Sony 128 MB Micro Vault USB 2.0 Flash Memory with Fingerprint Id Portable Drive

The new Sony Micro Vault 128MB flash drive with fingerprint access may seem overly expensive at first, but when you consider its super-accurate fingerprint ID feature, it's well worth the price.

The package consists of a 128MB flash drive that works over USB 2.0, which means fast read and write speeds, a "docking station" that's bascially a USB 2.0 extension, and a program called Sony Fingerprint Access software that, once installed on a Windows computer (no Macintosh compatibility), allows you to use the fingerprint reader on the flash drive. The fingerprint reader is a small piece of silicon that scans your fingerprint. When matched, the fingerprint access program allows you to 1) lock and unlock files and folders, 2) save login names and passwords for websites (but, only one login per site allowed), 3) secure your screensaver, and 4) securely transport your Favorites folder, so you can take your favorite links with you. Of course, to be able to use the fingerprint...Read more

The drive is nice, however we cannot get it to appear as an icon in Win XP without restarting the computer. Other devices, such as a Lexar Jumpstart, behave as expected, that is, when plugged into the USB port, the My Compupter screen refreshes and the icon is there. No amount of tweaking would let the Sony to this. And in fact, even though E: was empty (not in use) when the computer was restarted, the Sony insisted on being F: -- thereby obscuring the mapped network drive. Not recommended.

Well, I've owned the Sony MicroVault Drive 2.0 for over 8 months now, and I'm less than impressed.

First off, I'll agree with the first review that the software SEEMED intuitive & well-designed on the first install.
However, you'll quickly learn that it's completely counter-intuitive. Every time you change 1 setting, the software interface closes down, and to open it back up requires another finger-swipe or password, even 1/2 a second later!! Several functions of the software tie up WinXP's resources HORRIBLY. (like saving favorites which took 5 minutes of 95% memory use on my 1GB RAM system). Also copying form & to the MicroVault takes far too long, even with plenty of memory free on my computer.

Another software issue: The MicroVault CANNOT be left installed during restart. For a laptop/tablet user, this is a major hassle. I bought it to secure my laptop, yet it can't be installed when my system restarts. Perhaps Sony should mention that in their...Read more