X3 ultrabase and second hard drive adapter

[gildor]

In a few weeks I'll be taking possession of brand-new X32 (2885-K4U) which includes the X3 ultrabase. I'm considering swapping out the 60 GB 5400 rpm for an 80 GB 7200 rpm and placing the slower drive in a second hard drive adapter for use in the ultrabase. Considering that I would be traveling with the ultrabase (but not walking around with it on a daily basis), is that a good idea -- as opposed to using a USB2 enclosure?

After verifying on the Lenovo site, it seems that this would be the correct hard drive adapter to order: ThinkPad Ultrabay 2000 hard disk drive adapter (part # 08K6068)
(http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... IGR-4JW4XW)

Can anyone confirm this? Thanks.

[hoya]

I would also be interested in knowing if that is the correct hdd adapter for the X3 ultrabase.

[gildor]

I have found the answer to my second question: yes, it is the correct adapter for the X3 ultrabase. Just type in the model number of your X32 on this page:

http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/accessories/thinkpad/

The other two adapters for ultrabay 2000 (Slim Drive Adapter and Enhanced Drive Adapter) are for optical drives only.

I'd like to hear from other users of this adapter about the convenience of using a second hard drive in this manner. Is it easy to swap out the optical drive and insert the adapter + hard drive? Can the hard drive remain permanently in the adapter and, if so, how is this combination carried when not in the ultrabase?

The answers to these questions might be self evident but, as I have not yet received my X32, I'd like to get some idea as to the usefulness of this adapter.