I've also noticed too that backing up Imported Items folder takes forever...
I use 2 external drives however I backup AC databases and Imported Items folder separate. First I backup AC databases which usually takes only about 3 minutes or so (SQL server has to be stopped for that) and then on the next drive I backup Imported Items and since it takes long time I leave it in the office overnight.
I have also 2 automatic backups set up for the complete AC folder:
One with Mirra backup server located on site and second remote with MozyPro(seems that those backups are not affected by SQL server runing or not).
