Building a desktop storage centre for a laptop???

[noobybooby]

Hi,

I'm planning to buy a laptop for my dad.

Now, I would want to build some kind of desktop box which will contain the following:

- 1 HDD for extra storage of data that won't fit on the laptop's SSD
- 1 HDD to backup the laptop's SSD
- 1 HDD to backup the aforementionned storage HDD
- Possibly a CD/DVD burner in case the laptop I choose doesn't have one
- Extra USB ports

I would like to have all of this in one small box. Is this possible to build/buy?

The idea is that when at home, he can just connect the laptop to the "docking" box (I'm guessing through a USB cable), and have instant access to all the hard drives, DVD drive and the extra USB ports. I'd want it to be simple.

I guess I'd need a power supply and fans to go with the case. Is this workable? I DON'T want to be building a full computer.

Also, I'm aware that having the storage HDD and its backup HDD in the same box is not ideal, because if there is a power **** up then I'll loose both. Is there a way round this - e.g. have the storage HDD powered off a separate power supply, or even the laptop's power from the powered USB cable?

Sorry if this sounds stoopid - I'm new at all this. I'm not planning to build this minute, but I would like to know if this setup is possible. Thoughts or advice appreciated.

 

[Essexraptor]

Welcome to the forums

Another option is to get a couple of 3.5in external hard drives?

Or possibly a NAS

But I have no experience with using NAS so perhaps another member could advise on these. I back my valuable data up to an external HDD and keep it in another secure place.

 

[-fedexer-]

That certainly would be the easier option, you could then even have each one powered seperately...

Though i actually like your idea.. rather nifty, how about a micro case...the PSU...not sure how you'd work the whole hdd setup inside, you may require a cheap mobo&cpu to run in the micro case?

Not totally sure on this myself.. wonder if anyone else has some idea?

 

[Essexraptor]

Though i actually like your idea.. rather nifty, how about a micro case...the PSU...not sure how you'd work the whole hdd setup inside, you may require a cheap mobo&cpu to run in the micro case?

Not totally sure on this myself.. wonder if anyone else has some idea?

This in essence is surely a NAS? Which can be brought as a unit, with or without HDD drives?

EDIT

Ignore my ramblings...it's late and time for bed....good luck....