eSATA rocks
eSATA (External SATA) rocks for file transfer. Oh, sure, it sucks in terms of not providing power over the cable, but the raw speeds of it make you over look that, especially when its a 3.5" drive that requires extra power anyway (if over USB).
I recently purchased the above very very shiny Coolermaster X-Craft eSATA/USB (non-usb hub version). It came with an eSATA bracket, but my laptop has eSATA built into it, which is where I see the most benefit - I get better performance out of the external 7200rpm drive that I do my internal 5400rpm drive.
$49 well spent.
Edit: I should note, this particular design is fanless, which usually leads to a pretty warm enclosure. Well, the good news, after being left on all night (10:30pm -> 9am) its barely above room temperature to touch.