MiniMax 500GB

The MiniMax, Iomega’s mid-ranged external storage device, bears more than a passing resemblance to the Mac mini. But that’s because it’s designed to slip effortlessly under the Mac mini and fit its footprint. Alternatively, non-Mac mini users can stack several of the MiniMax units on top of each other and network them to form anything up to four terabytes of storage.

This is a powered unit, and slightly restricted as a result, but 500GB amounts to over 750 hours of compressed video, so a mains supply is a must for fast access.

Three FireWire 400 ports and three USB 2.0 ports make up the connectivity options, allowing the drive to double as a peripheral hub should you wish. But we’d like to see FireWire 800 for a fast, pro-end touch.

The 500GB hard disk spins at 72,000rpm, which is par for the course for a unit of this size. A 1GB file will copy across in about 20 seconds, and although FireWire 800 and a faster disk would improve this, unless you’re dealing with behemoth 3D or digital video files, the MiniMax is more than adequate.

Bundled with the device is the Dantz Retrospect recovery software. It’s not the easiest interface within which to back-up your machine’s drive, nor is it the most intuitive. Again, though, unless you need regular, synched back-up and data recovery, the software is more than capable.

A minor gripe is the price, but there are plenty of external storage options out there and the MiniMax performs well enough for all but the most demanding designer.