The BlacX Duet we have on hand today is the third in the BlacX series of hard drive docking stations from Thermaltake. We first saw the BlacX at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show and got our hands on a review sample a month later. We came away from that review very impressed with the concept and implementation, although USB-only transfer left us wanting more.

The second coming of the BlacX, dubbed the SE version, featured a 4-port USB hub but still failed to deliver eSATA transfer capability. With the latest release of the BlacX, Thermaltake has done away with the 4-port USB hub, added a second slot that allows for two drives to be mounted simultaneously and finally added eSATA compatibility. This is looking more like the BlacX we hoped for nearly two years ago.


The BlacX Duet arrived in the attractive black cardboard retail package you see above. There is a large photo of the unit on the front along with the usual company name, product name, etc. Around back we find a full list of features and specifications. These features and specs have been borrowed from Thermaltake's website and reproduced below for your convenience.



Continue ahead as we take a closer look at the Duet.