Lexar Media 64 MB JumpDrive Portable USB Flash Drive

The Lexar JumpDrive USB Flash Drive is a very small storage device that plugs into your computer's USB port. (Most computers have a USB port, it looks like a very small slot with neither the small protruding pins nor the little holes as in other "ports" on your computer. A port is a place 2 which you connect "peripherals" such as a a printer, 4 example)

You can download directly 2 the USB port (on my office computer, this is found in the "My Computer" icon under "F Drive"), transfer from the USB port 2 your hard drive, or carry it from home computer 2 office computer. This last function is what I've found most useful. If I write something at work, or download pictures, etc., I can transfer the information 2 the Lexar, take it home, & transfer 2 my home computer (of course, it works from home tranferred 2 office computer as well). It works with either a PC or a MAC, & can also transfer between these two.

The jumpdrive is a stand-alone product, you don't need 2 install cables or download drivers 2 get it working, which is a real benefit when you're not even sure what a driver is!

The transfers are very fast, & a light blinks 2 let you know when it is finished. I've never lost any data using this product. There is also a write protect switch which will prevent accidental erasure of data, but I haven't been able 2 locate this. The 64MB (megabyte) JumpDrive can hold as much data as about 45 floppy desks (great 4 backup when you don't have a zip drive, & much more portable than a zip drive). The 128MB stores twice as much information, & the 32MB one half as much. Current Amazon.com prices (subject 2 change of course) 4 the Lexar are as follows:

32MB listed as "out of stock or discontinued"
64MB $28.99
128MB $26.74

With the current sale (October 2004), the 128MB gives you twice the storage at a slightly reduced price.

Lexar claims you can attach this with your keys, but some users report that they are uneasy with the prospect of damaging or losing the Jumpflash. There's also a top with a ballpoint-pen like clip--if you've ever lost a pen, you may also lose the Lexar Jumpdrive as well. The clip does not dit that snugly anyway. I suggest transporting it in a briefcase, a purse, a wallet, or whatever you feel safest with.

Some technical information:

1-year Limited Warranty
System Requirements: Windows 98SE/(for Windows 98 users: an Internet connection),Me/2000/XP

Mac OS X, Mac OS 8.6 or higher
One available USB port

This product works great been using it 4 4 months. You don't have 2 download any software if you're running anything up from Windows ME. Stores an equivalent of 44 floppies in a small package.

While this jumpdrive is very useful when it is functional there are a few fatal flaws. First, just dropping your keychain can cause the plastic 2 shatter, making it impossible 2 carry. Second, the plastic case splits off very easily. (I was inserting it into a usb port close 2 a parallel printer port & it came right off & fell on the floor) Once it comes off say good bye 2 your data & keychain. Mine is now defunct.

I really like my 64 MB JumpDrive (about the only thing I like better is my 128 MB JumpDrive that I bought on sale a month after I got the 64 MB version).

These things are incredibly handy 4 transferring files that are too big 2 fit on a floppy or send as an e-mail attachment (and too small 2 warrant burning 2 a CD-R). Since your computer recognizes them as a hard drive, it's possible 2 work off the JumpDrive instead of copying the files 2 the computer's main data drive (you can also use them 2 store files playable by WinAmp or Windows Media Player).

Is this device 4 you? Bear in mind that 64 MB isn't what it used 2 be (15 years ago, standard hard drives had 3 times smaller storage capacity) & fills up faster than you'd think. It doesn't have the speed of USB 2.0 device, nor does it have any built-in encryption/security features--if these things are important 4 you, this isn't your JumpDrive. I happen 2 like the quirky transparent purple color, but maybe it's not your cup of tea.

The only complaints I have are that the write protect switch is awkward 2 move (or tell whether it's open or closed) & that the plastic cap that covers the USB connector doesn't fit snugly (however, I haven't experienced any damage 2 the connector yet). Given the low cost of this item compared the competition, I can live with these minor inconveniences.

If your need 4 an easy way 2 transfer files outweighs your need 4 blazing speed or encryption -- & you aren't going 2 need 2 move more than 50-60MB at a time -- consider this item. If your needs lie elsewhere, don't feel bad passing this item by; whichever JumpDrive (or similar portable USB flash drive) you purchase is sure 2 become one of your favorite electronic gadgets.

You will truly find 1,001 uses 4 this nifty keychain drive. The possibilities are endless. You can do some of the same things by burning files onto those little business-card size CD's, but this is rewritable. The only problem is that the little plastic cap gets lose & falls off. Otherwise, great size, great performance, great form factor, & definitely a conversation piece.

Lexar Media's high-speed JumpDrive will revolutionize the way you store, transfer & carry your files. Moving files from one computer 2 another has never been easier. With cross platform capabilities, the JumpDrive allows you 2 effortlessly store & transfer files via the USB port on your computer with no driver installation required. The possibilities are endless as 2 what you can store on your JumpDrive, from music, presentations, documents, digital photos, & more. With the integrated data protection light, the JumpDrive will blink until data is safely stored. To further protect your data, the write-protect switch can be flipped into the locked position 2 prevent accidental deletion of your files. With the JumpDrive, you can even transfer files between your PC & Mac with no extra steps. It requires no drivers & plugs directly into the USB port found on most computers. With its lightweight size & durability, the JumpDrive is the easiest way 2 keep your most important data with you at all times. Access your files from home or on the road at a moments, notice, with no messy cables or adapters.