Expert’s Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
outside punishing drive typically do one thing only : store your data . The IomegaMac Companiondoes a mess more than that . It transfers your files at great speeds , act as a USB hub , and charges your gadget , all in a beautiful looking package .
The first thing you ’ll point out about the Companion is its outstanding trapezoidal design . It has quiet aluminum side with rounded corners and the top is made of reflective inglorious plastic with the caller logo in the middle . The campaign match correctly on the aluminum stand of an iMac , Apple LED Cinema Display , or Apple Thunderbolt Display , and looks awe-inspiring next to a MacBook Pro .
On the front of the drive is an activity light / capacitance gauge . You ’ll need todownload and install an software from Iomega ’s websiteto activate the electrical capacity calibre feature . On the correct side is a Kensington security system slot and a unmarried 2.1 amp , USB 2.0 embrasure for connect and charging an iPhone , iPod or iPad . On the back are two FireWire 800 larboard , three USB 2.0 larboard ( one for connecting to a Mac , two for connecting other gadget to the Companion ) and power input . Included with the thrust is a Quick Start Guide , power adapter , and USB 2.0 , Firewire 800 , and Firewire 800 to FireWire 400 cable . you could also download Iomega’sencryption softwareif you want to add security to your driving force .
The drive ’s iOS machine commit capability cultivate as advertised , but results change depending on how your drive is connected . When the thrust is connect through USB , FireWire , or leave uncommitted , any iPhone or iPod you attach to the right side USB port will recharge . An iPad will recharge too , as long as your Companion drive is either disconnected from your Mac or attached via FireWire 800 . When your Companion is linked to your Mac via USB , an iPad must be in sleep mode for level .
When connected to your Mac over USB , the Companion performs as a USB hub . We associate several types of USB gadget , from other international hard drive , to flash drives , keyboards , shiner , even printer , and they all worked . You also get syncing capabilities when you connect an iOS twist to a USB embrasure . mention that syncing and USB hub features will not work when the Companion is connected to your Mac over FireWire .
Files transfer of training speeds were pretty impressive overall . Through USB 2.0 , the drive write a 2 GB folder at 30.6MBps and a 2 GB file at 32.6MBps , both grudge fare very close to matching the fastest velocity we ’ve take in this year . In the AJA system test , it immortalize a write speed of 32.1MBps , just 0.1MBps shy of correspond the top speed posted by the G - Tech G - Raid 4 TB ( ) .
The Companion excel when connect using FireWire 800 . It get the fast read focal ratio of any driving force we tested this year , posting a speed of 79.6MBps when re-create a 2 GB folder back to our test bed , and 87.0MBps when remove back a 2 GB file . The Companion ’s write speeds , while not breaking any records , came really nigh to matching them .
The only two areas where the gadget stumbled were in price and convenience . We find out other drives with like storage size and connector interface for around a hundred dollars less , so you ’ll finish up paying a premium for those charging and hub features . There ’s also a give and take on those features , depending on how you connect . Through USB , you get the extra USB interface and iOS gadget syncing ; through FireWire , you get quick carry-over speeds and zippier recharge time . Depending on your needs , you ’ll have to pick between one feature or another .
Macworld’s buying advice
Despite its Mary Leontyne Price , the Iomega Mac Companion is great to look at and mathematical function perfectly well . If you need a storage pal to go along with your Mac , look at this effort .
