Desktop to Laptop file transfer. Whats the fastest way?

ArchitectUK · 27 Mar 2008 at 11:13

Did a bit of a search but didn't find much. So whats the fastest way of moving files from my SATA drive on my desktop to a laptop?

I have an external hard drive but it takes a while putting 200GB on there from the desktop (via usb 2) and then moving it from there to the laptop.

Is there a way of connecting a SATA drive directly to a laptop?

Cheers

Tomsk · 27 Mar 2008 at 11:24

(listed in order of fastest first IMO)
Gigabit network
Firewire network
Via an external hard disk drive
100Mbit network
Via DVD-RW
Via USB drive

I don't think you can connect a 3.5" drive to a laptop via SATA although connecting a laptop SATA Hd to a desktop might be possible. eSATA would work if your laptop has it.

If it's a one off or occasional transfer try this - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HD-000-SH&groupid=701&catid=14&subcat=72

Phoenix211 · 27 Mar 2008 at 19:32

get a integral Sata external drive bay, and a pcmcia e-sata connection (total cost about £45-50), then your sata drive can connect to laptop via e-sata which is muchos fast!

deadite66 · 27 Mar 2008 at 20:52

what about a crossover network cable? the laptop hd write speed will likely be the weakest link anyway.

ArchitectUK · 28 Mar 2008 at 03:38

Thanks for the help guys. I'm gonna go for the external hard drive for now, but that eSATA sounds very interesting for the future.

neil_g · 28 Mar 2008 at 08:18

crossover cat5 would be easiest and cheapest.

marscay · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:27

neil_g said:
crossover cat5 would be easiest and cheapest.

ali825 · 28 Mar 2008 at 12:54

can you not just set it to do it over night with crossover cables, that way time will be less of a issue. seem pointlys spending £45 to use it onces