Iomega 33988 eSATA/FireWire 800/FireWire 400/USB 2.0 750GB UltraMax Hard Drive

Pros: Attractive, small form factor, good customer support from Iomega & even better support from Amazon
Cons: LOUD, LOUD, LOUD

Despite the small number of reviews in support of this drive, I allowed my favorable view of Iomega products 2 guide my decision. I received the drive & found that it was not as straightforward 2 utilize with a MacBook pro as I had expected. This may be a bit on Apple but the configuration 4 use as an AirDisk with their Airport Extreme Base Station consumed more than 5 hours. Once configured, the drive became much louder than it had been right out of the box. Although I believe that the issue was with the fan, I didn't feel comfortable storing important files on a drive that sounded like it could give out at any point. This drive is on it's way back 2 Amazon & I've ordered another drive in it's place.

i am using this item 2 run time machine with my imac. wanted something with FW800 2 get that data over fast. the iomega is doing a great job at that. very quiet, only a low rumble when it kicks in. so far smooth sailing...

A great external hard drive. Note, thought, as of this writing (12/1/07), the picture (above) is NOT the correct product. The new 750GB Iomega 33988 Ultramax Hard Drive is slim & as big as a hardback book. I have an iMac & bought this hard drive specifically 4 the new OSX Leopard TimeMachine automatic backup. The backup works exactly as advertised. Here was the order of events: 1) opened up the box, 2) plugged it into the computer powered it up, 3) OSX did the rest - all I had 2 do was answer the question "Is this the hard drive you wish 2 use 4 the TimeMachine backup?" That's it. DONE!

Pros: A real no brainer 4 Apple users. It's very quiet, sleek looking, & very capable.

Cons: None yet. I can't speak 2 what effect Windows users will experience. The included information gave clear instructions on reformatting 4 Windows - I can only assume it SHOULD be as easy as it appears 2 be.

Highly recommended, especially 4 Mac users & those looking 2 take advangage of the new TimeMachine backup.

The Iomega UltraMax Hard Drive, eSATA/FireWire 800/FireWire 400/USB 2.0, 750GB is a high performance (eSATA 3GBits/sec) storage solution with multiple connection capabilities & a sleek design that perfectly compliments the latest Mac computers. It includes one eSATA port, two FireWire 800 ports, one FireWire 400 port, & one USB 2.0 port (eSATA PCI card sold separately). With more than 30 times the bandwidth of the popular USB 1.1 peripheral Standard. FireWire is more suitable 4 such applications as digital video (DV), professional audio, hard drives, high-end digital still cameras & home entertainment devices. Drive must be reformatted 4 use with PC (instructions included) Includes Touch-free backup & full-system disaster recover software One-year limited warranty