LaCie 301137U Ethernet Disk Mini 320 GB Ethernet/USB 2.0 External Hard Drive

I was very excited when I discovered this new product, since I've been a backup slacker in the past & this held the promise of convenience & ease. The drive was very easy 2 install & configure. The data transfer rate over my home network is a little poky, so I run my backups at night while I'm asleep. We're a multi-laptop household, so I also backed up my wife's laptop easily. The bundled software is crap. Right now I'm using iBackup, which is downloadable freeware. When I upgrade 2 Leopard, I'll use Time Machine, I guess. I'm glad I bought it & have recommended it 2 friends who are also satisfied with it.

This is my 2nd networked harddrive. My first was a device that used SCSI software 4 an interface & has repeatedly been problematic. I was referred 2 Lacie by Apple & it has been a great choice. This device is accessible 2 any networked computer by accessing it's IP address. A terrific product 4 anyone that wants 2 store data & access it from multiple computers on the network. NO SOFTWARE REQUIRED.

With Gigabit Ethernet 4 file sharing & USB 2.0 4 personal storage, the versatile Ethernet Disk mini works with or without a network. Universally accessible on every wired or wireless network, this drive is capable of sharing files between Windows, Mac & Linux users. If there is no network available, the Ethernet Disk mini can be used with your PC or Mac without any file system limitations. It also comes with an additional USB 2.0 port 4 attaching an extra hard drive 2 cost-effectively expand your network's storage capacity. The user-friendly Wizard Install with Auto IP configuration quickly & easily sets up your Ethernet Disk mini. The full-featured yet intuitive web-based administration interface allows 4 configuring your network settings including user profiles & security permissions. Only authorized users can log on 2 specific shared folders. For ultimate convenience, the LaCie Ethernet Disk mini can be accessed via web browsers, FTP or the network neighborhood. PC, Mac & Linux users can simultaneously & securely store & share office files throughout the entire network. The impressive network performance, especially with the Jumbo Frame support, makes this solution perfect as a fast, centralized backup location. Encased in sturdy, heat-dissipating aluminum, its unique cooling system offers safe, near-silent operation. 400Mhz Processor, 64MB DDRAM File Server - SMB (Windows/Linux), AFP (Mac), FTP Server, HTTP 4 online browsing, Multimedia server UPnP A/V, & Apple Bonjour System Requirements - Ethernet switch or router, Ethernet network adapter, USB 2.0 port, G4 Power Mac/PC with Pentium II 233Mhz processor or higher, Web browser (Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox), Windows 98SE, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP SP1 & SP2, Windows Vista, Mac OS 9.x, Mac OS 10.2 or higher, Linux 2.4 or higher Dimensions - Width 1.7 x Height 6.3 x Depth 6.8 (44x160x173mm) Weight - 3.3