SanDisk 4gb Cruzer Micro U3 Smart 2.0 USB Flash Drive
Posted by Notcot on May 10, 2010 in Portable Sound & Vision |
Product Description
Technical DataFlash Memory / Storage CapacityGB4Technical DataHeader / Product LineSanDisk CruzerTechnical DataHeader / ModelMicroTechnical DataHeader / CompatibilityPCTechnical DataHeader / ManufacturerSanDiskTechnical DataHeader / Packaged Quantity1Technical DataFlash Memory / Interface TypeHi-Speed USBTechnical DataFlash Memory / Product TypeUSB flash driveTechnical DataFlash Memory / CompatibilityNon-specific
- 2yr
- Includes
- Retractable USB
- U3 Smart
- Transport your files & PC
I already had one of the 1gb Micro U3 drives and was surprised that it had the full version of CruzerSync on it. As the Amazon description made no reference to it being a trial then I reasoned that I could always return it if this one turned out any different. It isn’t, it is the full version.
CruzerSync, if anyone doesn’t know, allows you to synchronise your email from Outlook or Outlook Express onto the USB drive (not another computer). When you stick the U3 drive in another computer and activate CruzerSync, it brings up an Outlook type application so you can access and read all your emails (including attachments). You can also write new emails on the stick that will synchronise back to the drafts folder in the original PC.
CruzerSync will also synchronise any folders or files from one computer onto the USB drive (again not another computer), and again you can access them when you put it into another computer.
All of the information in CruzerSync is stored behind 128 bit AES encryption, so provided you have used a strong password your data is safe unless you have annoyed the NSA or MI5.
So if you want to be able to securely carry your office life on a stick to access anywhere, then CruzerSync allows you to do it.
The U3 Launchpad application also allows you to enable security. If you do this you have to enter a password when you insert the drive, and until you do the USB drive, although visible in Windows is not accessible. There seems to be some debate whether the data is encrypted or not, but it is certainly not accessible by your average person who might find your lost drive.
In summary, if you want a 4gb flash drive to just stick stuff on, there are probably slightly cheaper ones around without the U3 software that seems to annoy some people (although it is removable). However if you want a 4gb flash drive to save you lugging a laptop around so you have access to your email or files, then the software on this drive is just what you need. And if you wanted to buy the software on its own (from Dmailer) then it will cost you $39.95, more than the cost of this flash drive.
Rating: 5 / 5
I am a freelance web designer, I frequently move from site to site and rely on my clients to give me the best tools for my job. Unfortuantely this isn’t always the case. I initially bought this drive to carry around my personal files etc. Once I got it, I checked out the U3 software, and at first glance, the official application list was too limited. However a few searches on google allowed me to uncover a nice little addition (PStart U3) that integrates into the software and allows virtually any application to run from it, so with a minor bit of tweaking the U3 software has turned out to be an absolute lifesaver. The drive itself is very smart and compact, works a treat and easily caters for everyones needs. Simply put, If you dont need the bundled software, uninstall it!
Update 13-04-07:
If you set a password for the drive on a windows machine, it won’t load on a mac at all until you take the password off again.
As mentioned earlier its a small very sleek drive. The retractable usb connector is very handy, and you dont have to worry about losing caps and so forth. Apart from the aesthetics, the form adds to the appeal, for example when you need to squeeze it into that last usb port between the other 2 cables you already plugged in, it slots in easily. The drive is fast, and transfers happen quickly too.
If there is one gripe its that the retractable usb connector can ‘sometimes’ slide back into the drive if you apply a bit too much pressure, this usually happens when trying to slot into awkward ports.
Apart from this theres not much to fault.
Update 04-07-07
Regarding software: U3 has a limited amount of software, but all run perfectly off the drive. Portableapps have a wider range, but you need to install their software. This would seem like a dilemma, but in fact its not.
As mentioned earlier, get yourself a copy of PStart U3. Then download ANY portable app, install it on the Cruzer (I put all mine in a folder called MyApps) then add it to your list of Pstart apps. Hey-presto – it all works! I found even more apps at portablefreeware (google search it). All the apps run like a dream off the drive.
Rating: 5 / 5
As I write this the software for this USB drive keeps opening windows for me to access my files. Trouble is, I don’t want to access them right now, thanks very much! Can’t I just have the drive plugged in, just in case? It just won’t take “no” for an answer and I have to pause every ten seconds or so to close windows. Even minimising them doesn’t stop them from nudging me. Now it’s helpfully telling me that it could run faster – would I like to see all available USB ports on my computer? Jeez – take a hike!
The drive itself is fine but I’m going to run the uninstall app from SanDisk right now.
Think twice before you purchase this one. If you don’t need the apps/features then get a Kingston or whatever.
Rating: 2 / 5
I bought one of these, and can confirm that it DOES work with Vista.
I spoke to Sandisk and they said that the only models they will GUARANTEE as Vista compatible are the ones that specifically state it on the packaging (either ‘vista compatible’ or ‘readyboost’).
However, the drive I received from Amazon did not have the above on the packaging. Sandisk said that, in that case, it MIGHT work with Vista, but only certain revisions of the firmware are compatible and there is no way to tell unless you try it!
So, I rang Amazon to check that they would accept a returned item that had been opened, and they said that they would because the item description says that it is Vista compatible.
So…. after all that aggro, I tried it and it worked (including the U3 software).
Hope that helps someone out there!
Rating: 4 / 5
I bought the 4gb memory stick for uni so i can carry all my research as well as music etc around with me. I was a bit dubious as to the usefulness of the u3 software, having never heard of it before but have found it to be the best feature of the stick. i now use all the features everyday, it means i can carry my own preferences for the computer to whatever computer im working on. the best is the open office that allows me to write office compatible documents even on older machines.
the only letdown to this product is not being able to run the programmes on a mac. everything else is great.
Rating: 5 / 5