Iomega Drives: Fast and Faster

We're insatiable when it comes to data storage — it seems we just can't get enough. What's more, just "having" storage won't do; we want to take it with us no matter where we go. Iomega tries to address both of those desires with two lines of external storage drives that come in two distinct speeds — fast and faster.

The first line includes the Iomega Portable Hard Drive Hi-Speed USB 2.0/FireWire drives, available in both 120GB and 80GB capacities. The drives are built around a 2.5-inch hard drive, which translates into a thin (0.5-inches thick), drive that weighs less than six ounces and can fit into a shirt pocket.

Both external drives offer two ways to connect to a desktop or notebook — USB 2.0 and Firewire, and the drives also come with USB powered operation, which means that they don't need a separate power supply — you just plug the drive into a USB or Firewire port.

Other features include Iomega's Drop Shock technology, which the company says helps to protect the drive and your data from unexpected bumps and shocks. The drive also comes with EMC's Restrospect Express software for automated data backup. The drives are compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, XP Home and with Mac OS 10.1 and higher.

Both drives are available now and sell for $219.95 (120GB) and $169.95 (80GB).

Faster Still
If your need for speed exceeds the USB and Firewire limits, Iomega has just announced a drive that may put you in the passing lane — the Iomega Desktop Hard Drive eSATA/USB 2.0 320GB. This is an external SATA drive, and Iomega claims that it "closes the gap between built-in hard drives and the fastest external hard drives" by offering a data transfer rate that's three times faster than USB 2.0.

Iomega says it's faster even than a FireWire 800 drive (which has a theoretical speed of 800Mbps) making it a contender for high-speed applications like video editing or simply for making short work of data backup. Like other external drives, you can add multiple Desktop Hard Drives as needed, either stacking them or using the included vertical stand. According to Iomega, the drive chassis is 30 percent smaller than other externals, leaving you with more desk space

If you have an existing PC that doesn't support the high-speed SATA interface, the drive ships with an eSATA PCI card and a cable that upgrades most PCs to SATA compatibility.

The 320GB drive also ships with Retrospect Express backup software and is compatible with both Macs and PCs. Available now, the Iomega Desktop Hard Drive eSATA/USB 2.0 320GB sells for $239.95.

Lauren Simonds is the managing editor of SmallBusinessComputing.com