Direct hard drive reading

I was going through my old computer parts yesterday, and came across an old laptop I had that broken down months ago. I never bothered getting it fixed, nor do I need to, because I have a new(ish) laptop and desktop. I was toying apart with it, extracting the hard drive, which made me wonder, is there a way to directly take data from the hard drive by linking it up to one of my current computer (so that it acts like a peripheral component)? Or would the whole laptop have to be fixed to get the data from it?

Yes, it is possible to do.

yep.. just pick up a SATA or IDE (depending on what type of drive it is) to USB adapter

once you pull out the hard drive you put it in a case to make it work like an external hard drive.  Or if you have a free IDE port then just plug that right in.

2.5" IDE isnt directly compatable with 3.5" IDE (only due to the size restrictions), so you'll need an adaptor.

I'd just get a USB to IDE/SATA adaptor, they run about $25. This is the one I have. I'm sure you can find one on the site of your choice.

Thanks for the advice guys... I looked it up, and found this. Will this do the same job as hellblazer's piece?

That looks good. My only reservation is that the product has no review to indicate reliability/common complaints and stuff like that.

It'll probably work only a few times before something in it breaks.  Don't handle it roughly (good advice for all stuff, really) and it should last long enough for this one job.

I've always wondered about those adapters, do you still need to plug the drives into a power cable as well or does that provide power also?

2.5" drives IDE drives no.. 3.5" and sata yes.. mine came with a power adapter for that very reason.