I needed a better way to store digital photographs. My mother heard me muttering one day and surprised me with not one … but two SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drives (2GB). I don’t know which surprised me more, receiving two of these Flash Drives or that she was techno-savvy enough to pick this Cruzer model.


Description

These flash drives are small enough to fit in the palm of the hand and close your fist around. The plastic body is black with a white slider switch on one side. It measures 2 1/4” long x 7/8” wide. The 2.0 USB connector retracts into the flash drive, and this measurement is with the USB connector inside the drive. Since the USB slides inside the flash drive, there is no need for a separate cap. At the end of the drive is a small metal circle that can be used to attach the flash drive to a cord or perhaps a keychain.

This portable drive includes U3 software. This offers the ability to store and launch U3 compatible programs from the USB flash drive onto to any PC computer. It also includes Skype, a program that allows one to make free calls and chat with up to fifty people at the same time.


My Experiences

Flash drives are easy to use, and this one is no different. I plug the flash drive into the USB on my computer, and a window opens on the screen. The drive already has a file folder labeled Documents on it, and subfolders titled: Downloads, Music, Pictures and Videos. You can keep these folders, rename them or delete them. Customize the folder network however you please.

Since I wanted to download digital photographs onto these Cruzer flash drives, I “dragged and dropped” the appropriate folders from my hard drive onto the flash drive. Easy!

I am new to U3 software and had never used it before having it on these SanDisk drives. The software is preloaded on each flash drive. When the flash drive is inserted into the computer, not only does the screen open showing the files on the flash drive, but an icon appears at the bottom right of the computer screen. The icon says Cruzer and shows the image of a flash drive on it. Click on this icon to manage the U3 launchpad and U3 programs. SanDisk even provides some U3 programs on the drive. In case you are wondering, U3 programs use the extension .u3p.

There is U3 Launchpad Tour that introduces the concept of U3 and how it works. I found this a nice introduction. It was short and provided enough information to get me started. The other U3 programs include: Skype, Cruzer Sync U3 Edition, HP Photosmart U3, McAfee Antivirus USB (protects the U3 drive), SignupShield Passwords, Big Fish Games Sudoku (game), Mahjong Towers Eternity (game). There are also other icons: Explore the flash drive, Settings, Add Programs (U3), Help and Support, SanDisk U3 Website, and Enable Security.

The Mahjong game is great, but to gain a full-featured game, you have to buy it. Mahjong is a solitaire game where one matches and removes like tiles from a layout. The tiles are large (excellent for anyone with sight problems). The tiles are also beautiful and the music is soothing. I like playing this Mahjong game. The Sudoku game also offers large numbers. It features traditional Sudoku game sets.

The CruzerSync feature allows one to consolidate files such as documents, music, graphics, video, even internet Explorer favorites on the U3 drive. The Outlook folder can also be stored. The files are 128-bit AES encrypted and password protected.

I have not used Skype, the program that lets one make free calls across the world. Supposedly, it offers “superior call quality”. Since it allows up to fifty people to chat at the same time, this could come in handy for conference calling, especially since it offers encrypted communication. The program also allows one to personalize it with sounds, ring tones and even pictures.

If you don’t want the flash drive to autorun when it is inserted into the computer, the setting can be changed. You can also completely remove the U3 Launchpad from the flash drive. If this is done, though, the U3 software and programs cannot be used. SanDisk says the process can be reversed by visiting their website or by contacting their technical support.

There is a password feature as well under the Enable Security settings. I don’t use this feature, but I can see where it could come in handy. If I had personal or confidential files on one of these flash drives and was traveling with it, then I would want the drive password protected in case of loss.

I own a Sony flash drive that has a cap on it. I like the cap since I can easily slide the flash drive into my purse and not worry about lint or other debris getting into the business end of the USB connector. These Cruzer flash drives do not have a cap. The USB connector easily slides into the body of the drive … but the open end of the drive is not covered.

When I insert the Cruzer drive into a computer, I know it is running. The slider switch on top of the drive (that retracts or extends the USB connector) lights up when it is active. The white slider switch glows a bright orange. It is easy to slide, too.

I am very pleased with how much information this SanDisk Cruzer holds. The 2GB capacity is excellent for my digital photographs. Just like working with a built-in hard drive, it is simple to create folders and drag-and-drop the images. I can rename the images, and can open and print them, import them into Photoshop, and even delete images and folders from the flash drive. Just make sure that all your files transfer. I have had a few instances where for some reason, not all the files moved from the source onto the flash drive. I find it easiest to move entire folders rather than individual images. I haven’t had a problem with folders “dropping” files.

There were two reasons I wanted to move all the photos onto flash drives. One is that it is a great space saver! Moving all these photos off my computer’s hard drive frees up space, and the flash drives are small. Second, I have a satchel where I store important information and documents. I place the flash drives in this satchel. In case of a fire, I can grab the satchel and run. It contains a backup of the computer, the photos, and other important documents. Saving information on flash drives allows me to keep a lot of documents in a small area.


Purchasing

Staples sold these two Cruzer flash drives for $19.98 each.

These SanDisk Cruzers also come in a colorful 3-pack. Having colors other than black allows me to color-code content. You can read my review of them here: SanDisk Cruzer 3-Pack USB Flash Drives.


Summary

I’m very pleased with the SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drives. They are easy to use. Plug the USB connector into the computer, and I am ready to transfer or access the files. The U3 capability is a bonus!

I hope you found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


System Requirements

* Pentium PC or Macintosh computer with USB support
* Windows 2000, XP, Linux
* Mac OS 9.1x+, OS X v10 1.2+
* USB 2.0 port required for Hi-Speed transfer
* Requires high power USB hub port
** U3 not supported under Mac OS (any version)


Please read my other reviews:

Canon PowerShot A400 Digital Camera

Sony Microvault 512mb USB 2.0 Flash Drive

Toshiba Satellite Notebook Computer

Acer Laptop Computer

Logitech V200 Cordless Notebook Mouse

Antec Notebook Cooler

Targus Platinum Deluxe Notebook Computer Case

Mahjongg Master Deluxe (game software)


Copyright 2008 Dawn L. Stewart


Recommended: Yes