Iomega 31310 Zip 250 MB USB-Powered Drive
Quick take
The Iomega 31310 is an external Zip drive that powers through USB, designed to let you read and transfer files from existing Zip 100 MB and Zip 250 MB disks. It fits best for people recovering older archives or working across older Mac and PC setups. The main caveat is that it is built for Zip-era media and uses a relatively slow USB 1.1 interface, so it is not a modern replacement for higher-capacity storage.
Pros and cons
Pros
- USB-powered design means you do not need an external power adapter.
- Compatible with both Zip 100 MB and Zip 250 MB disks, useful if your collection includes mixed media.
- Works on both Mac and PC.
- Buyers describe straightforward installation and driver-free behavior on at least some Windows setups.
Cons
- Uses USB 1.1 with stated transfer performance around 0.9 MB/s, which will feel slow for large file transfers.
- Write speeds can be slower than reads, based on buyer experience.
- Because it is a legacy drive, reliability can be hit-or-miss as units age, so plan for the possibility of having a backup plan for critical data.
What buyers think
Buyer feedback for the Iomega 31310 is mostly tied to one goal: getting older Zip disk files accessible on newer computers or different systems. Many users report that it serves that purpose well, especially for restoring or copying data when other interfaces or older drives failed. Review themes also suggest the drive can be relatively easy to set up on at least some systems, with Windows often recognizing it after plugging it in. Where experiences diverge, it is usually around speed (reads can be quicker than writes) and legacy-media workflows, including occasional disk recognition problems that appear connected to drive aging and media compatibility.
Who this drive is best for
- You still have Zip disks (Zip 100 MB or Zip 250 MB) and need an external USB-powered way to read them.
- You are doing occasional data recovery or one-time transfers, rather than continuous, high-speed backup.
- You want cross-platform access, since it is designed to work on both Mac and PC systems.
- You prefer a simpler setup than using a separate AC adapter, thanks to USB power.
Key specs that affect everyday use
Capacity and disk compatibility
The drive is built around Zip media and is intended to use either 250 MB or 100 MB Zip disks. If your archive includes mixed sizes, compatibility with both is a practical advantage.
Connection and speed expectations
It connects via USB 1.1 and has a stated data transfer rate around 0.9 MB/s. In real-world terms, this means patience for larger file copies, and it also aligns with buyer comments that writes can feel slower than reads.
Portability and power
Since it is powered through the computer’s USB connection, you can run it without an extra power brick. That can be helpful if you are working at a desk with limited outlets, or moving between older systems.
Pros and cons in plain language
When it makes sense
- Legacy media retrieval: If your files exist only on Zip disks, this category of drive is often the simplest way to access them.
- Multi-system households or labs: Mac and PC compatibility reduces the need to juggle different setups.
- USB-only power preference: If you want fewer cables, USB power is a real convenience.
Where buyers may get frustrated
- Slow transfers: USB 1.1 and Zip-era speeds make it a poor fit for moving big folders frequently.
- Legacy risk: As devices and media age, recognition and reliability issues can show up. If the data is important, treat this as a read-and-copy tool, not the only copy of your archive.
- If you need to migrate off Zip media: prioritize workflows that get your files off the Zip disk as quickly and safely as possible (even if that means using multiple reads, verifying files, or using a second drive if available).
- If you do not have Zip disks: this is likely not the right purchase, since it does not address modern storage capacity needs.
- If you already own an internal solution: compare the convenience of an external USB-powered setup versus whatever interface you can already use. The value here is mainly portability and USB power.
Price and availability
Pricing can vary widely for legacy drives because they are often sold as pre-owned or discontinued inventory. If you are shopping, focus less on “modern specs” and more on whether you already have compatible Zip disks you need to access.
Alternatives to consider (depending on your goal)
Verdict
The Iomega 31310 Zip 250 MB USB-powered drive is a solid choice for people with an actual Zip disk library to recover or transfer. It offers USB power, cross-platform compatibility, and support for Zip 100 and Zip 250 disks. Just go in with realistic expectations for speed, and consider having a backup approach for important data because this is a legacy storage ecosystem.
FAQs
Does the Iomega 31310 work with both Zip 100 MB and Zip 250 MB disks?
Yes. It is designed to use either 250 MB or 100 MB Zip disks.
Is it truly powered by USB, or do I need an external power adapter?
It is USB-powered, so it draws power through your computer’s USB connection.
How fast is the data transfer rate?
The drive is rated at about 0.9 MB/s for data transfer, which is slow compared with modern storage. Reads and writes can feel different, and buyers commonly note slower write performance.
Is it compatible with both Mac and Windows PCs?
Yes. It is described as PC and Mac compatible, and some buyers report Windows recognition after plugging it in.
Is this a good choice for modern backups?
Not really. It is intended for legacy Zip media access, and the capacity and speed are limited to that era. It is best for recovering existing files from Zip disks.
What should I do if my data is critical?
Because this is legacy hardware and media can age, consider verifying copied files and keeping more than one copy of your archive during migration.
Specifications
| Product Title | Iomega 31310 Zip 250 MB USB-Powered Drive |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Data Storage > External Zip Drives |
| Brand | Iomega |
| Manufacturer | Iomega |
| Model Name | Z250USBPCM |
| Model Number | 31310 |
| Item Weight | 12.8 ounces |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 0.25 GB |
| Hard Disk Interface | USB 1.1 |
| Connectivity Technology | USB |
| Additional Features | Portable |
| Hard Disk Form Factor | 2.5 Inches |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Specific Uses For Product | Personal |
| Read Speed | 0.9 Megabytes Per Second |
| Media Speed | 0.9 megabytes per second |
| Cache Memory Installed Size | 250 |
| Data Transfer Rate | 0.9 Megabytes Per Second |
| Form Factor | 2.5-inch |
| Hardware Connectivity | USB |
| Hardware Platform | Mac, PC |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Enclosure Material | Magnetic Media |
| Hard Disk Description | Usb |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00742709313103 |
| UPC | 742709313103 |
| Mfr Part Number | 31310 |
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