And just what, pray tell, do you do if you don't have access to the internet when you need those backed up files?

Can you at least spring for one with a fan and some vents in it?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007705%20600036554&IsNodeId=1&name=Yes

I believe they do SATA and SATA II Ross, backwards compatible.

I don't think the docking stations would really need a fan - they look like they're "open air".  What you're trying to avoid is the light-bulb-in-a-box heat effect, avoid heat build up, move air across the drive.  Nothing wrong with a good solid waft effect.

Don't know what to think about the Venus.  I was thinking you're using a laptop (?) but if you can use the pci-e card I guess that's fine. I'm also not quite sold on the way they're moving air - seems like a bunch of air across one side and not accomplishing much, but I really can't tell.  Picture here:

http://www.american-media.com/DS-309SU_SUES.pdf

Honestly I think I'd look at something else, especially for that price.  Think "Air moving across and around the drive and circuit board, in one side or end and out the other."  It may be doing a better job of clearing out heat than what I'm seeing, like I said it's hard to tell.

Next time I get an external I may get one of the docks these guys are talking about.  The drive exposure might be a a little problematic in my environment but I could make a roomy plastic screen enclosure for it or something.

I run a SATA to USB docking station with two 1TB drives running and like John said, it is open air and provides for quick drive switching and if you get the right one drive duplicating/data transfer too. It does not get that hot at all, and should really fit your needs Ross. It is the one in the second link I provided in my first reply. I really believe that would be better for you, but it's all up to you of course.

So much to think about. This one or that one. I'll do a little more perusing and see where it goes.