Customer Reviews

Iomega Zip 100 Portable USB Drive (PC/Mac)

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I had an old Zip100, which was awesome, but it was a parallel port and I could never could get it to work properly with my printer on my new computer, a Compaq Presario.

Reluctantly moving into the year 2000, I retired the old one and bought this new model since my new computer has USB ports. I wish I had sooner! I love it! It was extremely easy to install, after doing 6 quick steps which took five minutes of my time if that, I'm downloading all kinds of stuff!

My little brother and daughter are really fond of downloading MP3's and other files which take up tons of my hard drive, and it drove me crazy, but now I just gave them each a zip disk and told 'em when it's full, they're out of luck. The price of the disks did seem overwhelming at first, but when you realize how many files they can hold, it's well worth it opposed to having a zillion annoying little A drive disks.

As for annoying qualities, I have to agree with the other reviewers, when you eject the disk, it shoots out like a bullet. Be prepared for that, it took me by surprise!

It's a small price to pay for something that makes your computer experience so darn pleasant!

As it makes little sense for the 100mb to be the original Zip you put on a new system anymore, most people who buy this product will probably be upgrading from an old parallel version. To be sure, it is an improvement on that device. It's noticeably faster. But it's smart for only a couple of very specific kinds of user.

The first is the "Backup Bandit". If you only use your zip drive for routine, automated backup of files that fit easily onto a single 100mb disk, it's unlikely you need much more than this device.

The second is the "I've-had-a-Zip-for-years Geek". If you have a huge library of Zip 100 disks already amassed, and the average file size is above 10mb, then there's an argument to be made for staying with this product. Notice that I'm talking here about a library of truly BIG files, typically graphics. If all you have is a massive library of text documents, you shouldn't fear switching over to the Zip 250 at all.

In my opinion, anyone else should go for the USB version of the Zip 250, and add on a FireWire adapter when it becomes available.

Why?

Well, the Zip 250 USB with FireWire is simply the most flexible Zip out there. You can use it on literally any system that has at least USB ports, can achieve the lightning speeds of internal SCSI Zips if the computer has FireWire ports--and you don't have to sacrifice a scrap of portability. While the Zip 100 here can be fitted out with a FireWire adapter, it can't use Zip 250 disks. True, the Zip 250 is mysteriously slower than a Zip 100 if the files are something above 10mb. But you'll never notice the difference with the vast majority of files. What you will notice if you spend any time seriously archiving your work is how nice it would be to have a little bit more room on a 100mb disk. The Zip 250 solves that problem by giving you a lot more room to play in. In particular, the 250s are obviously better-suited to sharing larger multimedia files between computers, or even between platforms. Finally, the 250 simply LOOKS cooler. Those looks even translate into utility, because its trim profile really does make it a little easier to carry.

In fairness I should point out that the 100mb appears to have a substantially lower price tag. But it's not, really. You pay on average 1.5 times as much for Zip 100 disks (per megabyte of storage space) than for Zip 250s. Long term, your storage savings with a Zip 250 more than make up for the up-front difference between the two models.

With my computer's only free drive bay occupied by a CD-Rewriter, and most of its ports supporting other gadgets, this USB Zip drive seemed like a good addition to my expanding collection of software and peripherals.

Based upon my experience with this product, I highly recommend Zip drives in principle. They provide consolidation and back-up points for files scattered throughout many conventional floppy disks, facilitate the storage of large files (particularly visual) that would not make it on floppies, and liberate hard drive space.

As for this product in particular, its portability is an obvious asset. I also highly recommend it for those who don't want to disembowel their computers and literally risk getting their wires crossed. Although I can't speak for those with other systems, installation was quite easy on Windows 98. This device also works quite smoothly, accepting files from my floppy disks and hard drive rather quickly.

The ejection of Zip disks is not too much of an inconvenience; I just place a hand or finger in front of the drive when it happens (After fifteen minutes of inactivity, the drive will eject disks automatically.). And, even though my desktop system doesn't have the appropriate "iMac" look, the Zip drive still looks quite stylish!

I edit a scientific journal and write reference materials for clients. Technical jargon used in describing computers, computer peripherals, and internet resources largely escapes me. What hadn't escaped me was a profound sense of doom if I didn't get my files copied and safely stored, assuming the likely event that my laptop (Compac Presario 1240, Windows 98, WordPerfect 8.0) would eventually crash.

Having no need other than getting a reliable back-up filing system, I chose the 100M USB Iomega, based largely on other customer's reviews. I'm very pleased with my selection. It was a snap to install, even for a computer-moron like me. In an afternoon of work, I backed up all my files (100 technical manuscripts; 3 books). Given the very attractive low purchase price, I highly recommend this little gem of a computer peripheral.

I purchased the drive (USB ZIP 100) as a way to transport files home from work (sneakernet). Installation at work and home was a breeze, and did not affect other USB devices already in use. So far I have had no trouble, and highly recommend this as a cheap and easy solution for anyone who needs to keep data portable. Iomega needs to improve the eject mechanism...nearly launches the disk into the neighbors yard!

I just rescently bought the Iomega Zip 100 Portable USB Drive, and I am VERY pleased with it! I bought one to back up my MP3 collection on zip disks, and, just to make "super disks". It only takes 5-10 seconds to put the average 4.5MB MP3 on a zip disk! It is totally easy, too; drag-&-drop method. The USB port just makes it easier to connect it to your computer. The requirements are low, so almost anyone with a computer can use one. When I bought this Zip Drive, 5 min. after I took it out of the box, it was connected! This is a great thing to have for anyone! Forget the A Drive, this totally beats it out!

I LOVE the case, especially next to my grey laptop. Easy to set up, MUCH quicker than the parallel-port version, but watch the eject feature...my first try sent my Zip disk into the kitchen...! Also, if you are using other USB devices, the software warns that some, especially slow-speed mice, etc., may cause the drive to crash. Newer USB standards should smooth this out, but if you have an early USB computer, check this out. Also....Microsoft? What about USB for NT?

This is the perfect product to back up file, photos, Vieo Clips, MP3s. Great performance, fast transfer rate, not very noisy at all comparing to an LS-120 I own. I recently bought a Zip 250MB, and so far it's get my thumbs up! Full compatibility with the 100MB disks. If you want a portable storage device put your money on a Zip drive. CD-R & CD-RW media are great. The only drawback is the media being used over and over. CDs aren't a very reliable comparing to cartridge disks. Cartridge disks are more reliable and last longer in the re-write processes of everyday backups of your files. And keep in mind that the Zip drives or less expensive and are easily transported anywhere, easy to install and work with. A+

The USB Zip is fantastic for Macintosh as well as PC. Agree with all the other comments made about ease of use, fast transfer etc. Just a word of advice for Macintosh users... the Mac operating system for 8.6 and up includes the Iomega drivers. Don't load the Iomega drivers as they conflict with the drivers akready a part of Mac OS. Several forums encourage you to simply use the drivers apple includes for carefree use of the zip. I love this unit.

Yes, this USB zip drive is much faster than a parallel zip drive. The main reason why I got this one was I need some kind of protable storage for my laptop at home, so that I could carry my large files from the office to home. It has more than served its purpose. However, after seeing its price today I was really angry with myself why I bought it so early. I bought it for 130 $ and I think 85 $ is a good price for it.

As for installing it on my laptop, it was very easy. Just plug in and start your comp. If you have windows 95, 98 then the OS automatically recognizes the zip drive and asks if you want to install the driver etc. Just follow the prompts and you are ready to roll. One warning from my side is do not plug in and plug out from the comp when on. I think this may damage the zip drive as well as the USB port. But if you are in a hurry its fine. Also the eject feature of the drive is pretty strong as suggested by other users, but I never had an experience of my zip disk shooting out of the drive.

I think this is the way to go if you want to transfer large amount of data everyday between comps. If you are looking for backups etc. I would suggest go with jazz drives.