esata-one

Some netbook hackers are happy when they’ve figured out how to replace a hard drive with a solid state disk, or add a touchscreen to their mini-laptops. And then there’s tnkgrl Mobile. For her latest feat of mobile, she added an eSATA port to her Acer Aspire, just above the netbook’s second SD card slot (the one that’s used to extend the main memory on Linux versions of the Aspire One).

Of course, this hack requires carving some holes in your computer case, which I’m pretty sure will void any warranty ever created. If you’re cool with that, and have the appropriate components, you’ll be able to plug in an external eSATA hard drive.

You can read more about the Acer Aspire One in the Liliputing Product Database.

Or you can click here for more netbook hacks.

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23 replies on “Aspire One hack: Adding an eSATA port”

  1. extreme and cool hacks, tnkgrl… looks pretty good : ) well, I have an esata/usb2 2tb external hard drive, and want to connect it to my samsung n145 netbook. I have been searching for a way to do the hack and your posts have the closest approach to what I am trying to do… what do you think? can u help me? just need some orientation, please… [email protected] many thanks!

    1. You should never publicly post your email, simply replying to Disqus post gets a email notification to the person you are replying to and they can then suggest a safer method of communicating if needed.

      To your question though, such a mod will require tapping spare SATA pins on the motherboard, which your system doesn’t have.

      If you’re willing to give up the WLAN, you might be able to find a Mini PCIe to SATA card.  Not to be confused with the version intended for the Flash_Con type connector that Asus Eee PC with Mini PCIe SSDs used.  You’d need specifically the PCI bus type Host Bus Adapter card, but you may only find full size card types.  So make sure you have that much space first.

      Otherwise stick to USB connector.  Though you could add an additional USB connector if you really want to do a mod…

  2. Very cool hack but I have to wonder why? USB 2.0 is plenty for a netbook.

      1. Turn it into a true “Mobile Computer” – –
        It has a camera – Which could track image outlines (simple edge finding) –
        Add tiny wheels / motors and make it follow you around like a puppy. 😉

      2.  extreme and cool hacks, tnkgrl… looks pretty good : ) well, I have an
        esata/usb2 2tb external hard drive, and want to connect it to my samsung
        n145 netbook. I have been searching for a way to do the hack and your
        posts have the closest approach to what I am trying to do… what do you
        think? can u help me? just need some orientation, please…
        [email protected] many thanks!

Comments are closed.