Iomega 33745 USB 2.0 250GB Portable Hard Drive

I began using the Iomega 33745 250 GB hard drive yesterday, because I needed 2 back data up 2 do a Windows Vista --> XP downgrade on my laptop. I hooked it up 2 the Vista setup & transferred all the files. As soon as the computer was working on XP I hooked it up again & transferred all the files back. Both times the computer recognized the drive immediately & everything worked flawlessly.

The Iomega HD construction is rugged -- non-slip metal casing -- & very simple 2 operate. Its USB cable perplexed me: it has one regular USB plug on one end, & regular + miniUSB plugs on the other ends. I'm not sure what the purpose is, but all you have 2 do 2 get the drive up & running is 2 connect the miniUSB plug 2 it & the other end (regular USB) 2 an available USB port on your computer. The power light goes green & you're set. There is an AC connector on the drive (AC sold separately) in case your computer's USB port isn't enough 2 power the drive, which can happen in older computers. I have no need 4 it.

This drive doesn't come with a protective case, so I got a Caselogic Neoprene LHDC-1 case 4 it, adding $9.99 2 the tab. The fit is very good & I'm happy with it.

This external drive has been replaced by the Prestige models in Iomega's lineup, but I decided 2 go with it because it was smaller & lighter -- deal makers in a portable hard drive. No regrets, especially because when I bought it the price difference between the 33745 & the Prestige drive was huge, making it an even better deal.

This thing works as advertised. It includes backup software that takes a while 2 run. Whether it would be able 2 restore your hard drive after a crash, who knows? It has a lot of capacity 4 "normal" backups of files & folders.

I've had this drive 4 a month or so now, & I use it back & forth between home (windows vista) & school (macintosh Leopard). I'm very happy with it overall. It offers a lot of storage at a very affordable price. The drive is also very convenient 2 use. It is so small that it fits easily in a bag or even a jacket pocket. Not having 2 worry about a separate power cord (it gets its power from the usb port) is also really nice. The drive is also very quiet. It has worked flawlessly so far. The only drawback that I see with this drive is the speed. It takes an awfully long time 2 transfer files between the drive & the computer that it is attached to. For this reason, when I need 2 use it 4 video I generally transfer the files 2 the main computer hard drive & work on it there, then transfer it back 2 this drive 4 storage. All in all though, this drive has exceeded my expectations.

Difficult 2 set up. Online user guide is difficult 2 use while you are trying 2 install it.

The Iomega Portable Hard Drive, USB 2.0, 250GB, is a great little device that so far is dependable, easily transportable, & super-easy 2 use. I haven't used the software yet but I haven't felt I needed to. One attachment with the USB cable (no batteries needed) & my & others' computers show the drive as a file folder or a Removable Disc Drive from the Window's Computer section. All I have 2 do is drag & drop what I want 2 save. This is one of the few products that is way better than expected!

The pocket-sized USB powered Iomega Portable Hard Drive requires no external power supply - just plug it in & go. And with the Drop Shock feature, the Iomega Portable Hard Drive is rugged & flexible enough 2 safely store large amounts of data in even the toughest travel environments. Also includes EMC Retrospect Express software 2 protect all your files. Available in 250GB capacity, this is a great travel companion that lets you take your files, photos & music anywhere.