a small update.

drivers arrived yesterday while i was away

Click image for larger version.  Name: 05052013101.jpg  Views: 923  Size: 432.3 KB  ID: 8886Click image for larger version.  Name: 10505201309.jpg  Views: 1218  Size: 663.4 KB  ID: 8887

interestingly, if you look at the picture with the label there is a distinct lack of the expected chinese language but rather a belgian label.
considering it only took 8 consecutive days to arrive (same day dispatch) i think its safe to say the seller has cohorts in belgium which certainly makes it more convenient.

packaging seems sufficient, each unit appears to be sealed in an anti-static bag then cushioned in bubble wrap inside a suitably sized box

no manual or any literature is included with these drives.
the silkscreen on the board is quite self explanatory and the ebay add seems to fill in any gaps.
only time will tell if an electronic simpleton such as myself can coax some life from these boards

now to wait for the breakout board to arrive...