Iomega 10918 Zip 250 MB Parallel Port
Quick take
The Iomega 10918 Zip drive brings back removable 250 MB media in a parallel-port format, designed for older Windows computers that still have that connection. Its printer pass-through can be helpful if you need to keep using the same parallel port for printing. The main tradeoff is speed, plus buyer experience can be uneven if the required install media or setup details are missing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 250 MB Zip media support for incremental backup and file shuttle use
- Parallel-port pass-through so a printer can share the same port
- Includes Iomega software on a CD-ROM, plus required cables and an AC adapter
- Removable-media workflow can be convenient for carrying data between older machines
Cons
- Slow maximum sustained transfer rate (0.8 MBps), so big moves take time
- Buyer-fit is limited for modern setups because it is parallel-port based
- Installation can be a problem if you do not have the right CD or registration details
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is limited, but the feedback that does exist points to a clear split. Some users report the drive remains useful for years, especially on legacy Windows systems, and that it solved a time-sensitive “my old Zip drive died” problem. Other reviews describe setup and compatibility issues, including cases where the installation CD or registration details were not available, plus reports of difficulty getting it to work at all or assumptions about using USB adapters that do not apply to this drive’s parallel interface.
What the Iomega 10918 is, and why people still buy it
The Iomega 10918 is a classic external Zip drive that uses Zip disks with 250 MB capacity. Because the media is removable, it can be a practical way to move data between older systems, especially when you have existing archives on Zip 250 disks and just need access to the files again.
It is also built around the parallel port, with a pass-through design that allows you to connect a printer to the Zip drive while still using the single parallel port on the computer. That can matter if your legacy setup does not have spare ports to dedicate to storage.
Key specs that affect real-world use
- Capacity: 250 MB per Zip disk
- Interface: parallel port, with printer pass-through
- Maximum sustained transfer rate: up to 0.8 MBps
- Minimum seek time: 4 ms
That 0.8 MBps ceiling is the biggest practical limitation. If you are planning to move large folders, budget extra time compared with modern storage devices.
Setup and compatibility considerations (the part that trips people up)
This drive is intended for parallel-port workflows, and buyers who want USB-style connectivity may have a mismatch in expectations. The software footprint is also part of the equation: the drive includes IomegaWare on a CD-ROM, and some buyers report issues when they do not have the expected installation media or registration details for their system.
If you are working with a legacy Windows machine, it can be straightforward, but if your goal is to use a modern computer without the right port or adapter support, you may run into friction.
Pros and cons, summarized
Best for
- Legacy Windows users who still have a working parallel port
- Anyone needing to read or write existing Zip 250 media
- Situations where printer pass-through simplifies cabling on a single parallel port
- Occasional transfers where speed is not the priority
Who should avoid it
- Buyers expecting USB storage behavior, or modern plug-and-play performance
- Anyone moving large amounts of data and needing fast transfers
- Users who cannot source the required CD-ROM software or any needed setup details for their Windows version
Performance expectations: transfer speed and time budgets
With a maximum sustained transfer rate listed at 0.8 MBps, larger backups or bulk file transfers can feel slow. For smaller “grab what I need” jobs, it is more manageable, and the removable-media approach can still be convenient. If your use case is time-critical or involves frequent large transfers, a faster modern storage option is likely a better fit.
Verdict
The Iomega 10918 Zip 250 MB Parallel Port is a solid legacy tool for the right hardware and storage need. It is particularly compelling if you are working with Zip 250 disks on a parallel-port-based Windows setup and want pass-through support for a printer. The biggest caveats are speed and the practical realities of getting the included software working, especially if you are missing installation materials or trying to use modern connectivity expectations.
FAQ
Is the Iomega 10918 Zip 250 MB drive compatible with modern computers?
It is designed for parallel-port connections, so compatibility with modern systems can be limited unless your computer or setup supports the parallel interface in a supported way. If you need USB-style connectivity, you will likely run into a mismatch.
Does the drive support a printer pass-through?
Yes. The design includes a pass-through so you can attach a printer to the Zip drive while still using the computer’s parallel port for both printing and the Zip drive connection.
How fast is the Iomega 10918 for transferring files?
Its maximum sustained transfer rate is up to 0.8 MBps, which means transfers can be slow for larger folders compared with modern storage drives.
What software comes with the Iomega 10918?
The drive includes IomegaWare on a CD-ROM, along with cables and an AC adapter. That software is intended to help you operate the drive and manage backups on supported Windows systems.
Do I need Zip 250 disks, or can it use Zip 100 media?
This model is built around Zip 250 capacity. If you already have Zip 100 disks, you should confirm compatibility with your specific media before planning to rely on it.
What should I check before buying?
Confirm that your computer has a parallel port, check whether your setup matches the software environment (Windows-era), and make sure you will have the needed installation media or setup details if required.
Specifications
| Product Title | Iomega 10918 Zip 250 MB Parallel Port |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Data Storage > External Zip Drives |
| Manufacturer | Iomega |
| Item Weight | 2.7 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 11.7 x 10.6 x 4.4 inches |
| Item model number | 10918 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
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