SanDisk SDCZ2-1024-A10 1 GB Cruzer Mini USB 2.0 Flash Drive (Retail Package)

 (142 customer reviews)

I was using an older 128 MB flash drive as the file system for e-mail on two older laptop computers. This allowed me to keep my mail synchronized on my primary home system and the one I take on travel. The problem was that I outgrew the 128 MB, and since both of my systems were older circa 2001 laptops that used USB 1.1 and ran under Windows 98 SE none of the gigabyte flash drives would work with it - all of the others required either USB 2.0 and/or Windows ME or 2000. This drive, however, is backwards compatible with the older USB 1.1 interface, and a Windows 98 SE driver is available for download from the manufacturer's site. Download and installation of the new driver went perfectly. It was literally done in a few mouse clicks. I plugged the drive into each machine and it was immediately recognized by both my Sony and IBM laptops. I also tried this on a Windows 2000 system and it was immediately recognized and assigned as a disk drive without drivers. Not only does...Read more

I bought the 1GB Sandisk USB drive primarily to transport data to and from work and other sites. Since it's my first such drive, I can't attest to its speed versus other models, but it seems plenty fast for my needs.

The CruzerLock software comes loaded on the drive itself which obviously uses up some of your usable memory. Through a nice interface, the software allows you to select files on the computer's hard drive and encrypt them. The result is automatically copied to a subfolder on the Cruzer called \Secure. You can also ignore the software, and use the Cruzer as another hard drive and copy unencrypted data wherever you like on its file system.

The encryption method and strength is not documented which I suppose is just as well because you're trucking around the software and keys to decrypt the data with the data itself anyway leaving only a password which could be defeated through brute force between an intruder and the raw data. I'm not usually a...Read more

I really like the formfactor of this Flash Drive. The 1GB is plenty hefty (although we all could use more right?). It's pretty fast on the read and write too. Since something this simple doesn't have a lot of points to review, I'll lay it down in good v. bad:

Reasons it shines (in one case, literally)

1) Light, yet has a sturdy feeling.

2) Light (LED) - on the opposite end from the USB connection, which indicates current status. ALL keys should have this!

3) Did I mention it's fast? Make sure you are using USB 2.0

4) Plenty large enough for taking pictures to the printers, emergency backup, personal boot drive, and many other things.

5) Small. I carry 4 things in my pockets most of the time. 1 pocket has the Fisher Space Pen and Leatherman Micra. The other has my moneyclip/leather card holster style wallet and my car keys. Generally, I only ever carry one other thing on occasion and it's this key Flash Drive...Read more