Most cloning software should deal with a drive that's actually installed in an external USB enclosure, Rob, if only because of the eventuality that someone, somewhere, will need to do exactly what you're wanting to do. Laptops/notebooks/netbooks are common enough, and tend to share that flaw, that it's practically an expectation to need to do so. And you can buy "empty" USB enclosures for 2.5" drives of either flavor of connection. And as a bonus, when you're done, you can convert the notebook's old drive into a nice portable pocket USB drive.
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"You know how parents tell you everything's going to fine, but you know they're lying to make you feel better? Everything's going to be fine." - The Doctor
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"You know how parents tell you everything's going to fine, but you know they're lying to make you feel better? Everything's going to be fine." - The Doctor