Imation Corp USB 2.0 FLASH DRIVE 2GB ( 17474 )

Comment: The access to my files is a little slow. I know that it's not my computer because of the other flash drives I use on my computer run faster. It works fine but I would think about spending a few more bucks for something faster.

Comment: This drive is lightweight. in fact you won't even remember that it's in your pocket. Although not recommended, it also survives a spin through the washer and dryer.

Comment: I've had one of these before, and I'm a pretty big fan. I used to have a 512MB and now I bought the 2GB, which has been much handier. The two things I like the most about the drive are that it doesn't have a detachable case that can be lost, and that I can attach it very nicely to my key chain and detach it when I need to use it. It only has two negative aspects that I'm aware of. First, I had the thin plastic piece break that connects it to the key chain break one time which could obviously make it easier to lose. Second, I know a professor who used about 50 of the 512MB models for a course he teaches, and he said they were going to stop using them in favor of a different brand or model because several had failed entirely, causing data loss. I haven't seen any of that personally, although he wasn't making it up. All around, I like the drive, but I don't trust any flash drive with any data or information that's too critical in the first place.

Comment: I was looking for a low cost flash drive to replace a 1GB Memorex that I had been using for 4 years. I would have preferred to find a Flash Drive with a snug cap that attached to the neck lanyard - otherwise, I am prone to lose the cap. (Losing the flash drive is not an issue, since it belongs either on my neck, in a USB slot, or on a key hook at home.)

Many flash drives today have the lanyard attached to the drive with a clip and string rather than to the cap. I settled for this one because of the integrated cap. One of the decorative silver "buttons" on the side broke off within a couple days (I had read that from another owner too), but this does not affect the performance in any way.

This USB flash drive performs well, and has worked with every machine so far. I am very pleased with it. If you are getting a good deal financially, you'll love this drive!

Comment: This is a great product. I have the 1GB and will be getting the 2 or 4GB one soon. I love the swivel feature - I've lost caps to other drives before - and the USB 2.0 speed is decent as well. The drive works well with every OS I've tried: several Linux 2.4/2.6 distros (Gentoo, RH, Debian, and Slack based), Mac OSX, Sun Solaris, and yes, even Windows.

The clip-on mini lanyard (about 5cm long) is strong and easy to snap on and off for quick use. It uses a miniature version of the plastic clips seen on backpacks and sporting equipment. One end has a loop to put on a lanyard or keyring. Just squeeze the sides and two pieces separate easily from one another. Push the pieces back together, and there is a satisfying 'snap' letting you know this thing isn't going anywhere.

But the major selling point of this product line for me is the WRITE PROTECT SWITCH. It seems I cannot find any other brand of USB flash drive with this feature. I have a necessity for this; it is absolutely required on some systems I manage. For those in search of info on the WRITE PROTECT feature of flash drives, here is a mini-breakdown for Imation (3M) flash drives that have this feature:

original 'Swivel' line: has write protect
'Clip' line: has write protect
'Pivot' line: has write protect

'Swivel Pro' line: does NOT have write protect (who knows why they removed it?)
'Pocket' line: does NOT have write protect
'Mini' line: does NOT have write protect
'Flash Wristband' line: does NOT have write protect

I know that a small USB Memory Stick reader and memory stick (all m/s have integrated write-protect switches) would give the same benefit, but options I have seen are just too clunky and would be a bear to carry around, e.g. especially on a lanyard. This solution would also mean I would have to worry about the memory stick coming out of the reader during transport, and falling/hiding/going who-knows-where.

The only cons I can think of for this product are:
- That lint seems to get into the swivel mechanism, and is not easy to get out - they use some sort of grease in the pivot to keep it moving freely, even though the outside shell and pivot piece are plastic, not metal.
- The silvery 'covers' over the pivot/swivel pin come off after a few days' use. This does not affect operation of the drive or the pivot, IMHO just a minor cosmetic flaw. I suppose you could re-attach it/them with superglue, but I have not tried.
- It is not more available in larger capacities. Few vendors are selling the 4GB version at this time (June '07), probably due to cost. Imation's website states that they have an 8GB version, but I haven't seen it for sale anywhere yet.