David L. Farquhar, computer security professional, train hobbyist, and landlord
I saw this lament in my referrer logs, of all places. Perhaps someone read it, then wondered if I had an answer?
The exact solution the author sought, a USB-IDE converter so he could attach a thumb drive as an IDE device, doesn’t exist as far as I know. But I can think of two things that are almost as good.
A 7-inch, underpowered Android tablet that may or may not be available at your corner Walgreen Drug Store is made some big waves today. It’s underpowered, but it’s supposedly on sale for 99 bucks. Regular retail price is $129.
Yes, for 99 bucks, it’s a toy. But it could be a fun toy.
I’m ashamed to say I own one Monster cable. Hopefully if I tell you I bought it at a garage sale for $2, I’ll regain your respect. But there’s an easier way to save money on cables than buying at garage sales.
Unless you need it immediately, there’s no reason whatsoever to buy Monster and other overpriced cables at big-box consumer electronics stores. Profit margins are really thin on most electronics, even the big-ticket items, and they use the cables to make up for that. That’s the reason nobody includes cables in the box.
I revisit the topic of what to look for in a router every six or seven years. As important as it always was, I think it’s even more important today, as there are a number of underpowered routers on the market and it’s best to avoid them.
This post originated in 2010. I revised it for 2017 needs, and by the time I was done, I’m not sure much of my 2010 text was left. But that’s OK.
Somewhere, stashed in a corner of the basement or a closet, pretty much anyone who works on computers or even has just owned computers for a long time has a stash of obsolete hardware, stashed for a just-in-case moment.