OCZ USB 2.0 32 GB Dual Channel Rally2 Pen Drive (OCZUSBR2DC-32GB)

I spent considerable time researching one of the 32GB flash drives before deciding on the OCZ product. I found a review that performed some extensive tests on three of the 32GB UFDs. What surprised me is that the Corsair product appeared 2 be quite slow in all but the Windows Vista "Ready Boost" test. The reason this surprised me is that my wife owns a Corsair 8GB UFD & I used it before buying the OCZ product. I found the Corsair product 2 be quite reliable & (it seemed 2 me) fast.

However, based on the research that I did & on the reviews here on Amazon, I decided 2 buy the OCZ brand.

I have mixed feelings about the product now that I have used it 4 about a month.

The storage capacity is great, but the performance is not what I expected.

When accessing it via Windows XP SP2, there is often an unexpainable delay. I might just be deleting some files or folders or navigating around in the drive and, suddenly, there will be a pronounced delay. I haven't experienced this with any of the other flash drives that I have owned.

Also, when I start a large copy operation from my PC 2 the flash drive (lots of small 2 medium sized files) I have experienced "strange" behavior. Once, the copy operation stalled, saying that the drive was full. When I stopped the copy & tried 2 check the drive, it appeared that there wasn't anything on the drive at all. I unplugged it & checked it on another computer & got the same result: the drive appeared 2 be empty.

After restarting the original PC & plugging the OCZ drive back into it, it showed up "normal" again. The drive was not full, so I don't know what the problem was.

I have not had this particular problem resurface, however, I have had several times where a large copy operation has stalled saying that the drive was full when it wasn't.

My subjective opinion about the drive's speed is that it is less than stellar. Based on my research, I expected it 2 perform better.

No product is without defect & this one does perform adequately. However, I do wonder what the Corsair might have been like...
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I use this 32GB USB flash drive 4 media file storage as well as playing too, works well both ways. Windows XP recognizes immediately without searching 4 extra drivers, appears in Windows Explorer as another drive. Read/Write speeds above average...plays movie files seamlessly. Overall, a good buy!

July 26, 2008

Thanks 4 the opportunity 2 review this item.

The purchasing & delivery process 4 the OCZ USB 2.0, 32GB Dual Channel Rally2 Pen Drive Memory Stick went as planned/promised & I received the product in good condition & in a timely manner.

After receipt of the product, I found that transferring the contents of my programs, documents & materials from my nearly filled initial storage device 2 the OCZ product was easy, with no problems. Repeated use of the Rally2 Pen Drive 4 new & expanded storage proved 2 be quick & easy.

An OCZ sponsored promotion accompanied this product's purchase, with OCZ offering purchasers a $30.00 Mail In Rebate (MIR). I was impressed with this added value 2 this product. I hurriedly completed the downloaded MIR form, completed the additional requirements & submitted the form & materials 2 OCZ Technology's Rebate processor.

I was surprised when, a few days later, I received an Email stating that my MIR application had been rejected. Reason stated was that my 'postmark date did not fall within the MIR program's submittal dates".

When I located their number, called the OCZ Rebate service & spoke 2 'Chris' an OCZ Rebate rep, I asked the reason 4 the rebate rejection that had been mailed in by me. As was included with the Email, Chris stated that my 'MIR package had not been postmarked during the 10 day submittable period.' I was surprised at hearing this since the form that I had been provided, via an online download & had mailed in 2 OCZ had clearly stated that 4 the applicable MIR period (June 17th 2 June 30th 2008) the submittal period was '20 days' & not the '12 days' now claimed by the Rebate Rep! I attempted 2 explain this 2 the Representative.

After some more discussion Chris asked that I 'please hold' as he had 2 research the new information given him by me. After some delay he returned 2 the phone 2 state that he could not locate any reference 2 the 20 day period I was claiming & that it would probably take about 2 weeks 2 resolve the issue. After my insistence/persistence Chris then asked that I "Fax a copy of my MIR Form", 2 his attention, as that might assist their efforts 2 clarify this matter. This I did.

Before ending the conversation I pointed out 2 Chris that the 'submittal period' 4 OCZ's current promo campaign -(July 17th 2 July 31st) - 4 this same or similar product had now been lessened from 20 2 12 days! I also pointed out 2 him that the shortened, 12 day period (for submitting the MIR & materials) was too short a period 4 most purchasers. I based this on the fact that I had now ordered another one of the 32GB Pen Drives & that according 2 the Email that I had received, this order was scheduled 2 be delivered 2 me (from Amazon) on the final day of eligibility 4 this promo campaign. I stated if I decide 2 apply 4 the $25 Rebate offer that that type of time frame left me little or no margin 4 error - especially if there was a delayed delivery by the Carrier!

In summary I question as 2 whether or not my current experience with OCZ Technology's MIR Rebate system is simply a sign of a 'broken system' in need of repair, or is it actually another example of 'Rebate Ripoff?' Hopefully it is the first, & all will soon see it fixed 2 the satisfaction of both current & future customers.

I honestly don't believe that this product's quality check should be caught up in the same aftermath as is now the subject, but, I was asked 4 an overall review and, no matter how you look at it OCZ Technology has the major responsibility 4 quickly addressing & resolving this matter. Hopefully this is what they will do for, as stated, I have made a repeat purchase. However if I encounter a repeat of the situation encountered during my initial MIR processing I can assure all that I will not return, again, no matter how nice the price.

However, 4 now, I shall reserve judgment & await my rebate - with 'bated breath.'

Sincerely,

Leroy Williams

Works fine but the cover over the USB connection has a tendency 2 come off very easily. Since the cover is made entirely of plastic, I haven't figured out a way 2 make it fit a bit tighter.

I've had this 4 about two months now & have had no problems. It is quick, even when writing encrypted files (using TrueCrypt), & so far very reliable. If you need a large flash drive I would highly recommend this one. This was the first OCZ product I ever purchase & I will consider OCZ 4 all my future flash needs.

OCZ USB 2.0 Ultra Fast (Plug & Play) 32GB Dual Channel Flash Pen Drive; Up 2 15MB/sec write, 28MB/sec Read; Orange LED status light.