I wanted a Flash Drive for easier computer file portability. So I was delighted when my family gifted me with the Sony MicroVault 512mb USB 2.0 Flash Drive. It didn’t take me long to open the package.


Description

The Flash Drive came in clear plastic blister packaging. The drive is small measuring 3” long x 3/4” wide x 3/8” deep. The outside of the drive is a metallic gray color with an orange circle in the center of each side. One side of the circle says “USB 2.0”, and the other side says 𤀸mb”. The circle is slightly hollowed in the center where a finger and thumb can naturally rest.

This unit is in two pieces. By gripping the top and bottom of the MicroVault, and pulling in opposite directions, the unit splits into two pieces. One piece is a cap to protect the USB connector and storage area in the other half. In the top of the cap is a small slit where a narrow cord can be threaded through the slit. A cord did not come with the unit.

This device works with the following operating systems: Windows XP Professional and Home editions, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows ME / 98SE / 98, and Mac OS 9.0 and higher.

A large sheet of instructions comes in the package. The instructions are written in English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Turkish, and seven other languages I cannot read.


Installation

It’s great that no software is needed to use this Flash Drive device … unless you are running Windows 98 or 98SE. If you are running 98 or 98SE, then you will need to download and install a driver from Sony’s website (the website URL is provided on the instruction sheet).

When I plug the USB connector into the USB port on the computer, the “new hardware” is automatically detected. A Windows menu opens with the Removable Drive letter highlighted at the top of the window. Inside the window are several options for accessing the drive (ex: open folder to view files). I can also access the MicroVault by going to “My Computer” and clicking on the appropriate drive letter.

I have used this Sony MicroVault on three different computers – two of them using Windows XP and one that uses Windows 2000. This Flash Drive has always opened, transferred and saved files without problem.

The instructions state that the driver installs automatically when a computer is running Windows XP / 2000 / ME, or Mac 9.0 or higher. Then the instructions mention that with some USB 2.0 cards or boards that the user may have to initiate driver installation manually. I have never had to do this.


My Experiences

This Flash Drive goes with me everywhere. It is small enough to fit into a zippered pocket inside my purse. I can hold this drive in the palm of my hand and completely fold my fingers around it. If you wanted to thread a cord through the cap, you could wear the drive around your neck or attach it to a keyring. I prefer to carry it securely in my purse.

The device will plug easily into a USB port either on the front, side or back of a computer. I have used it in all three locations. The front and back on a desktop computer and a side USB port on my laptop. The instructions say that this Flash Drive can also be plugged into a USB hub, which I have never done.

Treat this Flash Drive as you would any hard disk, floppy disk or removable media. I drag and drop files onto and off of it. I create and save word processing documents or save photographs to the drive from the software programs I use. I have also saved items from the internet directly onto this Flash Drive.

Since the drive holds 512mb of information, it can hold a lot of data. Currently I have used 8.63mb on this drive. This includes sixteen chapters of the novel I am writing, including character studies, outline and notes. I also have 44 Epinions reviews saved on this drive. The drive is also holding fifteen fine art painting photographs given to me by a client for a website update, and there are ten other photos that I transferred from my digital camera. And there is plenty of space available for more files or images.

Before removing the Flash Drive from the computer USB port, I make sure that all windows and files associated with data on the drive are closed. Otherwise, the data might become corrupted and lost. The manufacturer instructs that one should use more formal methods to remove the drive from the computer. For instance, when using Windows XP, the instructions say to double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the task bar. I simply make sure that all the files/images are closed that are stored on the Flash Drive. Then I unplug the device from the computer.


Special Features

Free software to use the features listed below must be downloaded from the Sony website. These special features of the Sony MicroVault are not compatible with Windows 98 or 98SE.

Password Protection
Password Lock is a software program that protects the drive from unauthorized access. Create a password to secure the drive.

PC Lock
Locks the computer using a key to deter theft.

Auto Zip
Compress files by dragging and dropping them onto the Zip folder on the MicroVault. This increases the capacity of the Flash Drive.

Auto Login
A software program that allows you to store all your Login IDs and Passwords on the MicroVault.


Troubleshooting & Care

I have never had a problem with my Sony MicroVault. However, Sony provides free software on their website to reformat the device should a problem arise. A PDF file of the operating instructions is also available for download.

The manufacturer suggests cleaning the MicroVault with a soft, dry cloth. If needed, the cloth can be moistened and a mild detergent used. Do not use a solvent or alcohol as this could damage the finish on the device.


Purchasing

Staples sells the Sony MicroVault (512mb) for $51.94. Buy.com offers it for $47.71.


Update -- June 10, 2007

I went to use my Sony Flash Drive the other day and noticed that the cap had cracked down the seam on one side ... and had cracked on the other side, too, only not along the seam. I carry this Flash Drive with me everywhere, so it's seen a lot of use and works as well now as when I first purchased it. So I pulled out my Duco Cement and fixed the cap. Unless looking really close, you would never notice a repair had been done.


Summary

The Sony Microvault is a handy device to own. It takes up little space, is lightweight and easy to use. I can store text and images on this drive, sharing the data between computers. I love it. If I had not received this Flash Drive as a gift, I would have purchased it myself.

I hope you have found this review useful.

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


Please read my other reviews:

Toshiba Satellite Laptop Computer

Gateway 500X Desktop Computer

ViewSonic 19" LCD Monitor

Acer 19" Widescreen Monitor

Antec Notebook Cooler ... to prolong computer life

Logitech V200 Notebook Mouse

Belkin Flip 2-Port KVM Switch

Sandisk ImageMate 12-in-1 Card Reader/Writer

Belkin Emergency Battery Backup UPS

Logitech Harmony Universal Remote Control

Westinghouse 19" LCD Widescreen Television

Liteon DVD Recorder/Player


Copyright 2005 Dawn L. Stewart


Recommended: Yes