When I saw this
SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drives (2GB) 3 Pack, I had to buy it. The SanDisk Cruzer Flash Drives usually come in black. I had never seen them in colors!
Description
These three Flash Drives come in the same package. The drives are side-by-side in blistercard packaging with a clear plastic front. Each Flash Drive is a different color: red, white, or blue. The red is just shy of being a cherry red, the white is a bright white, and the blue is a navy blue color.
Each Flash Drive measures 2 1/4” long x 7/8” wide (with the USB connector retracted inside). Other than the exterior color, these flash drives are the same. The plastic body has a white slider switch along one side. The slider switch retracts and extends the 2.0 USB into and out of the Flash Drive. This Flash Drive is all one piece with no separate cap. At the end of the drive is a small metal circle that can be used to attach the flash drive to a cord or keychain.
This portable drive includes U3 software. This offers the ability to store and launch U3 compatible programs from the USB Flash Drive onto to any PC computer. It also includes Skype, a program that lets one make free calls with the ability to chat with up to fifty people at the same time.
My Experiences
I immediately saw the potential of these colored Flash Drives. The organizational part of my brain latched onto the idea of using them as a color coded way to keep track of my files. I already had some black Cruzer Flash Drives that I was storing digital photographs on.
I decided that each one of these colored Flash Drives would hold something different. One of them contains a back up of all the documents from my computer (and there are a lot of documents!). Another drive contains my clipart collection. The third drive I use to back up my parent’s computer since they don’t do it themselves. At a glance, I can easily see which colored Cruzer Flash Drive I need to grab.
Flash Drives are easy to use. Just slide the switch to extend the USB connector and plug the drive into the USB computer port. A window opens on the screen. The drive already has a file folder labeled Documents on it, and subfolders titled: Downloads, Music, Pictures and Videos. I opted to personal my drives, deleting some of the folders and adding others.
These Flash Drives work like any portable drive. I “dragged and dropped” the folders from the computer’s hard drive onto the Flash Drives. It’s simple to do.
I am new to U3 software and had never used it before having it on these SanDisk drives. The software is preloaded on each Flash Drive. When the Flash Drive is inserted into the computer, not only does the screen open showing the files on the Flash Drive, but an icon appears at the bottom right of the computer screen. The icon says Cruzer and shows the image of a Flash Drive on it. Click on this icon to manage the U3 launchpad and U3 programs. SanDisk even provides some U3 programs on the drive. In case you are wondering, U3 programs use the extension .u3p.
There is a U3 Launchpad Tour that introduces the concept of U3 and how it works. It is brief and provides enough information to get one started. The other U3 programs include: Skype, Cruzer Sync U3 Edition, HP Photosmart U3, McAfee Antivirus USB (protects the U3 drive), SignupShield Passwords, Big Fish Games Sudoku (game), Mahjong Towers Eternity (game). There are also other icons: Explore the flash drive, Settings, Add Programs (U3), Help and Support, SanDisk U3 Website, and Enable Security.
The Mahjong game is great, but to gain a full-featured game, you have to buy it. Mahjong is a solitaire game where one matches and removes like tiles from a layout. The tiles are large (excellent for anyone with sight problems). The tiles are also beautiful and the music is soothing. I like playing this Mahjong game.
The Sudoku game also offers large numbers. It features traditional Sudoku game sets. Other than the large, easy-to-read numbers, there is nothing unique about the Sudoku.
The CruzerSync feature allows one to consolidate files such as documents, music, graphics, video, even internet Explorer favorites on the U3 drive. The Outlook folder can also be stored. The files are 128-bit AES encrypted and password protected.
I have not used Skype, the program that lets one make free calls across the world. Supposedly, it offers “superior call quality”. Since it allows up to fifty people to chat at the same time, this could come in handy for conference calling, especially since it offers encrypted communication. The program also allows one to personalize it with sounds, ring tones and even pictures.
The setting can be changed if you don’t want the Flash Drive to autorun when it is inserted into the computer. You can also completely remove the U3 Launchpad from the Flash Drive. If this is done, though, the U3 software and programs cannot be used. SanDisk says the process can be reversed by visiting their website or by contacting their technical support.
There is a password feature as well under the Enable Security settings. I don’t use this feature, but I can see where it could come in handy. I would definitely use it if I were carrying these Flash Drives during a business trip. I wouldn’t want one of these Flash Drives lost with all my files on it.
I own a Sony Flash Drive that has a cap on it. I like the cap since I can easily slide the flash drive into my purse and not worry about lint or other debris getting into the business end of the USB connector. These Cruzer Flash Drives do not have a cap. The USB connector easily slides into the body of the drive … but the open end of the drive is not covered.
A great feature of these Flash Drives is that when they are inserted into the computer, the white slider switch glows a bright orange. When the switch glows, I know the Flash Drive is operating.
The 2GB capacity is great for storing my files. Eventually I may have to invest in a 4GB Flash Drive if I want to store all my files on one drive. It is simple to create folders and drag-and-drop the files. Just like working on my computer hard drive, I can rename the files, edit them and save them directly to the Flash Drive.
I do have one caution. Make sure all your files transfer. I have had a few instances where for some reason, not all the files moved from the source onto the Flash Drive. I find it easiest to move entire folders rather than individual files. I haven’t had a problem with folders "dropping" files.
Purchasing
I ran into a terrific sale at
Staples last year. One package containing these three Flash Drives sold for $49.98. I couldn’t believe it! The 3-pack normally retailed for $72.98. The last individual black Cruzer Flash Drive I purchased cost me $19.98.
If you wish to read my review of the classic black SanDisk Cruzer, you can read my review here:
SanDisk Cruzer USB Flash Drive.
Summary
I’m very pleased with this
SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drive 3-Pack. I admit that the different colors sold me on this set. It’s great knowing at a glance which Flash Drive holds which files.
I hope you found this review useful.
Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
System Requirements
* Pentium PC or Macintosh computer with USB support
* Windows 2000, XP, Linux
* Mac OS 9.1x+, OS X v10 1.2+
* USB 2.0 port required for Hi-Speed transfer
* Requires high power USB hub port
** U3 not supported under Mac OS (any version)
Please read my other reviews:
Sony Microvault 512mb USB 2.0 Flash Drive
Toshiba Satellite Notebook Computer
Acer Laptop Computer
Logitech V200 Cordless Notebook Mouse
Antec Notebook Cooler
Targus Platinum Deluxe Notebook Computer Case
Mahjongg Master Deluxe (game software)
Copyright 2008 Dawn L. Stewart
