Sony USM8GL Sony Micro Vault Click 8 GB USB with Virtual Expander

I received one of these as a gift 2 replace a 2 gig drive that I lost. I was excited 2 get so much storage! But after only a couple of months, the drive stopped working. No computer will recognize it even though the light comes on. Now I've lost all my data & I'm pretty angry. I did not abuse it; it was always kept in a padded thumb drive case.

These new "Micro Vaults" by Sony are fun, attractive, & ultimately, usable flash drives. Sizes range from 1 2 16 Gb, & two formats, standard & "turbo" speed, are available 4 many of these sizes. (The "turbo" version costs more than the equivalently sized "standard" version, but at higher storage sizes. the higher transfer speed of the "tubo" version is desirable because the sheer amount of time required 2 transfer 16 Gb of data 2 a stick can be daunting.) The new spring-loaded design of thee units is highly functional. The design keeps the metal USB "prong" protected when not in use, & simply grabbing the device 2 pull it out of the computer into which it has been placed engages the internal spring, which then retracts the plug automatically upon removal. Build quality feels generally good, particularly considering the fact that Sony has reduced the oftentimes outrageous prices they ask 4 such accessories. The units have an LED light that flashes through a prismatic lens at the end of the device which is a nice touch 2 the overall design of the device. I own two of these (a 4 Gb & an 8 Gb version), & am delighted with them both. This is a fun & sporty way 2 use USB flash storage. Check out the 16 Gb versions if you want even more space, but consider purchasing a "turbo" unit at that size, due 2 the great amounts of time required 2 transfer 16 Gb of data on & off flash memory.

4GB Micro Vault Click USB with Virtual Expander
16GB Micro Vault Click USB with Virtual Expander
8GB Micro Vault Click Turbo USB with Virtual Expander

I bought one of these at Staples 4 $29.99. I have a PNY OPTIMA PRO ATTACHE 2GB drive from a year ago, & it has been great, but I jumped at the chance 2 get 4 times the storage at the same price a year later!

This SONY was instantly recognized by 2 XP PCs that I tried it on. It has some software pre-loaded on it, but it's inert unless I activate it, which I won't. I just want pure space! I dragged a 4.35GB DVD video file from one of my external drives & dropped it onto the SONY. It took over 15 minutes, but once it was finished I could play it back through Windows Media Player on my PC. I did the same 4 another file over 1GB. No problem!

I'm satisfied with the MICRO VAULT. I took off one star because it does feel a little flimsier than my PNY. But 4 the price & ability 2 transfer monster 4GB files effortlessly, I would have 2 recommend it!

I purchased this device from "STAPLES", simply 2 store mp3's on. I used it in conjunction with my stereo receiver in my truck which has a USB port. Well, long story short...It worked beautifully 4 all of about 6 days. It was working fine when I turned off my receiver unit at the end of my drive home from work, & when I woke up the next morning 2 go back 2 work...no dice. The "click" housing around the device itself felt very flimsy, although it did seem 2 hold up surprisingly well 2 being repeatedly thrown against the wall & door jamb of my office, so kudos 4 that. My wife bought a 1GB flash drive manufactured by Tech Solutions which is still going strong after 2 years of abuse residing at the bottom of her purse while attached 2 her car keys. Don't make the same mistake I did. The Micro-Vault in my opinion is a cheaply made, unreliable device which clearly relies on Sony's reputation in the electronics industry 2 sell it. I strongly advise that you find another product 2 satisfy your portable data storage needs.

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