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Voodoo Extreme

 COOLMAX 2.5" X-Treme FILES V1 Review  
INFO: USB 2.0 Powered, Portable External Backup solution. (Model # X1)
REVIEW DATE: 7/09/04
COST: $39.00 - $49.00 USD (No HDD Included.)
AUTHOR: David Kroll
EDITOR: Jon "Wampa" Bender
SPONSOR: COOLMAX

 

The software install:

    Installing the software is pictorially represented below. The only thing I really want to point out is the size of the executable in picture 17. In task manager in XP, the exe takes up about 4 megabytes of memory, which is quite small compared to 32 megs that M$ Word 2003 needs to run continuously.Intro:

(14) Installing... (15)...
   
(16) Restart or not? (17) Size of .exe


    In picture 18, I tried to use the shortcut on the desktop, avoiding the reboot that was deemed necessary in 16. So, I restart, and a run-once driver install kicks in. Yes, you need to click continue anyway. It takes a tremendous amount of time to get drivers signed for XP. I've never had a problem personally without any driver that wasn't WHQL.

(18) Dang, have to reboot...
 
(19) XP driver install after reboot


    Below you can see the system tray icon (well, mostly). If your unit is unplugged, the icon gets a yellow "N/A" drawn over it. Hitting the "About" brings up picture 21. Exit closes it of course, and Cancel cancels an operation in progress...

(20) Systray icon
 
(21) About


How the software works:


    Pressing the "Selective Backup" button on the unit brings up what you see first below. Then you can select exactly what you want to backup. Click on "Start" and the software will count the files, and start the back up progress. Pressing the "Total Backup" button will bring up what you see in picture 26. Although this part of testing I can't do properly, I'll tell you what it does. The software checks up to 4 hard drives on your IDE chain, and backs up all files that are smartly excluded. I'll get to that in just a bit. I'll give you a hint though, you'll want a large hard drive...

(22) Partial backup (23) Select files
   
(24) Lots 'o files (25) In progress
 
(26) Full backup!


Restoring files:


    Simple enough. Push the last button that I hadn't gone in to detail with, the "Restore" button, and you'll be accompanied by picture 27. You can either hit "Browse" to selectively restore files, or "Start" to just do them all. If you do them all, depending on how much data there is, be prepared to wait.

(27) Data restore function (28) Select files to restore


    While I wanted to do full testing under USB 1.1 which I have on my workstation, I was unable to. I have two 60 gig drives in my machine. And yes, they are quite full. I will be testing on a 30 gig Fujitsu 2.5" drive, but the size of the laptop drive comes into play. The testing will be next, and final page...


 

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