Greetings -

Has anyone had a good/bad experience using the WiebeTech Forensic Combodock V5?

I am about to buy one, but I thought I would ask the community here first.

To me - the Combodock V5 seems to have more options (for host connections) than the Tableau T35es-R2 (or Model T35es-R2-RW). I like the option of using either Firewire800 or USB 3.0 (depending on the host I use).

I see that http://www.forensicfocus.com/recommended-hardware recommends:
Hardware write blocker
Tableau - various models (www.tableau.com)
WiebeTech ComboDock 4 (www.wiebetech.com)

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thank you all
PaperClip  

I saw the combodock at PFIC this year. it was very nice. i plan on getting one and most likely replacing my Tableau stuff with Wiebetech stuff.

if i had to pick one, id get the combodock.  

provantage.com has the combodock for $242  

I also ordered a UltraDock V5 for testing because we've noticed that the Oxford controller in the T35es cannot use the entire drive when dealing with drives larger than 2.19TB when the T35es is connected to the analysis computer via USB or FireWire. It works when using the eSATA connection on the T35es or when using the newer T35u (reportedly). Unfortunately, since we are using Macbook Pro laptop computers in the field, eSATA is not an option for us.

The Oxford controller in the WiebeTech UltraDock is more recent and according to WiebeTech, is able to work with 2.19TB+ drives over USB2/3.0 and FireWire 800 without issues.

IMHO, the UltraDock has a huge advantage over the T35u as it supports USB3, FW800 and eSATA on the same device.

We now have to see if it as reliable and fast as the Tableau devices that we know and love...  

Thanks All -

I'm wondering if there is any reason I might prefer the Combodock v5 over the Ultradock v5.

Does anyone ever feel the need to use the read/write feature on their R/W enabled devices?

I would love to get your thoughts on the advantages of having a read/write feature (besides the obvious - that you can read/write).

(and PM_SQ I agree with you: "IMHO, the UltraDock has a huge advantage over the T35u as it supports USB3, FW800 and eSATA on the same device.")  

I'm REALLY not a fan of combo devices as it opens up too much room for human error.

I really prefer having 2 devices: 1 R/O and 1 R/W. That way, I'm absolutely sure that if I plug a drive in my R/O device, I won't mess anything up and my work is "forensically sound". Another advantage of this setup is that you can use 2 drives simultaneously.  

- PM_SQ

I'm REALLY not a fan of combo devices as it opens up too much room for human error.

I really prefer having 2 devices: 1 R/O and 1 R/W. That way, I'm absolutely sure that if I plug a drive in my R/O device, I won't mess anything up and my work is "forensically sound". Another advantage of this setup is that you can use 2 drives simultaneously.

I agree. Thanks!!