Nowadays, there is always the need to reduce the time needed to do just about anything while also make the process more and more efficient.  Same applies when you want to make an exact copy of a hard drive without worrying about data loss.

StarTech recently released their USB to SATA Standalone Hard Drive Duplicator Dock that allows you to accomplish just that.  You don't need to slave an internal hard drive or even connect using a USB cable anymore.  Do you realize how much time this will save any technician who wants to make and exact copy, put an image on a drive or to replace a dying drive?  You probably don't, but that's why we put it to the test.  This hard drive duplicator usually retails for $169.99 but you can probably find great deals if you search sites like Newegg.com (the lowest I found it for was $149.99).


DESIGN, CONTROLS AND THE PACKAGE
The StarTech SATA Hard Drive Duplicator (SATDOCK22R) is designed to allow two 2.5" or 3.5" hard drives to be docked at the same time.  There are slots for Source and Destination drives and are clearly labeled (there are indicator lights next to the slots also).  There is a power button on the front panel along with the Mode and Start buttons.  There is also a progress indicator that will tell you how much of the duplication is complete.  There are two eject push buttons to remove the drives (when powered off to avoid damage to the drives).  Then there is a power connector and a USB 2.0 port on the back of the unit.  This hard drive duplicator weighs only about 20 ounces and is small enough to fit on any desk or work station (5.7" (L) x 5.26" (W) x 2.96" (H)).

The package includes the SATDOCK22R hard drive duplicator, one power adapter with US UK and UE power cords, a USB type A-B cable and instruction manual (that you really don't need to use this device).  The manual comes in handy if you want to learn about what the beeps and different indicator colors mean or to get warranty information.  Otherwise, the unit is pretty self explanatory and easy to use.