Iomega Zip 250 MB USB External Drive (PC/Mac)
Quick take
The Iomega Zip 250 MB USB External Drive is a legacy, ultrathin USB Zip drive for accessing Zip disks on USB-enabled desktop PC and Mac systems. It can be a practical fix when you have older Zip media you still need, but buyer-review evidence shows results can vary with disk type (100 MB vs 250 MB) and overall age-related limitations.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Portable, ultrathin design intended for mobile use (about 1 inch thick, weighs just under 1 lb).
- USB connectivity for USB-enabled PC and Macintosh systems.
- Works with both Zip 100 MB and Zip 250 MB disks (depending on compatibility).
- Includes IomegaWare 2.1 and Quik Sync instant backup utility.
Cons
- Legacy technology, so speeds are modest (listed up to about 900 KBps / ~0.9 MBps).
- Review evidence suggests compatibility can be inconsistent, including difficulty reading some Zip 100 disks.
- Reliance on specific older media, so you may need to confirm your Zip disks are compatible before committing.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is mixed, and the pattern is mainly about whether the drive consistently reads the Zip disks they already own. Some buyers report their Zip drive worked well after replacing or getting a functioning unit, while others describe problems reading certain disk types (for example, Zip 100 disks). There is also sentiment that Zip technology is outdated but still useful for file recovery when the goal is accessing existing data. Overall, review evidence is not strong enough to guarantee performance for every disk and system combination, so compatibility and disk condition matter.
What this drive is for
If you have a stack of Zip disks containing documents, photos, or project files, a modern flash drive cannot help. This USB Zip external drive is designed to bridge that gap so older Zip media can be read on USB-enabled desktop PCs and Macs. It is also a fit for one-off data recovery or short-term transfers, where you just need reliable access to legacy storage.
Compatibility and disk support (Zip 100 vs Zip 250)
This model is intended to work with both 100 MB and 250 MB Zip disks, which is important if your collection includes multiple disk sizes. However, buyer feedback includes cases where the drive did not read certain Zip media reliably. Before buying, consider the practical question: what exact disk capacity and label you have, and how confident you are that they are compatible with a USB Zip drive.
Ports, power, and setup expectations
The drive connects via USB and is described as mobile and ultrathin. It is meant to work as an external USB unit with desktop systems, and it ships with the drive, a USB cable, and a power supply, plus bundled software (IomegaWare 2.1 with Quik Sync). If you are using older systems, expect setup to be more involved than plugging in a modern USB flash drive, because you may need the included software and the correct OS compatibility for the software bundle.
Performance: what to expect for transfers
Because this is a legacy Zip drive, transfer rates are limited compared to current storage. The listed transfer capability is up to around 900 KBps (about 0.9 MBps). For small recoveries and occasional file transfers, this can be fine, but it is not the right choice if your priority is speed, bulk backups, or frequent editing workflows.
Software and backup workflow
The included IomegaWare 2.1 and Quik Sync instant backup utility suggest this drive was built with backup-style workflows in mind. That said, the more realistic use case today is often data retrieval from existing Zip disks, where the software bundle can help with access and file management depending on your operating system.
Pros and cons recap
Good for: buyers who need a USB external Zip drive to access Zip 250 MB disks, and potentially Zip 100 MB disks, on USB-enabled desktop PC and Mac systems.
Not ideal for: shoppers who expect modern performance, or who cannot confirm compatibility with their specific Zip disk types and system/software environment.
Verdict
The Iomega Zip 250 MB USB External Drive (PC/Mac) is best viewed as a compatibility tool for legacy media. If you still need files from Zip disks and you can align the drive with your disk type and older system setup, it can be a practical way to read that data. If you are mainly looking for speed or a hassle-free modern external drive, you will likely be disappointed.
Price and availability
Availability can be limited for legacy hardware, so check the current listing for the most up-to-date price and stock status before planning your purchase.
FAQs
Is the iomega zip 250 MB USB external drive compatible with both zip 100 MB and zip 250 MB disks?
It is designed to be compatible with both 100 MB and 250 MB Zip disks, but buyer feedback shows reading can be inconsistent for some disk types. If you already own Zip disks, double-check your disk capacity and condition before relying on the drive for important transfers.
What kind of computer setup is it meant for?
It is intended for USB-enabled desktop PC and Macintosh systems as an external drive. Because it is legacy storage, plan on using the included software (IomegaWare 2.1 with Quik Sync) if your operating system requires it.
How fast is this Zip drive compared to modern storage?
It is a legacy drive with a listed transfer capability up to about 900 KBps (around 0.9 MBps). That is much slower than modern external SSDs or USB flash drives, so it is better for occasional recovery than for high-speed work.
Is it worth buying new versus used for legacy Zip drives?
Buyer feedback indicates results can vary, and there are mentions of some units not working or not reading certain disks. If you buy, look for a listing that lets you verify the drive is functioning and matched to your needs, since the entire success of the job depends on compatibility with your Zip media.
Specifications
| Product Title | Iomega Zip 250 MB USB External Drive (PC/Mac) |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Data Storage > External Zip Drives |
| Brand | Iomega |
| Manufacturer | Iomega |
| Model Name | 11172 |
| Model Number | 11172 |
| Item Weight | 2.4 Pounds |
| Color | Blue |
| 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 2.0 |
| Hardware Platform | Mac, PC |
| Installation Type | External Hard Drive |
| Enclosure Material | Magnetic Media |
| Hard Disk Description | Mechanical Hard Disk (Zip Drive) |
| Built-In Media | Zip 250 USB drive, USB cable, power supply, and IomegaWare 2.1 with Quik Sync |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00742709111723 |
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