These docking stations are so convenient becuase it lets us easily transfer data and troubleshoot drives without having to open up our cases or perform lenthy installation procedures. I myself have suspended a temporary drive from the side of my case, flirting with disaster. These docks are not only easier to use, but make me look professional -- like I almost know what I'm doing. There's no need to copy large files to a slow USB key when a friend visits... just slap in a hard drive and copy as fast as the drive will let me.