The key to e.SATA: Using the B11 adapter, any SATA port can be fed through the back bracket so that you can operate a HighPoint e.SATA hard drive externally.

The website of Taiwanese manufacturer HighPoint currently lists several useful products that can be connected using serial ATA:

• RocketRAID 1544
• 
  PCI controller with four ports for external SATA devices
• RocketRAID 1542
• 
  PCI controller with two ports for external SATA devices and two ports for internal SATA devices
• Rocket 1511
• 
  PCI controller with one port for an external SATA device

There are also external housings that go by the names RocketMate 1000 and 1100. Please note, however, that these housings are only designed for hard drives with a conventional UltraATA interface. So while HighPoint has accounted for the fact that SATA hard drives are not very common, it still uses the new technology and all the advantages it offers. It's hard to fathom why there's still no housing for "real" serial ATA hard drives.

Another fascinating feature is the B11 and B22 adapters. All they do is channel one or two existing SATA connections to the outside via a bracket module to so that you can use the RocketMate housing. What's so excellent about these adapters is that they can be used with any SATA controller to operate all connected hard drives externally as well.

HighPoint offers two ready-to-use packages for beginners and upgraders. The e.SATA Upgrade Kit contains the Rocket 1511 and an external housing. The e.SATA Value Kit, meanwhile, is suitable for anyone who already has a serial ATA controller and merely wants to hook up an external hard drive.

We know this one! HighPoint uses a Firewire cable to interpret SATA externally.