SanDisk SDCZ2-512-A10 512 MB Cruzer Mini USB 2.0 Flash Drive (Retail Package)

with the prices on flash drives continuing 2 drop & capacities continuing 2 expand, this size drive is becoming obsolete. Nothing wrong with it, just outdated. SanDisk is a good brand & I've had no problems.

I've owned one of these drives 4 going on 3 years now. It's the drive that I take 2 all on-site calls, & I store a majority of my tools on it. This thing has been used & abused. The case has scratches, the letters are wearing off, & I've lost all the dust caps 4 it (and still carry it around without one). Throw it in the pocket & run, with keys or whatever else is in there.

It's been through the washer & dryer twice, by accident of course... Still keeps on ticking.

Transfer speeds are typically excellent, as long as you're on a high-speed USB port. Older machines are slower, but still not horrible. I've never had a problem with it being recognised by a windows 2000 machine or newer. It's always just pop it in & start throwing files on or off. 98 machines take a little more work, having 2 either download & run the drivers, or have them with you on a CD or floppy 2 install from.

The only con I have 2 it so far is that anymore, 512mb is getting 2 be a little cramped 4 space. I'd like 2 upgrade 2 a 2 or 4 gig 2 be able 2 backup user files on the road.

We were looking 4 an inexpensive flash drive 2 sell at our library customer service desks & I found this one: SanDisk SDCZ2-512-A10 512 MB Cruzer Mini USB 2.0 Flash Drive (Retail Package). Within 24 hours of placing the order I had a call from Computer Brain saying the wrong model & price had been listed on the website - was I still interested? I was, so they sold me 50 of these very nice flash drives at the lower price. Talk about great customer service!

Exactly what I expected. Perfect 4 daughter's school use. Fast delivery. Very pleased with order.

The Cruzer Mini is an older model "Thumb" flash drive, & an example of the axiom "Change is inevitable, progress isn't." It's boring, antiquated rectangular shape is never the less far better in many ways than the new, exciting shapes that have replaced it. (e.g., the cover snaps on the back of the unit when it is in use, making the cover (slightly) harder 2 lose; its small enough 2 be convenient 2 carry, but not microscopically small; etc.) It includes an assortment of utilities on the drive -- not in a separate, undeletable partition like some units -- which can all be easily discarded if you are so inclined. (I have never used any of them, nor have I any desire 2 ever use them, so I can't comment on their quality.) It has proven compatible with my esoteric assortment of electronic devices (e.g. the DOS drivers in my elderly laptop; my Win98SE & Win2K computer, my USB equipped stereo) -- even more so than the newer/different SanDisk flash drives I've tried. And, it includes two extra covers (for a total of three covers). Sure, it is still possible 2 loose all the covers, but now its a challenge! So long as you are not bothered by its "limited" size (although 512MB is almost as large as a CDROM), this is "The" flash drive 2 get! (And this isn't just hyperbole; I just purchased my 7th unit!) -------- Special note 4 Win98SE users: You will need 2 download the driver from SanDisk's web site. I think I was not able 2 get the driver 2 work with both this flash drive & a newer SanDisk flash drive, although I no longer recall the details. Lastly, attaching this flash drive does not cause the USB disconnect icon 2 appear in my system tray (your results may be different!), but one can readily manually "eject" the drive (via right click/properties in My Computer or Explorer), shut down the computer, or merely used good judgment when removing the unit (I use the first two options). Your mileage may vary. Special Note 2 Win 3.1, Win95 & DOS users: These operating systems are not supported, however it may be possible 2 locate DOS USB drivers 4 your computer which would also allow the flash drive 2 be used with DOS & Win 3.1/95. Performance may be degraded, the drive may become unavailable if you "suspend" your computer, & swapping flash drives is probably inadvisable (if not actually impossible), but this method works fine 4 merely/briefly transferring or backing up files between reboots. (I've been doing this with my DOS/Win95 laptop 4 years, & I've yet 2 encounter a problem.)

The Sandisk Cruzer Mini is a truly portable, truly useful pocket size data storage device that happens 2 look cool as well. Its stylish, diminutive design can be slipped into a pocket or purse 4 easy transport or data files, image files, video & audio, between home or office & virtually anywhere else.

SanDisk's Cruzer Mini makes data transfer fast & simple. It's hi-speed USB 2.0-certified 4 data transfers at up 2 480 Mbps (also compatible with USB 1.1, at a more modest 12 Mbps). Its 512 MB capacity lets you store important data, pictures, music, & other files on a device little bigger than a few sticks of gum, then readily transfer them 2 your laptop or desktop. Making an important presentation? Walk into the room with your laser pointer & a Cruzer Mini.

The Cruzer Mini offers higher storage capacity than floppy disks & other removable media, faster transfer rates, & better file security through CruzerLock. CruzerLock encrypts your individual files, keeping them safe & secure from prying eyes. Simply choose a personal password, select the file that you want 2 encrypt, & let CruzerLock do the rest. (CruzerLock is Windows-only; local administrator privileges required 4 Windows 2000 & XP.)

For most users, the Cruzer Mini is plug & play, with no drivers required. (A Windows 98SE driver is available online at sandisk.com.) Many USB flash drives obstruct the port adjacent 2 it, making it difficult or impossible 2 use two USB devices at once. The ultra-small, ultra-thin Cruzer Mini won't cramp your style--no matter how tight things may get.

Two additional color caps & a removable neckstrap let you personalize the Cruzer Mini 2 fit your style.

What's in the Box
Cruzer Mini, 2 extra color caps, a neckstrap, a user's manual, & warranty information.