Looking for some recommendations for Thumb drive, rack, and PC in car transportation.

[Normann]

Q1:
I've read about using an USB thumb drive that has mechanical write protection. I have been trying to order one from newegg but I can't seem to find this in their specification. I must be searching the wrong way. Anyone with a suggestion of a specific model and make that has a switch like that.

Q2:
How do you guys transport desktops safely in a trunk? I have a 2 door car so I will need to use the trunk. I figured I will need a rubber floor to prevent sliding. But how about preventing vibrations?

Q3:
I am trying to rearrange the drives in my desktop. I am trying to have a setup where I have a raid 1 for my usual daily use where I keep the important and sensitive stuff. In addition I am trying to find a way to be able to pull that raid out of the system and swap in other HDs with fully installed OS in order to practice installs, backups and disinfection. I have an older Antec ATX tower with 4 slots of which 3 is available. Anyone with a rack recommendation?

Thanks!

 

[angry_geek]

Q1:
I've read about using an USB thumb drive that has mechanical write protection. I have been trying to order one from newegg but I can't seem to find this in their specification. I must be searching the wrong way. Anyone with a suggestion of a specific model and make that has a switch like that.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820141489

Q2:
How do you guys transport desktops safely in a trunk? I have a 2 door car so I will need to use the trunk. I figured I will need a rubber floor to prevent sliding. But how about preventing vibrations?

I use a piece of foam rubber that I cut to the shape of the back of my explorer. I paid about $10 for it a sewing supply outlet.

Q3:
I am trying to rearrange the drives in my desktop. I am trying to have a setup where I have a raid 1 for my usual daily use where I keep the important and sensitive stuff. In addition I am trying to find a way to be able to pull that raid out of the system and swap in other HDs with fully installed OS in order to practice installs, backups and disinfection. I have an older Antec ATX tower with 4 slots of which 3 is available. Anyone with a rack recommendation?

I strongly recommend having 2 machines. One for your regular business and personal use, and one for your workbench with nothing critical on it. Bad drives and other things can create havoc on your machine, and you'll find yourself constantly plugging and unplugging things into it. I actually have my bench machine mounted on the wall for ease of use (and because I was bored one day).

 

[Normann]

Thanks! The drive is in my cart on newegg and the foam... I will have to hunt that down. I have plenty of time for that. A bench would be real nice but I just have no space for it and for now there is not that much to swap around anyways. Same goes for a 2nd desktop. This is all for practicing. It will be a while before I will feel confident to go after same simple work.

 

[angry_geek]

In that case, I would recommend a hot swap sata bay. They fit in your 5 1/4 inch slot.

 

[rusty.nells]

I strongly recommend having 2 machines. One for your regular business and personal use, and one for your workbench with nothing critical on it.

I second that, 2 or more.

Also, use recent model computers that recognizes large (SATA & IDE) hard drives.

 

[atlanticjim]

Q2:
How do you guys transport desktops safely in a trunk? I have a 2 door car so I will need to use the trunk. I figured I will need a rubber floor to prevent sliding. But how about preventing vibrations?

I keep a "moving blanket" in my trunk, the quilted kind and place the comp with the MB side DOWN and wrap it up. I will tell you that if a customer sees you do that, they will be much more confident of your care and professionalism.

Q3:
I am trying to rearrange the drives in my desktop. I am trying to have a setup where I have a raid 1 for my usual daily use where I keep the important and sensitive stuff. In addition I am trying to find a way to be able to pull that raid out of the system and swap in other HDs with fully installed OS in order to practice installs, backups and disinfection. I have an older Antec ATX tower with 4 slots of which 3 is available. Anyone with a rack recommendation?

I think that you are looking for this, (it is on my birthday wish-list)
http://www.xoxide.com/hspc-topdeck-tech-station-14x95.html
They have a few different size models.

 

[blackburgpchelp]

Yeah, I've been thinking about one of those myself, although I had also considered a set up similar to what angrygeek has. Not sure which I'd rather have

-Rance

 

[Rider]

Q2: I would suggest a large rubbermaid container lined with foam. This will protect the computer and it will also contain any critters that may be lurking in the computer you're transporting.

 

[angry_geek]

Make sure to include the contents of your car on your business liability insurance. A friend of mine found out the hard way that car insurance doesn't pay for someone else's property. His car got stolen in St. Louis with a couple of client laptops in the back. He wound up having to buy 2 new laptops to replace them.

 

[PatrickB]

Here's another thread with some recommendations on the write protected flash drive:
http://www.technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2941

-- Patrick B.

 

[atlanticjim]

Q2: I would suggest a large rubbermaid container lined with foam. This will protect the computer and it will also contain any critters that may be lurking in the computer you're transporting.

Is it just me or are there a lot of posts about "critters" in the computers we repair?

Make sure to include the contents of your car on your business liability insurance.

Excellent point, thanks.

 

[Normann]

Thanks for the different pointers. I am taking notes.

That post about critters is freaky. I have read about it on the forum here. Before it never crossed my mind that a roach would climb into a computer. I figured it is too dry and no food etc... But it is also warm and dark I guess. We are such neat freaks at home that I have not seen a roach (in our place) for years.

 

[abe]

you may wanna try this

http://www.technibble.com/make-your-job-easier-with-a-tech-station-for-your-test-pc/

 

[angry_geek]

I have one of those for testing customer machines and components. It's especially handy for testing new custom builds before putting everything in the chassis. However, it's not near as much fun as having everything bolted onto the wall.