SanDisk Cruzer Micro 4 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive SDCZ6-4096-A11
by SanDisk
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of SanDisk Cruzer Micro 4 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive SDCZ6-4096-A11
Customer Review: Great for travelers using internet cafes
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this for the U3 software which allows you to run Firefox, antivirus, and other programs directly from this drive. You can see what's available at the U3 website. That comes in handy when using internet cafes since you can have Firefox save usernames and passwords. Then you run an antivirus program from the drive. Then you don't have to worry about keyloggers and other spyware if the internet cafe doesn't have good screening. The drive has a password capability so your regular data is also safe if the drive gets lost.
I've heard that you have to have administrator rights on the computer since the drive does add a little bit of info to the Windows registry. But the worst thing that's happened is that the computer has locked due to the internet cafe having software to prevent people from uploading spyware. After they unlocked it, I just put the drive back in and it loaded fine. Usually it just goes through an install process and then works just fine. I expected to have more problems while traveling, but haven't. Haven't run into a Vista computer yet.
Skype also runs from the drive so you can make cheap calls. I can call and check voicemails without the attendants knowing.
The drive works just fine as a regular drive as well and I sync files across my computers with it. Although the pre-installed sync software is mainly to sync one computer with the drive and is not as easy to use to sync multiple ones. I use a different program for that.
Customer Review: Longevity? Look elsewhere.
Summary: 2 Stars
I've had my Cruzer since the 2GB was $50 retail (1-2 years ago) and it's almost functionless. I used it pretty heavily, but it's no excuse for such a simple product to become defective. The slide action of the usb drive is too loose after such extensive use so that now it won't "lock" when it gets to its extended position and the resistance of pushing it into a USB port is greater than the worn down piece of plastic holding it into its extended position, meaning inserting it (its ONLY function) is difficult. In a few months time, it could be rendered impossible to use.
Let alone the software that's packaged on the drive is a huge pain. There are removal tools available on Sandisk's site, but the software itself is gimmicky at best. Sure, it's cool to have a virus scanner and Skype bootable from a flash drive, but I didn't buy a flash drive to boot things from it (although most programs will boot from one); I bought it to store files.
The push up style of USB drives is flawed. After prolonged use, the drive stops locking in its extended position, making inserting it into USB ports fairly challenging. Capped thumb have their obvious drawbacks, which leaves swivel style like 4GB Swivel Pro Flash Drive USB 2.0 with Neckstrap as one of the few long-lasting options.
Customer Review: Don't buy this-- it is EVIL
Summary: 1 Stars
I have bought SanDisk products for years and they've been fine. But no more. Like the other reviewer said, this thing installs software on your computer without asking; you plug it in and it starts loading. THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. You can't stop it. It actually CAN be uninstalled, but you have to jump through hoops. Google "uninstall U3" if you need help. Or read the screen carefully after it opens, and follow the instructions to disable it (look in Settings)--But best to uninstall, then reformat the drive yourself to be sure (R click on drive name > format. Note that formatting will erase everything on the drive).
The program is some thing to help you run applications from your usb stick. Well, that is fine. Other companies put free software on their sticks. But it should NEVER run by itself, just by being plugged in. And it should be easily removable to free up room on the drive. Arrrrgh! What were they thinking?
I put it in my Mac first (Macs aren't affected by it), saw the thing listed and deleted it--but it still ran when I put it in my PC! Double evil! I have used the Mac to uninstall this program, but I had to download a program, install it, restart the computer, then run the uninstall program!
I assume this U3 thing is on SanDisk's other drives as well. Beware! Complain to SanDisk: support@sandisk.com
Customer Review: I do like orange, but...
Summary: 2 Stars
First off, the device works as expected as far as providing storage. There's really not much it has to do other than provide storage, but props for not failing at that or anything.
The reason for the low score is simple: This device is extremely annoying. The 'white' part on the top you see in the pictures, the slider, is lit up by an internal led to let you know it's working. The orange light is very bright, and very large. There's simply no way to ignore it. Even when the drive isn't being accessed, it pulses the light slowly, letting you know it cares about you. There are tutorials you can find online for removing the led, but who really wants to crack open their flash drive? I've gotten very creative about covering it up using everything from post it notes to permanent marker... but that orange light always shines through. I've had several people at work ask me: "How can you work with that thing blinking?"
Another smaller annoyance is that the device rattles when moved. It comes with a small key chain loop, which doesn't help, but the slide mechanism is also fairly loose, meaning the body wiggles around and rattles when moved. It's not a huge deal when connected, because it likely won't move much, but I've noticed it enough to mention it.
Customer Review: Works great
Summary: 5 Stars
Bought this because about a month ago. My old 1GB had been washed, dropped, and used constantly over the course of about four years, so I thought it was time for an upgrade. Back when I bought the 1GB, I paid upwards of $30, and 4GB's were still easily over $100, so I was pleasantly surprised to find one this one with more storage for about 1/3 of the cost I had bought the 1GB.
PROS: Good standard flash drive on size and speed for a great price. The key chain ring is a must have for me, otherwise I'd lose it in a week. Never thought I'd need a full 4GB, but as it turns out if you got it, at some point you'll use it. By the way, cap-less is the way to go (I've heard people complaining that the end is still exposed when it's retracted, but I don't think this will be a problem). Indicator light is a nice touch.
CONS: The little plastic clip that keeps the end from retracting feels a little delicate, so I'm a little afraid it might break at some point (but so far it's been great). For the price, you can't complain.
Add'l Notes: It was a tight fit in most USB's for the first couple weeks I was using it, but now it fits like a glove.
Now I'll just wait another 4 years until 64GB's are affordable (ha!)