the move and makes your PC look good too.

Installing a hard disk in to the EZ-Swap is a fairly painless task, although the instructions should describe the process of setting jumper switches and connecting leads more fully. Once installed, all you need to do is fit the aluminium base unit into a free 5.25in bay, connect up the EIDE and power cables and you're away.

Although the EZ-Swap is essentially a practical device, it still looked fantastic installed in our silver Xaser II case (see opposite). If silver isn't your colour, you can also buy it in black - or even boring beige.

The front panel features a three-stage key lock to make sure the drive stays put. You can also choose to leave the drive cage locked in the bay, but without power, so that your data is secure even if someone accesses your PC.

Next to the key lock is a bright LCD screen, which indicates whether the drive is operating in master or slave mode and includes a disk-activity icon and temperature readout. As the hard disk is locked away inside a sealed bay, cooling is an issue, which is why Vantec has added a small 40mm cooling fan at the rear. If the temperature rises above a certain level or the fan fails, a warning alarm sounds to let you know. The LCD panel can also be toggled to show usage statistics.

The EZ-Swap is a simple and effective way of transporting your data. It's easy to install and adds an extra touch of style. Practicality and good looks in one package? A rarity indeed.