Panasonic Zip Drive

[Kristina462]

Buy.com has a Panasonic 100mb internal zip drive for only $51.99. I believe that Iomega is the one that developed the zip technology and it would be pretty safe to go with them. But this seems like a pretty good deal, esp since more than likely I'll end up upgrading to the 250mb later (no I don't need one right now, but I do need to 100mb). Therefore, the more I can save the better.

Panasonic seems to be a pretty good brand (I heard they are one the best when it comes to cordless phones, even better then Sony).

What do you think??

[spigidygak]

Well I haven't heard too much about zip drives in general, but the panasonic should be a strong drive. But if you want an actual iomega drive. . . check this out http://store.yahoo.com/directron/z100ide.html They have it for $32 plus shipping/handling. The front is a charcoal color not your usual beige.

[Kristina462]

Awesome!!! Because I just got an HP Pavillion which is...charcoal.

Thanks!!

[Kristina462]

Wait...you have to buy a 5.25 mounting kit, I don't know if it will fit. I think that the manual said that the slot (?) was 3 something. But the guy at best buy, when I bought the computer, said that all I could fit was a zip. Is 5.25 standard for an internal zip?? Aren't they pretty small anyway.

Sucks...

[spigidygak]

Okay, well if you have any 3.5" bay drives open you can just stick it there. But considering its an hp. . . you probably only have like 1 5.25" bay drive open. So you can pick up a lil' doohickey adapter. That same store has one for $4 http://store.yahoo.com/directron/flopdrivmoun.html

They also have another one for $14. . . but I don't think its worth the extra cash. Whats the exact hp model you got? I can check it out for you and make sure what you'll need.

[Kristina462]

I have an HP 6830. Yeah, there is only one drive open, it looks kindof small too.

So you're saying that I can get a mounting kit other than the $14 one they suggest?

Thanks!

[spigidygak]

Hmm, I checked out hp's site. Looks like you won't need an adapter. Since it said that there is a 3.5" slot free which is the size for the zip drive.

[jarfykk]

To answer to question. Panasonic makes good products, thier Zip drives are no exception. The HP 6830 does have an open 3.5" bay which will accomodate the Zip drive. So if you want either Panasonic or the Charcoal one from the Yahoo based store, feel free to go ahead. Hope this helps.

[Kristina462]

All of the above helps, thank you!

Since the zip drive is an OEM product, it won't come with any software or drivers...where can I get those??

So the adapter is not the same as the mounting kit??

[spigidygak]

1) You can download all the drivers you want at iomega's site.

2) You won't need a mounting kit since the drive open on your computer is a 3.5" drive and the zip drive is a 3.5" drive.

So, all you need to do is buy it and install.