I've got a square Nesco and it works just fine and provides quite a bit more space than the round ones. For fruit, though, you will need to buy the inserts (with smaller holes) or it will fall through (or stick to) the tray.

I have no problem keeping jerky in a ziplock bag for 4-6 weeks. I think it would last at least double that but it gets eaten so I can't say that it does. I haven't done any fruit yet. I'm trying to lose weight so I'm not eating a lot of fruit, but I also live in NY and I have fresh apples all the time so no need to dry anything yet. But, I'll probably give it a shot when I get closer to my goal weight.