Using Laptop to SMART Test Seperate HDD

[Timeflood]

Laptops are a weak point of mine. In fact; I have not owned one for many, many years. I am looking to purchase a laptop for on-site work. One of the first steps in my diagnostic procedure is HDD diagnostic & memtest. This is very time consuming when working on-site. I have to load a live ubuntu, download gSMARTcontrol, [or use manufacturer self diagnostic cd] run scans; reboot, memtest. You get the idea. I would like to speed this process up. Currently I use a BlacX HDD dock on my work bench.

I have read:
http://www.technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37192
Where PCX mentions "Slave the hard drive to a laptop." My thoughts is using a laptop equipped with an eSATA port. I know USB SMART diag is not accurate. Here comes the question:
Will an express card interface allow for proper testing, or would it be as accurate as a USB adapter?

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=293610&CatId=109
or
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4950739&CatId=109

Will one of these cards work on a laptop that is not equipped with an eSATA port, or should I start looking for a laptop with an eSATA port? Is there any other options? Perhaps some kind of adapter that will allow the dvd drive to be removed and eSATA installed in it's place. All laptops with an eSATA port that I have found are $200+ more for nearly identical specs on a non eSATA laptop. I'd rather spend $50 on an express card, and save $150.

If this has already been addressed, I apologize. I have used the search feature. I normally google my concerns, but frankly, I wouldn't trust answers for this issue I find anywhere else but here.

Thanks in advance.

 

[SilverLeaf]

Why not just boot up Parted Magic via CD or USB, and go to work? You can check SMART data, run the short self test, and much more. I would not run the extended test on-site.

See this thread for more:

http://www.technibble.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44181

 

[Martyn]

I've not looked at the links because I wouldn't do any sort of that work on site, it's a workshop job for me. What jobs involving a laptop would you do on site? I rarely take a laptop with me nowadays. Is your area very large, mine is 15 mins away max.

 

[Timeflood]

Why not just boot up Parted Magic via CD or USB, and go to work?]

The reason is: I did not know it existed. I briefly read your post, and the links you provided. That looks like exactly what I have been wanting! That would be so much more comprehensive [and time saving] than removing HDD > eSATA to laptop > gSMARTcontrol! I cannot thank you enough

 

[Timeflood]

I've not looked at the links because I wouldn't do any sort of that work on site, it's a workshop job for me. What jobs involving a laptop would you do on site? I rarely take a laptop with me nowadays. Is your area very large, mine is 15 mins away max.

The jobs would 2-6 workstation maintenance/repair at small businesses without server. One location, in particular, is 40 mins away without traffic. I reside in the greater LA area, so there is almost always traffic. I have always taken pc off-site for repairs, and am finding it to be costing me too much money for when servicing some businesses. Now that I am doing more on-site, I feel handicapped without a laptop by my side.

 

[ohio_grad_06]

I think there's a windows version of gsmart control. My laptop honestly is one I got with a broken screen that nobody wanted. Upgraded ram from 1 gb to 4gb, put a new screen and hard drive in it, does well even for onsite. Also keeping an external with you would not hurt.

 

[Go-To Gordon]

I have a laptop with an esata port and I always take an esata dock with me. I have hdtune pro installed on the laptop and all windows versions of manufacture's diagnostics (and of course bootable disc of everything). This is only for a quick smart check or quick scan. Anything more comes back to the house with me.