The Bottom Line
- Very sturdy casing.
- Compatible with Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 and XP.
- Compatible with Mac OS 9.x and Mac OS X
- Requires AC to Operate
Description
- Dimensions: 4.8 in (12.2cm)L x 3.1 in (8.1cm) W x 0.6 in (1.7cm) W.
- Weight: .35 lbs (.16kg).
- USB 1.1 and 2.0 compatible.
- Transfer Rate: 480 Mbps USB 2.0
- Includes: 6ft USB 2.0 cable, Power Adapter, FireWire cable, attached pocket clip and carry pouch.
- Includes Dantz Retrospect Express to backup data and restore a hard drive.
Guide Review - IOGear 1.8" USB 2.0 ION™ Drive (20GB)
I received the IOGear 1.8" USB 2.0 ION™ Drive (20GB) for review, the casing is very sturdy and designed well for mobile professionals. It's a very slim external hard drive and is easy to carry on any trip.
The connection type options on this external hard drive are a great benefit for mobile professionals and make it easy to share between computers and Operating Systems. Sharing files with co-workers can't get much easier.
I did find that not being able to use the IOGear 1.8" USB 2.0 ION™ Drive (20GB) without the power connected was an inconvenience. I tried connecting it to both USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports but had no luck with either unless the adapter was connected. This does limit the ability to use in any location - you'll always need access to a power source.
I have read other reviews which feel the transfer time is slow compared to external hard drives of the same capacity, but with my testing I didn't find it to be that slow. I had no difficulties transferring large files or a number of files at one time. I didn't time the actual transfer times but it was quick enough for my liking.
The IOGear 1.8" USB 2.0 ION™ Drive (20GB) is a good sturdy and compact external storage solution which is a benefit for mobile professionals that need to share data across computers and platforms. If having access to an electrical outlet is not going to be a concern for you, then this external hard drive is a good mobile accessory.
