Question 1

will it work w MBP 17" 2009 model A1297 unibody; easy to get 500GB SATA hard drive installed?

Accepted Answer

This external case is sized for a standard (modern) 2.5" SATA drive, with standard screw placements.  I put a PNY SSD into mine and had an easy time.  Your 2009 vintage SATA drives will be similar.  (Very early mobile SATA drives could be thicker than current models, but I do not believe this is true in your case.) This enclosure has two connectors on it: eSATA, which your MBP does not have, and USB 3.0, via a micro-usb 3.0 (split) connector.  This will be backward compatible with the USB 2.0 connectors on your MBP. You might want to consider external enclosures with Firewire 800, which would be faster than this one while staying compatible with your Mac.

Question 2

is the construction such that when it is opened it could be used without the shell with a larger 3.5" desktop drive?

Accepted Answer

I see no reason why not.  The piece that slides out has all the connections, however it is laid out for a 2.5" drive.  The power and signal connections may be placed differently on a 3.5" drive.  Also you'd need some way to support the drive itself since the connections are in the middle of plate.

Question 3

What is a server storage? Is that the same thing as an external enclosure for a hard drive? Just want to be sure.

Accepted Answer

This is simply an external hard drive enclosure. The Term "Server Storage" seems to be used just as a name for this item. I used it with both ESATA and usb 3.0 with a 500 gb drive and it worked fine.

Question 4

can you use it without the power adapter?

Accepted Answer

I'm using it without the power adapter. I have a Kingston SSD 240 Gig in the box and the box is attached to my Asus Router via the USB wire.  Unfortunately, the router is only a USB 2.0. However, it seems to have the power to get it started and keep it running.

I also tried it plugged into a USB3.0 connection on my I5 Desktop. Same as the router, it didn't need the power brick. I guess the only way you'll know for sure is to try it with your storage device.

A word of warning, with the Kingston SSD attached it was extremely difficult to get the slide out tray back into the case.

Question 5

I have a server-class 7200 rpm 2.5" drive (Seagate Constellation.2) that is very fast, and well-matched to eSATA and USB 3.  Problem is that it's about 15 mm thick, versus the usual 7-9 mm for laptop drives and SSDs.  Can anybody tell me if it will fit it into this enclosure?

Accepted Answer

The only 7-9 mm drivers fits into the housing.

Question 6

Does this enclosure support Trim functions for SSD Drives?

Accepted Answer

The drive slot is made for 3.5" SATA drive.
It will allow 2.5" SSD drive to be used.
The friction from the SATA connect will keep it in place, but may not prevent it from accidental movement.  Some foam-shape cutout will help to support the small 2.5 form-factor drives.

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