Imation Corp USB 2.0 FLASH DRIVE 2GB ( 17474 )

I've had one of these before, & I'm a pretty big fan. I used 2 have a 512MB & now I bought the 2GB, which has been much handier. The two things I like the most about the drive are that it doesn't have a detachable case that can be lost, & that I can attach it very nicely 2 my key chain & detach it when I need 2 use it. It only has two negative aspects that I'm aware of. First, I had the thin plastic piece break that connects it 2 the key chain break one time which could obviously make it easier 2 lose. Second, I know a professor who used about 50 of the 512MB models 4 a course he teaches, & he said they were going 2 stop using them in favor of a different brand or model because several had failed entirely, causing data loss. I haven't seen any of that personally, although he wasn't making it up. All around, I like the drive, but I don't trust any flash drive with any data or information that's too critical in the first place.

I was looking 4 a low cost flash drive 2 replace a 1GB Memorex that I had been using 4 4 years. I would have preferred 2 find a Flash Drive with a snug cap that attached 2 the neck lanyard - otherwise, I am prone 2 lose the cap. (Losing the flash drive is not an issue, since it belongs either on my neck, in a USB slot, or on a key hook at home.)

Many flash drives today have the lanyard attached 2 the drive with a clip & string rather than 2 the cap. I settled 4 this one because of the integrated cap. One of the decorative silver "buttons" on the side broke off within a couple days (I had read that from another owner too), but this does not affect the performance in any way.

This USB flash drive performs well, & has worked with every machine so far. I am very pleased with it. If you are getting a good deal financially, you'll love this drive!

This is a great product. I have the 1GB & will be getting the 2 or 4GB one soon. I love the swivel feature - I've lost caps 2 other drives before - & the USB 2.0 speed is decent as well. The drive works well with every OS I've tried: several Linux 2.4/2.6 distros (Gentoo, RH, Debian, & Slack based), Mac OSX, Sun Solaris, & yes, even Windows.

The clip-on mini lanyard (about 5cm long) is strong & easy 2 snap on & off 4 quick use. It uses a miniature version of the plastic clips seen on backpacks & sporting equipment. One end has a loop 2 put on a lanyard or keyring. Just squeeze the sides & two pieces separate easily from one another. Push the pieces back together, & there is a satisfying 'snap' letting you know this thing isn't going anywhere.

But the major selling point of this product line 4 me is the WRITE PROTECT SWITCH. It seems I cannot find any other brand of USB flash drive with this feature. I have a necessity 4 this; it is absolutely required on some systems I manage. For those in search of info on the WRITE PROTECT feature of flash drives, here is a mini-breakdown 4 Imation (3M) flash drives that have this feature:

original 'Swivel' line: has write protect
'Clip' line: has write protect
'Pivot' line: has write protect

'Swivel Pro' line: does NOT have write protect (who knows why they removed it?)
'Pocket' line: does NOT have write protect
'Mini' line: does NOT have write protect
'Flash Wristband' line: does NOT have write protect

I know that a small USB Memory Stick reader & memory stick (all m/s have integrated write-protect switches) would give the same benefit, but options I have seen are just too clunky & would be a bear 2 carry around, e.g. especially on a lanyard. This solution would also mean I would have 2 worry about the memory stick coming out of the reader during transport, & falling/hiding/going who-knows-where.

The only cons I can think of 4 this product are:
- That lint seems 2 get into the swivel mechanism, & is not easy 2 get out - they use some sort of grease in the pivot 2 keep it moving freely, even though the outside shell & pivot piece are plastic, not metal.
- The silvery 'covers' over the pivot/swivel pin come off after a few days' use. This does not affect operation of the drive or the pivot, IMHO just a minor cosmetic flaw. I suppose you could re-attach it/them with superglue, but I have not tried.
- It is not more available in larger capacities. Few vendors are selling the 4GB version at this time (June '07), probably due 2 cost. Imation's website states that they have an 8GB version, but I haven't seen it 4 sale anywhere yet.

I had this flash drive before but it was a one gigger. When I lost it I knew I wanted 2 get the same one. It is great. Small, sleek looking & I love the swivel that enables me 2 hide the connector & keep it clean.

Its small enough that I keep it in my pocket. Its made well & a great flash drive.

My only wish is that they would make the Imation Swivel Flash Drive in a larger size.

The Imation USB 2.0 Swivel Flash Drive is a compact, powerful flash drive. Featuring a proprietary swivel cap design 2 give you the sophisticated, professional look you seek from your personal technology. Weighing only one ounce, the drive fits easily around your neck on a lanyard, or in your pocket or briefcase, giving you convenient access 2 your data - anytime, anywhere you are. With an ultra-fast USB 2.0 connection - data can be read up 2 8MB/second & written up 2 7MB/second - you save valuable time when transferring, sharing or storing your critical data. It's the quickest & easiest way 2 transfer or share large business presentations, digital photos & videos, or other large files. Available in four capacities ranging from 128MB up 2 2GB 2 meet your personal & professional storage needs.The easy 2 use, plug-and-play format allows you 2 drag & drop with ease on any computer with a USB 1.1 or 2.0 port. The public/private area drive partitioning & password security (Windows only) protects your data from accidental erasure or unauthorized access.