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| SuperDisk | Gadgets Hardware |
| The SuperDisk
works with older diskettes as well as with a new generation "Super" diskette.
SuperDisk diskettes hold 120 MB of data on a 3.5-inch disk, roughly the equivalent of 83
conventional floppies. The SuperDisk attaches to your computer via the parallel port. The package contains the SuperDisk, 1.44-MB diskettes and installation files. Installation is fairly easy using the set-up program. I experienced difficulty installing the SuperDisk on a Windows NT Server but did get it running on a Windows 95 machine. Transferring files works just like any other removable drive. The SuperDisk is approximately five times faster than a standard floppy drive. The unit is plain and compact but doesn't feel as solid as other removable drives. The SuperDisk is designed to work in a horizontal position on the desktop. Oddly enough, it doesn't have a power switch. The disks for the SuperDisk look almost just like a regular diskette. You can use them interchangeably in the SuperDisk. You do need to pay attention to a couple of details using this drive, however. For example, the pass-through parallel port will not work when files are being copied. In fact, connecting a device to the SuperDisk can cause installation problems. The main competition for the SuperDisk is the Iomega Zip Drive. Although Zip Disks only hold 100 MB, you will probably find more people to exchange disks with than those with SuperDisks. The Imation drive is more expensive than the original Zip Drive and on a par with the new Zip Plus that offers both parallel and SCSI connections. The cost of media is approximately equal. One advantage of the SuperDisk is that many notebook manufacturers now offer LS-120 drives in their new machines. This is extremely useful if you need to lug around lots of large files but also need a conventional diskette drive. Also, Imation offers secured encryption technology that can be used to lock down your diskettes. Mobile lawyers carrying confidential client data should take advantage of this capability. Overall, the Imation SuperDisk is a handy gadget. Not as easy to install as others in its class but performance is good. Combined with a notebook drive, this is a good buy. |
Imation (888) 466-3456 www.imation.com PC $199 Reviewed by J. Michael Jimmerson, attorney, Milwaukee, Wis. PROS CONS VERDICT |
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