I used to love my zip drives. Some Macs used to come with them in-built, the first one I used however was an external one I bought 2nd hand. They're nifty & convenient. Was easy for me to swap files from the computer next to scanner to any other or between the others not networked in that way, or swap files between friends. Also used to carry a few to university with me. Although they require some protection, definitely more hardy than the old floppy disks which were easily corrupted or dirtied or bent, etc. And much, much faster also. Sure, the odd one was a little slow or unreliable on odd occasions but in general were very good. Mine were well used.