SanDisk (8GB) Cruzer: Fast & Flashy!

I can remember when my first computer came with less storage than 8 GB; nevertheless I needed something portable and easy to use when taking work files home. This 8 GB Cruzer seems to work fast enough for larger files, but I fear that anything larger than 8 GB might be to slow when "writing" information to the flash drive. It almost seems that they keep increasing the size of these drives, however the benchmark tests and speed of writing/reading doesn’t seem to coincide, of course this observation could be based on the mere fact that larger files take longer to write/copy.


Specifications

-8 GB storage capacity
-PC and Mac compatible
-Maximizes storage capacity,
-resolution and speed High performance,
-low power consumption, non-volatile storage
-The ultimate mobile storage solution for people on the go

The SanDisk Cruzer Mini is the fastest and easiest way to move your data. Cruzer Mini is Hi-speed USB 2.0 certified for fast data transfer (also compatible with USB 1.1). Store all your data, pictures, music and more on this pocket-sized device and then easily transfer files between your laptop and desktop.


Using the Cruzer

With 3.5" disks out of the picture, flash-drives are surely the wave of the future, so the SanDisk Cruzer Micro 8 GB provides high capacity and quick access speeds to quench your technical needs. Approximately $20-$70 currently and Obtainable online at stores similar to amazon.com or regular electronic stores like: Best Buy, Circuit City, Comp USA, and Fry’s. Currently the software included (U3 Launch Pad) allows quick access to files as windows based startup menu, which is unlike other Flash Drives I have used in the past. The software makes it easy to access the information currently on the Flash Drive.

Because SanDisk Cruzer Micro 8 GB is both USB (Universal Serial Bus) compatible for both Mac and PC it makes usage perfect for either user. The drive is even backwards compatible to older systems running USB 1.0. Furthermore the drive does not require any type of installation of hardware or drivers, as it will be instantly detected by the PC and installed for use. I usually store photos, documents, music, and videos on my flash drive. I like the fact that I can bring the information to a friends houses or transfer information to and from work.

A major concern for something as important as this would be how fast is it? Even though the Flash Drive is fast the speeds can vary from different computers, speeds typically depend on factors from the computer that is processing the information. However the drive is fairly fast for transferring files of various sizes, which is not typical of all flash drives out there. I sent the Flash Drive about 50 photos or 175 MB of information, and it transferred in about 45 seconds. Then I tried about 750MB of videos and this was uploaded in just over 4 minutes, not bad.

I have used it for a variety of text, word, and excel files and 50 MP3’s for a grand total of 100 files, and the smaller files really did not hamper the performance of the drive. When sending smaller files alone to the card it was as if the timer bar did not even show up, which basically meant extremely fast results, almost instantly transferred to the drive with no waiting period. Downloading was typically similar in results for time and performance, smaller files would transfer extremely fast, and larger files in terms of MB/sec were about the same for uploading. Excellent performance in my overall tests and experience was recorded in terms of time and speed.

The SanDisk Cruzer Micro 8 GB includes a write-protect switch to safeguard your valuable data from accidental deletion. This feature has saved me some serious time and headache. Similar to a standard floppy disk when the switch is active it prevents data from being written or deleted. Also another honorable mention would be the portability and ability to attach it to a key chain or even a necklace.

I assumed because of its small size and plastic exterior that any bump or drop might damage the unit or cause a loss of data. Well the opposite has been true with the SanDisk Cruzer Micro 8 GB because I have dropped it on hard surfaces like concrete and even stepped on it, and the unit did not lose any information that was on the drive or become unusable. I still do not recommend mistreating it, but it is far from delicate as my experience has shown.

I have used the drive on both PC and MAC; neither has performed slower than the other in terms of uploading and downloading. Actually I consider myself impatient and have had multiple files being downloaded at the same time with very little lag in performance. I also find that the usability is extremely simplistic, which makes recommending the SanDisk Cruzer Micro 8 GB an easy task.

Again I mainly use it to bring files from work to my home, but I do store some critical files and photos as a backup, so I can easily recommend it for both personal and work related use.