Features:
- USB external floppy drive designed for all USB-equipped Macintosh computers
- Reads Mac OS, DOS, and ProDOS 1.4 MB disks
- Driver software and AC adapter included
- Blueberry color
- 1-year warranty covers parts and labor
Description:
Though a major selling point of the iMac is its all-inclusiveness, some of us are a bit too paranoid to leave our important information solely on its hard drive. In this age of nasty, hard-drive-eating viruses, it's better to back up your info and be safe instead of sorry. Enter the uDrive from Newer Technology. This external floppy drive is made specifically for the Mac and is compatible with all USB ports. Setup is simple--plug the USB type-B end into the drive and the type-A end into the USB port of your choice. So far, so easy. Insert the accompanying CD into your computer and follow the installation directions. Once you've completed the steps, you're ready to roll. Though external, the uDrive performs the same functions as an internal disk drive--it saves your documents and files to a removable disk. The uDrive is not to be confused with a Zip Drive or Imation SuperDisk. It may resemble those external drives physically, but the uDrive takes standard-sized 1.4 MB floppies only. Once you install the software, you can plug and unplug your uDrive as often as you like, and your computer will continue to recognize it. Be aware, though, frequent unplugging and hot swapping may create a lag time in which drivers get out of sync and possibly freeze. Let the connection rest a few seconds between pluggings. As with an internal drive, you just stick the disk in and double click to open. When you want to eject it, drag the disk icon to the Trash. Though there's an eject button on the uDrive, you should do the Trash drag first, then push the button. It's important that you follow the steps in this order, or the drive may try to reset itself and possibly damage the disk. If you don't have Mac OS 8.5 or higher, using the uDrive is going to be a hassle. The CD includes a file full of firmware and iMac updates that will help, but we really do recommend you upgrade your OS. (See our FAQ for more info.) An added bonus on the CD is the inclusion of some select games, including King's Corner Solitaire and demo versions of Myth, Myth II, and Marathon. Even though it's a ploy to get you hooked and then buy the full-game versions, we still happily passed a good deal of time playing them. Like nearly all Mac peripherals, the uDrive is made of heavy-duty translucent plastic, with a blueberry accent. If your setup happens to be another Mac flavor, you can order a different-colored cover for your particular machine. Actually, you have to order all five, but then you can choose the color according to your mood. The colored cover isn't that easy to snap off; you'll need a butter knife or letter opener to pop it open. The uDrive is a straightforward tool that promises peace of mind. That dissertation, dot-com proposal, or love letter is just too important to not have a removable copy of it. --Dana Van Nest Pros:
- Simple installation
- Keeps important documents safe
- USB ports can be hooked to computer or hub
Cons:
- Potential problems if you push the eject button before dragging disk icon to Trash
- Can't use SuperDisks
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