The Enermax Laureate USB 2.0 Series 5.25" Optical Drive Enclosure... Sheesh! After typing that name out my hands are already tired, and this is just the beginning of the review. To put it in simple terms though, this is an enclosure for your CD/DVD player, writer and / or burner. Pretty handy idea. In fact this is one of those things that when you see it you think,"Dang! Now why didn't I think of that?!"

If you are like me, and most other PC enthusiasts, you have at least one extra CD / DVD-ROM drive lying around. Now, you can take it to any computer in the house and utilize it and If you are doing any kind of CD / DVD burning this really gives a smart alternative. This could best be described as giving you options.

Enermax makes this particular enclosure and they really are best known for their PSU's, but they have branched out not only to peripherals, but also cases. From the documentation this is how Enermax describes the Laureate:

Laureate EB505U is ruggedly constructed, yet light weight. It features a fanless design, using passive cooling for quiet working environments and upright position, minimizing the needed desktop space.

Features

• External 5.25”box with USB 2.0 for easy plug & play between laptop and desktop
• Durable aluminum for the strong structure and the best heat dissipation
• External dual output adapter to provide a stable power source
• Aluminum vertical stand with rubber for saving space and keeping steady
• Power on/off switch in the rear for a convenient and safe using experience
• Enclosed 4 anti-slippery rubber feet to leave the enclosure flat
• Classic distinction with stylish cover and hairline brushed aluminum panel in the rear

Specifications

Application: 5.25” CD/DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD combo, CD-R/RW, DVD+-R/RW, DVD dual, DVD double layer
Interface: USB 2.0
Data Transfer Rate: 480 Mbps
Case Material Aluminum
Power Source: External power adapter universal auto-switching Input: AC 100-240V, 1.2A, 50-60Hz Output: DC +5V/2A, +12V/2A
Support: OS Windows 98SE/ME /2000 /XP Mac OS 8.6 or higher version
Dimension: 9.9" x 6.46" x 2.1" / 25cm x 16cm x 5cm

Package

This package had to have set a land speed record getting to me. It was sent out on the 16th, and landed on my doorstep on the morning of the 18th. Even my FedEx lady made mention how quick it came, since it was not due to arrive till the 22nd.

The outer cardboard box was brightly marked with a red sticker saying 'Fragile'. Or if you're in the A Christmas Story mode, "Uh, 'frah-gee-lay.' It must be Italian!"

Opening up such a pristine box almost seemed a shame, but what must be done must be done. Inside there was more than enough bubble wrap to secure the inner box while in transit.

The inner box was something that took me by surprise. A very elegant looking emerald green cloth covered box with the name Laureate on top, and Enermax on the front flap closure that apparently has a magnet to hold it closed. This is about the nicest packaged item I have seen, with the exception of the packaging Hiper uses.

Seeing a company take interest in every aspect of their product including the packaging says something very positive to me about them. Like when you meet someone for the first time, and you know first impressions only happen once. Same thing with retail products. They only typically get one chance to make that first impression.

Inside the Laureate box came the User's Manual which is nine (9) pages of English-only directions. If selling in other countries they may offer other languages to choose from. Other things included in the green box: 1 - USB cable, 1 - External power adapter with universal auto-switching, 6 - 1/4 inch black screws, 5 - 1/4 inch silver screws, 4 - clear rubber pads, 3 - black 1 1/2 inch long strips with sticky on the back, and the enclosure itself.