It quickly became one of the most necessary and useful devices. The owners of such boxes will understand me; they get used to good things quickly.

Soon after the purchase, bootable flash drives were almost a thing of the past, joining the previously retired BootCD and the almost forgotten floppy disks. It seemed that the question of the best device for OS installations and other actions related to booting from an external drive would not arise for a long time. But less than a year has passed since he appeared ZM-VE300 from the same manufacturer. Although I have never come across computers with USB 3.0 ports before ( I know that this is not the first year they have been produced), I couldn’t help but take the opportunity to evaluate the VE300.

First look

The appearance and equipment are almost the same as its predecessor. The aluminum case itself is identical, only on the upper part connected to the disk, instead of a write-protect switch, there is a Backup button, and instead of the Mini USB_B and eSATA sockets, there is one USB 3.0 Micro_B.

Included with the ZM-VE300 is a USB 3.0 A - USB 3.0 Micro_B cable, a disk with software, brief instructions on English language and “micro screwdriver with micro bolts.”

The screen is the same as on the ZM-VE200, but instead of constantly displaying the disk temperature, it shows the connection mode.

The temperature can be viewed by selecting view SMART parameters in the menu (there is only the temperature and the status of the drive, “good” in my case). In general, the menu is more extensive than it was before.

Speed

First of all, of course, we were interested in the write/read speeds, for comparison with the previous model.

The following system was assembled for testing:

The disk was one third full different files, tests were performed using the ATTO Disk Benchmark utility.

ZM-VE300 connected via USB 2.0 port and through USB 3.0.

ZM-VE200 connected via USB 2.0 port and through eSATA.

Somewhat unexpected was the difference in data exchange speed with VE300 and VE200 connected to the same USB port 2.0, with the same hard drive.

The difference between USB 3.0 and eSATA seems to be insignificant, but here we must not forget about some things:

* eSATA on VE200 is without power, so a USB cable must also be connected. The most annoying thing is that you cannot boot your computer via eSATA. virtual image, it is only for copying files.

* USB 3.0 requires drivers at boot, which are not present in every liveCD image. Even if the image itself is loaded, there will be no access to the disk itself in Zalmane. Therefore, these drivers have to be either integrated into the image in advance, or loaded along the way.

With drivers included, downloading/installing/operating via USB 3.0 is very fast. It feels as if you are working with the internal drive of the computer and not with an external one via USB. Even large wim images are loaded in a matter of seconds. Windows installation 8 happens in a few minutes ( I didn’t time it but it seems no more than ten). Working with Knoppix DVD is an absolute pleasure.

Virtual disks and software

The utility is included with the product and can be downloaded from the official Zalman website / I did so due to the lack of a disk drive. From there you can download the manual in .pdf format and latest firmware which are stitched, unlike slipping into the VE200 iso file, straight from Windows execution exe file.

The main BackupUtility window is launched from the tray or by pressing a button on the case.

To work with Backup program Utility, it needs to be installed in Windows computer to which the VE300 will connect. The Backup button on the device calls up this particular program. And that means the program must be launched with administrator rights. If in the Backup settings you specify the contents of which folder of the host OS where to backup on Zalman, and set Automatic backup to ON, then the copying should occur without a window appearing.

Actually, I’m a little disappointed by the need to pre-install the utility on the host OS. I wanted to secretly save a bank client from the chief accountant, bummer :).

The most noteworthy button, in my opinion, is Virtual HDD. In the window it opens, you can create images of floppy disks (*.ima), flash drives (*.rmd) and partitions or entire hard drives (*.dsk). These virtual disks can then be mounted by Zalman by selecting them in the "_ISO" folder.

You can work with mounted virtual disks in the same way as with regular ones, that is, write files to them, split them into partitions, format them in any file systems, make them bootable... I experimented in different ways using Paragon Partition Manager.

You can boot your computer from bootable images by selecting BIOS Setup or Boot menu corresponding device. Those. USB-FDD for *.ima, USB-ZIP for *.rmd or USB-HDD for *.dsk. Although there may be collisions here.

It is interesting that as soon as any non-CD/DVD/Bluray disc image is mounted, the physical Zalman disc itself becomes read-only.

On the screenshot:

*Disc 1 (I)- "virtual HDD partition", file.dsk

*Disk 2 (H)- "virtual flash drive", file.rmd

*Disc 3 (Q)- "main disk" Zalman

*CD-ROM 0 (F)- "virtual BD-ROM", file.iso

Total

After working with the ZM-VE300 for several days, I hurried to return it to the owner. I've had enough. It's too addictive, and the VE200 hasn't had enough yet. And USB 3.0 is rarely seen today. In a word, I don’t need it. The desire is now there :) but so far conquerable. I think the high price is justified, let Zalman make money while competitors click their beaks, it’s his right.

Our next review is dedicated to the external housing for hard drives. Zalman drives ZM-VE350. The box is designed for 2.5-inch SATA drives and supports high-speed USB 3.0 interface. The device is equipped with a virtual optical drive function, allowing you to connect ISO images on the fly. The write protection feature helps prevent damage to important files.

VIDEO REVIEW ZALMAN ZM-VE350

EQUIPMENT AND CHARACTERISTICS ZALMAN ZM-VE350

An external hard drive box that arrived to us for testing Zalman ZM-VE350 comes in a black cardboard box.

Zalman packaging ZM-VE350 Package Included:

• Boxing itself.
• Case.
• USB cable 3.0.
• Set of screwdriver and four screws.
• Quick guide.

Equipment Zalman ZM-VE350 The complete cable is 50 cm long, including connectors.

USB 3.0 cable The case is very thick and it is easy to remove the device from it. You can, of course, use the box directly in the case, but we do not recommend doing this, otherwise the inserted drive may overheat.

Zalman ZM-VE350 in case Specifications We have compiled the devices into a single table.

HDD interface	SATA, form factor 2.5″
Device interface	USB 3.0 (backwards compatible with USB 2.0)
Device interface baud rate	USB 2.0: up to 480 Mbps; USB 3.0: up to 5 Gbps
Working with ISO images	Virtual optical drive
Indicator	Lights up when power is turned on, flashes when data is being exchanged
Nutrition	Power via USB
Dimensions	131x79x13 mm (L x W x H)
Weight	96 g (without storage)

DESIGN ZALMAN ZM-VE350

Frame Zalman ZM-VE350 mostly made of painted aluminum with soft polymer inserts on the sides. On the front side there is an LCD display and an LED activity indicator.

External hard drive box Zalman ZM-VE350 At the top end there is a Backup button and a USB 3.0 connector (Micro-B type, which also transmits power to the HDD) for connecting the supplied cable.

Upper end of Zalman ZM-VE350 Glued to the opposite end Technical information about the model.

Bottom end on Zalman ZM-VE350 On the left side there is a push lever for navigating through the device menu, and the rest of the space is occupied by a soft insert.

Left side panel Zalman ZM-VE350 On the right side, except for the second such insert, there is nothing important.

Right side panel Zalman ZM-VE350 The build quality is decent - buttons and body elements do not loosen. In general, the design gives the impression of being monolithic.

TESTING ZALMAN ZM-VE350

To install a drive into the box, you will first have to remove the module with the LCD screen, which essentially contains the entire contents of the device.

Base unit Zalman ZM-VE350 For testing we took solid state drive Intel Solid X25-M and connected it to the internal SATA port.

SSD connected to Zalman ZM-VE350 board For reliability, it is worth clamping the module with the supplied screws - the holes for them are hidden under the folded edges of the soft inserts.

Screw holes for Zalman ZM-VE350 To do this, we used the included screwdriver - fortunately, little effort is required, so the miniature size of the screwdriver is not a hindrance. It is worth noting that the kit includes twice as many screws as needed - four versus the required two.

Zalman ZM-VE350 base unit secured with screws
After connecting to the PC, the display of our device turned blue and displayed a simple menu.

Display Zalman ZM-VE350 Wherein operating system recognized two devices at once: the USB drive itself and an additional optical drive - completely virtual, as indicated in its name.

Zalman ZM-VE350 in task manager This is precisely the main feature of this case - you can mount any ISO images by placing them in a folder "_ISO" on the disk inserted into the case. For example, a Windows 7 image downloaded from MSDN was read without problems.

Windows image 7 in the Zalman ZM-VE350 virtual drive However, our copy was initially with faulty firmware, and for the function to work correctly virtual drive we had to update software devices up to more current version. We attach the archive with the firmware and update instructions below. REMEMBER: This operation is carried out at your own peril and risk, and if you are not sure exactly what you are doing, it is better to contact technical support or service center.

• Instructions for firmware Zalman ZM-VE350 (122.7 KB).
• Archive with Zalman ZM-VE350 firmware (579.78 KB).

However, the drive function can be turned off completely - to do this, you just need to select the appropriate mode, of which there are three:

• HDD Mode – drive mode without a drive.
• VCD Mode – “virtual drive only” mode.
• DUAL Mode – simultaneous operation.

Zalman ZM-VE350 modes Another great feature Zalman ZM-VE350– ability to set write protection. This allows you to work even in a potentially or actually virus-infected system without the danger of contracting an infection. All you need to do is select “Enable WP” from the menu. The lock icon is shorted to start screen- and that’s it, no problem.

Installing write protection in Zalman ZM-VE350 Additionally, in the “Information” section you can see the storage temperature (let’s say right away that for SSDs it is determined incorrectly, don’t be alarmed), S.M.A.R.T. status, serial number and controller firmware version.

Information about the drive in Zalman ZM-VE350 Now let's check the performance when using the USB interface. 3.0. IN HD Tune 5 the speed graph has an average read speed of 161.9 MB/s with a random access time of 0.169 ms. The CPU load was 9.8%.

Result of Zalman ZM-VE350 (USB 3.0) in HD Tune 5
IN Crystal Disk Mark 3 sequential read and write speeds showed results of 250.3 MB/s and 96.19 MB/s, respectively.

Result of Zalman ZM-VE350 (USB 3.0) in Crystal Disk Mark 3 Next, we switched to the USB 2.0 interface and tested the speed characteristics again. IN HD Tune 5 an almost flat graph shows that the drive’s performance significantly exceeds the capabilities of the USB 2.0 interface, so we have an average read speed of 31.7 MB/s with an increased random access time of 0.408 ms. But the load on the processor is only slightly higher – 11.5% versus 9.8% when transferring data via USB 3.0.

Result of Zalman ZM-VE350 (USB 2.0) in HD Tune 5 Result in Crystal Disk Mark 3 also hit the USB 2.0 performance ceiling.

Result of Zalman ZM-VE350 (USB 2.0) in Crystal Disk Mark 3 So, the figures correspond to the declared throughput even for SSDs. So the box can handle a regular hard drive without any problems.

ZALMAN ZM-VE350: CONCLUSIONS

Price Zalman ZM-VE350 at the time of testing is approximately 4,000 rubles. For this money, you get a fairly convenient tool that not only works as a portable hard drive, but also allows you to install an operating system from an ISO image on virtually any PC, and the images can be mounted right along the way. Boxing not only shows speed sufficient to SSD operation, but is also backward compatible with USB 2.0. At the same time, to ensure data safety, a write protection option is provided, with which you can work even on an infected computer without fear of losing files or spreading the virus further.

Pros of Zalman ZM-VE350:

• Support for mounting ISO images.
• Works with USB 3.0 without reducing the performance of the inserted drive.
• Write protection function.
• The metal body dissipates heat well.

Cons of Zalman ZM-VE350:

• No significant findings were found.

Zalman ZM-VE350 does not see iso. Solution to the problem.

The other day I became the owner of a Zalman ZM-VE350. Since the main area of ​​my work is related to computer repair and system administration, I desperately needed it. I had to buy it because I lost the Zalman ZM-VE300, about which a lot has already been said. But if you came to this article, then you know why you need it and what its main capabilities are. You can skip everything and go to the instructions.

Today we would like to present to your attention the Zalman ZM-SHE350 external box with the function digital password to access the hard drive. This compact solution protects your data and makes it easier for you to work with your personal data. Great price nice design, compact size, all this allows you to attract the attention of buyers. Let's get to know the device a little closer and start the review.

Zalman ZM-SHE350

How often do you use portable media? USB flash drives? Personally, our experience shows that a portable hard drive is simply necessary for work, because all the necessary and important information is always with you, because it is very convenient and practical. But there are often cases when strangers try to steal this data by copying it to their own Personal Computer or laptop.

We recently came across a very interesting device, the Zalman ZM-SHE350. This is an external housing that looks like an entrance intercom, but in fact its function is completely different - to protect your data on the HDD. How does this happen? Everything is very simple, but before we look at the functions and operation of the device, let's take a look at the package and external design.

Zalman ZM-SHE350 review

Contents of delivery

The device comes in a small premium clear packaging that allows you to read all necessary information and get acquainted with the characteristics of the Zalman ZM-SHE350. The package includes:

• The Zalman ZM-SHE350 case itself
• USB 3.0 cable for power and data transfer
• Operation book
• Rubber insert for increased thickness hard drive
• Compact case

The device comes with everything you need for full operation. Small additional bonuses, such as a cover and a special rubber insert to increase the width of the HDD, if necessary, I cannot but please my customers.

Characteristics

• External box - Zalman ZM-SHE350
• 2.5-inch supported SATA drives. Maximum thickness (depth) of HDD is 9.5 mm.
• Interfaces of connected HDDs - SATA III, SATA-I/SATA-II
• PC connection interface - USB 3.0/USB 2.0
• Case material - plastic
• OS support - Linux, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 7, Microsoft Windows 8, Microsoft Windows Vista,Microsoft Windows XP
• Dimensions (l/w/h) - 135/75/16 mm

Appearance

As we have already said, the device externally resembles a door intercom. The device is completely made of black plastic. The build quality is good, no creaks. But I didn’t quite like the fact that when dropped slightly from the height of the lid, the devices immediately diverge to the sides. Perhaps developers will still need to think about the reliability of the entire case, because opening it and simply picking up the hard drive is not particularly difficult.

On the front of the device there are the main control buttons: numbers from 0 to 9, the “Lock” button and the “Enter” button. Here, just above the buttons, there are light indicators, and opposite them there is information about their designation.

On the top edge there is a micro USB connector. The other faces lack any controls.

The back cover opens. Below it is a connector for a 2.5-inch SATA drive. The thickness of which should not exceed 9.5 mm. If the disc is thinner, you can use a special rubber insert that allows you to obtain the required thickness.

One of the minuses should be noted that the back cover is not protected from opening in any way. That is, anyone can open it. In other words, if with the help of the Zalman ZM-SHE350 you can protect information from being transferred to other PCs or laptops, then you will not be able to protect your hard drive, which is located inside the Zalman ZM-SHE350.

Setup and operation

First, let's figure out how to configure the device, in other words, how to install a hard drive in the Zalman ZM-SHE350 and make it work. First, you need to purchase a hard drive, since it is not included in the package; let us remind you that 2.5-inch SATA drives are supported. Then everything is very simple, open back cover, install, close and connect to the PC.

After connecting the device for the first time, you will need to go through several simple steps. The beauty is that above the panel with numbers there is a small information panel where certain actions are prescribed; you just have to carry out the one next to which the indicator light will light up.

The first step is to come up with a password. Next, you need to confirm it, after which, using given password you will be able to open access to this hard drive. Don't forget to go through the process of initializing, marking, and formatting your hard drive. HDD for normal use and recording through your operating system. How to do it this process, you can find out using the instruction manual, everything is described in detail and clearly there. In short, the following steps need to be taken:

• Connect Zalman ZM-SHE350 with an inserted HDD to your PC
• Next open "Control Panel/Administration/Computer Management/Disk Management
• In the window that opens, you will see that your PC cannot recognize the HDD, since it was initialized only through a software program.
• Next you just need to click right click mouse for now external drive and select “Initialize disk”, and then go through a short procedure.
• Once initialization is complete, you can begin the markup and formatting process

Let's consider additional commands, which are available on the Zalman ZM-SHE350. Apart from entering a password, the Zalman ZM-SHE350 has 3 additional options for working with the panel button device:

• If you press Lock - 0 - Enter in turn, you can change the current password to a new one.
• The key combination Lock - 9 - Enter starts the HDD initialization process
• If you press and hold the Lock button for more than 2 seconds, the HDD will connect/disconnect, in other words - safe removal devices.

Transfer speed

I was pleased that the Zalman ZM-SHE350 uses USB connection 3.0, which allows you to get very fast speed data transmission. During the writing of the review, the transfer and recording speed to the hard drive ranged from 40 to 100 Mbit/s.

Plus, we should add to all this that the Zalman ZM-SHE350 can be connected to any device that has a USB host and play your media files through it. What happens if your Zalman ZM-SHE350 is somehow stolen from important information? If the attacker does not know the password, then he will not be able to obtain your information. Yes, you can remove the hard drive and connect it to the computer directly, but there is a small nuance, this will not do anything, your PC simply will not see the hard drive, and accordingly will not be able to show the information that is inside. The PC will detect that a device has connected to it and install it on it. necessary drivers, however, will not allow you to use this disk. Agree, very convenient and practical.

Where does such security come from, you ask? The answer is simple, Zalman ZM-SHE350 uses AES 256 encryption, which allows you to completely secure your data on your hard drive. But there is another side to this trick: if for some unknown reason you forgot the password that was installed on the device, then you will not be able to recover the password without losing all the data on the hard drive. Yes, you can contact the company’s service center, but even if they help you there, the data you recorded on the HDD will still be erased.

Results

To summarize, it should be said that the Zalman ZM-SHE350 is not just a box through which you can connect your HDD to a PC or other devices and view your saved files, but a real, reliable protector of information stored on your hard drive. Without knowing the password, in the hands of attackers, the Zalman ZM-SHE350 will be an ordinary box for storing HDDs, since it will not be possible to obtain information from it in any other way. Of course, you can’t carry it in your pocket, but the Zalman ZM-SHE350 won’t take up much space in a backpack or bag. It all comes down to this this decision cannot fail to attract the attention of buyers; of course, such security is not necessary for all users, so to some the Zalman ZM-SHE350 will seem like a meaningless “toy”. The choice is always yours, we can only show and tell.

ZALMAN ZM-VE300 | Introduction

Today on the market you can find a large number of external accessories or enclosures/boxes for hard drives. Therefore, it is difficult for manufacturers to stand out among competitors. But ZALMAN succeeded: the new ZM-VE300 box contains a unique function - it can independently mount disk images, that is, it can also work as an optical drive. Of course, you will also get traditional 2.5" equipment with a USB 3.0 interface.

Specification table ZALMAN ZM-VE300 (1M1NZ21C00185909)
Housing material	Aluminum alloy, acrylic, polycarbonate
Products webpage	Official page ZALMAN ZM-VE300
Retail price	About 1.8 thousand rubles
Form factor	2,5"
Interface	USB 3.0 (backwards compatible with USB 2.0)
Internal interface	SATA
Supported OS	Windows 98, ME, XP, VISTA, 7, 8, Mac OS, Linux
Colors	Black, silver
Dimensions	135.3×78.6×13.1 mm
Weight (without HDD)	96 g
Contents of delivery	User manual, USB 3.0 cable, case, software disc, screwdriver

Design and appearance

The design of the ZM-VE300 is very impressive. The body consists of an aluminum alloy coated with acrylic. It is thanks to this that the box is quite light, has a small thickness (13 mm), and also removes heat well from the drive. On the front side there is a small LCD display that displays the status of the disk, text menu settings. Navigation through the setup menu is done using a three-position joystick (wheel) located on the left side of the box and the “Backup” button, which is located on top. In addition to the box itself, the package includes instructions for use, a USB 3.0 cable, and a pouch for the ZM-VE300. The drive itself ( HDD or SSD) is not included in the package and must be purchased separately.

But the main advantages of ZALMAN ZM-VE300 lie in additional functions, which we will look at below.

Software

The cheapest external boxes and hard drives come without software. Therefore, to highlight your products, famous manufacturers added to the package useful programs. The ZALMAN company was no exception - the package includes the “Backup Utility (ZM-VE300)” utility, which is used to backup data. Utilities and programs significantly expand functionality external HDDs. Installation file The ZALMAN ZM-VE300 backup utility was located on the CD included in the delivery package; it can be immediately installed on your computer.

This program can create virtual disks (VHD), backup files from specified directories(Backup) and has a “Safe Removal” function. The program interface is very simple and easy to understand. It’s a pity that the utility does not support a Russian-language interface.

Below we will look at the basic functions of the utility.

Backup function. If you press the Backup button on the top end, it starts backup directories specified in the settings.

"Safe Removal" function. For safe removal USB storage device. This function is activated by long (more than three seconds) holding the Backup button on the top end. If you hold down the button while copying files, extraction will occur only after the copying operation is completed.

"Virtual HDD" function- the most interesting feature, presented in software package. We'll talk about it below.

ZALMAN ZM-VE300 | Possibilities

The ZALMAN ZM-VE300 hard drive box is interesting with its “VIRTUAL DRIVE” function, that is, the ability to independently connect disk images, after which you can work with them in the system.

The operating mode is selected through the text menu on the ZALMAN ZM-VE300 display. You can also perform some actions there.

Menu

First menu section "Mode Select" allows you to select operating modes of ZALMAN ZM-VE300. A total of three operating modes are available.

• Dual Mode – work in combined mode, hard drive + virtual CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive
• ODD Mode – virtual CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive mode
• HDD Mode – hard drive mode

In the next section of the menu "Setting" drive settings are shown.

• LCD Bright – adjustable screen backlight, variable in the range from 1% to 100%
• IDLE Bright – sleep mode brightness adjustment, also available in the range from 1% to 100%
• Standby time – adjust the time after which the ZALMAN ZM-VE300 goes into sleep mode, you can completely disable this function, the time range is from 1 minute to 180 minutes.
• Load Default – load default settings.

Chapter "Information" serves to obtain information about the status of the hard drive and other parameters.

• S.M.A.R.T. – information about temperature and state of rigid disk
• HDD Model – information about the hard drive that is inserted into the box.
• Firmware Ver – information about the firmware installed on the ZALMAN ZM-VE300.
• USB Speed ​​– information about the transfer speed of the USB interface.
• USB Input Volt – information about the voltage supplied to the box via USB, presented as the most low voltage, and the voltage that is supplied at this point in time.

Chapter "USB Connect" allows you to reboot the hard drive (Refresh) or perform a safe removal (Safe Removal).

In chapter "Advanced" you can unmount all images (Umount VHDD), and also enable write protection (Write Protect).

We've finished describing the menu; now let's move on to studying the drive's capabilities in practice.

In progress

The main advantage of the ZALMAN ZM-VE300 is the connection of disk images without the help of additional software.

To connect ISO images Just copy the file with the .iso extension, switch the ZALMAN ZM-VE300 to ODD Mode or Dual Mode, and select the ISO file using the three-position joystick. It will be mounted on your computer as a virtual CD/DVD/Blu-ray drive.

You can also create virtual disks yourself using the “Virtual HDD” function. It creates empty files given size(we set the size ourselves, except for the floppy disk image), which ZALMAN ZM-VE300 will then connect as external drives. You can create three types of virtual disks: 1.44 MB floppy disk, fixed disk (.dsk), and removable disk (.rmd). The last two types are essentially the same; they differ in recognizing the type of disk under Windows.

We created test virtual disks of all three types (1 GB each, 1.44 MB floppy disk), and then connected them to the Windows 7 system.

The floppy.ima floppy disk image appears on the system as a standard 1.44 MB FAT floppy disk.

Then we connected the remove.rmd removable disk image. Windows system immediately offers to format it. After formatting, the disk is recognized as “removable media”

Once connected, the fixed hard disk image fixed.dsk is visible in the system as a hard disk.

You can unmount virtual disks using the “Unmount VHDD” command.

ZALMAN ZM-VE300 | Tests

HD Tune

Using HD Tune, we assessed the disk's performance during sequential reading and writing and with different blocks data. Below are screenshots showing the disk performance.

SATA III

We conducted four read and write tests with the "native" SATA interface and when connected via a ZALMAN ZM-VE300 box with a USB 3.0 interface.

As you can see, the 320 GB Seagate hard drive, in the case of a direct SATA connection, gives an average throughput of 70 MB/s for reading and 46 MB/s for writing. The result is not bad, although modern 2.5" hard drives operate at about 100-120 MB/s. When connected via USB 3.0, average throughput It turns out to be 69 MB/s for reading and 54 MB/s for writing. Thus, the performance of USB 3.0 depends on the hard drive itself, and not on the USB-SATA controller of the ZALMAN ZM-VE300 box.

ZALMAN ZM-VE300 | Conclusion

The ZALMAN company presented the ZM-VE300 equipment with a USB 3.0 interface, which is distinguished by a reliable and durable aluminum case. When connected via USB 3.0, you will get hard drive performance close to native SATA, which indicates a good SATA-USB controller in the box. The ZM-VE300 also features an LCD display and several buttons for advanced functions.

But the advantages of ZM-VE300 are additional features. Box itself can connect CD/DVD/Blu-ray images to HDD or virtual disks. Such support eliminates the need to install an optical drive in the system, and will also be useful for modern ultrabooks and laptops, which usually do not have an optical drive. Virtual disks come in handy for many work scenarios, and in this regard, the ZM-VE300 can be great solution for enthusiasts and experienced users.

All this justifies the price of an external box of about 1.8 thousand rubles in Russia.

Additional information You can learn about the capabilities of the ZM-VE300 in the ixbt conference.

Advantages of ZALMAN ZM-VE300

• Connecting images optical disks and virtual disks
• High-quality assembly, durable aluminum housing
• Convenient and simple software
• Good delivery set (case, screwdriver)

Disadvantages of ZALMAN ZM-VE300

• Short and stiff cable with no additional power supply, may cause power issues with older computers
• High price

October 12, 2015, Odnokrylov Vladimir 8

Our next review is dedicated to the Zalman ZM-VE350 external hard drive enclosure. The box is designed for 2.5-inch SATA drives and supports high-speed USB 3.0 interface. The device is equipped with a virtual optical drive function, allowing you to connect ISO images on the fly. The write protection feature helps prevent damage to important files.

Video review of Zalman ZM-VE350

Equipment and characteristics of Zalman ZM-VE350

An external hard drive box that arrived to us for testing Zalman ZM-VE350 comes in a black cardboard box.

Packaging Zalman ZM-VE350

Package Included:

• Boxing itself.
• Case.
• USB 3.0 cable.
• Set of screwdriver and four screws.
• Quick guide.

Equipment Zalman ZM-VE350

The complete cable is 50 cm long, including connectors.

USB 3.0 cable

The case is very thick and it is easy to remove the device from it. You can, of course, use the box directly in the case, but we do not recommend doing this, otherwise the inserted drive may overheat.

Zalman ZM-VE350 in case

We have compiled the technical characteristics of the device into a single table.

HDD interface	SATA, form factor 2.5"
Device interface	USB 3.0 (backwards compatible with USB 2.0)
Device interface baud rate	USB 2.0: up to 480 Mbps; USB 3.0: up to 5 Gbps
Working with ISO images	Virtual optical drive
Indicator	Lights up when power is turned on, flashes when data is being exchanged
Nutrition	Power via USB
Dimensions	131x79x13 mm (L x W x H)
Weight	96 g (without storage)

Design Zalman ZM-VE350

Frame Zalman ZM-VE350 mostly made of painted aluminum with soft polymer inserts on the sides. On the front side there is an LCD display and an LED activity indicator.

External hard drive box Zalman ZM-VE350

At the top end there is a Backup button and a USB 3.0 connector (Micro-B type, which also transmits power to the HDD) for connecting the supplied cable.

Upper end of Zalman ZM-VE350

Technical information about the model is pasted on the opposite end.

Bottom end on Zalman ZM-VE350

On the left side there is a push lever for navigating through the device menu, and the rest of the space is occupied by a soft insert.

Left side panel Zalman ZM-VE350

On the right side, except for the second such insert, there is nothing important.

Right side panel Zalman ZM-VE350

The build quality is decent - buttons and body elements do not loosen. In general, the design gives the impression of being monolithic.

Testing Zalman ZM-VE350

To install a drive into the box, you will first have to remove the module with the LCD screen, which essentially contains the entire contents of the device.

Base unit Zalman ZM-VE350

For testing, we took the SSD and connected it to the internal SATA port.

SSD connected to Zalman ZM-VE350 board

For reliability, it is worth clamping the module with the supplied screws - the holes for them are hidden under the folded edges of the soft inserts.

Screw holes for Zalman ZM-VE350

To do this, we used the included screwdriver - fortunately, little effort is required, so the miniature size of the screwdriver is not a hindrance. It is worth noting that the kit includes twice as many screws as needed - four versus the required two.

Zalman ZM-VE350 base unit secured with screws

After connecting to the PC, the display of our device turned blue and displayed a simple menu.

Display Zalman ZM-VE350

At the same time, the operating system recognized two devices at once: the USB drive itself and an additional optical drive - completely virtual, as indicated in its name.

Zalman ZM-VE350 in task manager

This is precisely the main feature of this case - you can mount any ISO images by placing them in a folder "_ISO" on the disk inserted into the case. For example, a Windows 7 image downloaded from MSDN was read without problems.

Windows 7 image in Zalman ZM-VE350 virtual drive

However, our copy was originally equipped with faulty firmware, and for the virtual drive function to work correctly, we had to update the device software to a more current version. We attach the archive with the firmware and update instructions below. REMEMBER: This operation is carried out at your own peril and risk, and if you are not exactly sure what you are doing, it is better to contact technical support or a service center.

• (122.7 KB).
• (579.78 KB).

However, the drive function can be completely disabled - to do this, you just need to select the appropriate mode, of which there are three:

• HDD Mode - drive mode without a drive.
• VCD Mode - “virtual drive only” mode.
• DUAL Mode - simultaneous operation.

Zalman ZM-VE350 modes

Another great feature Zalman ZM-VE350- ability to set write protection. This allows you to work even in a potentially or actually virus-infected system without the danger of contracting an infection. All you need to do is select “Enable WP” from the menu. The lock icon closes on the start screen - and that’s it, no problems.

Installing write protection in Zalman ZM-VE350

Additionally, in the “Information” section you can see the temperature of the storage medium (let’s just say that for SSDs it is determined incorrectly, don’t be alarmed), S.M.A.R.T. status, serial number and controller firmware version.

Information about the drive in Zalman ZM-VE350

Now let's check the performance when using the USB interface. 3.0. IN HD Tune 5 the speed graph has an average read speed of 161.9 MB/s with a random access time of 0.169 ms. The CPU load was 9.8%.