Now I can compare this newer version to the Iomega 33654 500GB external drive. Despite my remaining caution since the other commenter's note about noise, I bought the upgrade because I needed more space. It does not disappoint. Both are quiet, fast, sleek, no-nonsense, easy plug-and-play, and complimentary to any computer desk.
My favorite part: both have an on-off switch which. As I said in my review of the older version, this is a small thing that seems a big step up from the WD MyBook 250GB that I also own. Compared to the MyBook, both the Iomega 33654 and the Iomega 34270 are nicer looking and quieter.
The main difference to the layperson, that one cannot tell from the pictures, is the size of the unit. The newer version (this one, the 34270) is 7.9 inches long, while the older 33654 is 8.6 inches. The difference suddenly made the older one (that I thought was so sleek) look bulky and cumbersome on my desk. Both are 5 inches high when standing in their base.
Other differences include a white light on the side of the 34270 (instead of a blue light on the front of the 33654) that is less distracting (though I thought the blue light cool at first), and no little foot pads on the "side" of this (newer) one ... so a possible downside is that, if you lay down the 34270, its shiny finish will touch your desk (no big deal; it looks better standing up in its curvy base anyway :). That last part (no little pads) is the only reason I took off a star.
Oh, did I mention that the newer one is, at least for now, cheaper than the older one? That alone should earn it back a star for a perfect rating, but it might be just a promo. Anyway, I love both versions. My movies are backed up and so far (a couple of weeks) I have no problems at all.Get more detail about Iomega Prestige 1 TB USB 2.0 Desktop External Hard Drive 34275.
