Product Description

"The SanDisk Cruzer Micro is an incredibly small USB Flash Drive that connects to a computers USB port. Cruzer™ Micro is an incredibly small USB Flash Drive (UFD) that connects to a computer's USB port. With capacities ranging from 512MB to 4GB, users can easily store their key documents, pictures, music and video clips on a Cruzer™ Micro and transfer them to another computer with a USB port. Cruzer™ Micro is small, portable, and the compact size fits on any keychain. The New retractable USB port eliminates the need for caps and protects your port. Cruzer™ Micro provides the latest in UFD technology, a U3 smart capable flash drive. With U3, your programs are available at any time on any PC and is loaded with the following U3 programs; CruzerSync syncronization tools, Signupshield password manager, Skype software and AVAST virus scan."

Product Details

• Brand: SanDisk
• Model: SDCZ6-1024-A11
• Released on: 2006-03-16
• Platforms: Mac, Windows
• Format: CD-ROM
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .30" h x .75" w x 2.00" l, .20 pounds

Features

• High-speed, compact, USB flash drive for storing or transferring data, pictures, music, etc.
• Large 1GB storage capacity holds more data than a CD
• Loaded with U3 software including CruzerSync synchronization software, SignupShield password manager, Skype VOIP client, and AVAST antivirus
• Conveniently small -- just 7.94mm x 20.6mm x 57.15mm (D x W x L)
• USB 2.0-certified for fast data transfer (compatible with USB 1.1)

From the Manufacturer

SanDisk's Cruzer Micro makes data transfer fast and simple. Its hi-speed USB 2.0-certified for data transfers at up to 480 Mbps (also compatible with USB 1.1, at a more modest 12 Mbps). Its 1GB capacity lets you store important data, pictures, music, and other files on a device little bigger than a few sticks of gum, then readily transfer them to your laptop or desktop. Making an important presentation? Walk into the room with your laser pointer and a Cruzer Micro.

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

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

Cruzer Micro now ships with U3 smart technology. Co-invented by SanDisk, U3 technology gives you the ability to carry your files AND your software on a secure USB drive. You can have your wallpaper, preferences, favorites, profiles, and more - everything you need for a familiar computing experience on any PC, wherever you go.

Includes Skype exclusively on all Cruzer Micro USB flash drives. Make voice and video calls from PC to PC anywhere in the world.

The new retractable USB port eliminates the need for caps and protects your USB connector.

Customer Reviews

To anyone who is annoyed by the lame U3 additions
There is a quick and easy way to turn your disk back to a simple mountable drive. For Mac users, it will eliminate the additional folders and the annoying "Untitled" CD image popping every time you connect; For the PC users, it will eliminate the whole applications suite and control panel loading when connecting.

All you have to do is download the "U3 Launchpad Removal Tool" from the downloads section on SanDisk's site, and run it - it is quick and easy. Mac users note that this is a Windows app, so you'll need to do this from a PC.
Once you're done, the drive reverts back to a clean and simple disk-on-key. Note that the removal utility initializes the drive back to FAT16 (probably for compatibility reasons) but you can then go ahead and change it to FAT32 or any other format you like.

Enjoy

Like it but don't love it...
Starting grad school last year, i found that owning a USB key is as important as inhaling a cup of coffee in the morning. Without it, i'm disoriented and work definitely goes slower...

At the start, i had a 128kb key of a different brand and some of my friends had Cruzer Micros. I liked them instantly because of their tiny size and the option to add color savers so that they didn't get mixed up. This year, i decided it was seriously time to upgrade so i got the 1GB micro retractable cruzer. My thoughts? Mixed...

The size of this new cruzer is comparably small, maybe not AS small but still tiny compared to the rest, which is great. The 1GB space is also pretty great (esp after having a 128kb a year ago), and its not too expensive at all. The case design however leaves something to be desired, and the U3 program...? well first things first.

The old cruzer's case is silver with a seemingly sturdy design and a cap to top em off. This one, black with no cap but a retractable design seems a little flimsier than the last which isn't comforting when your important files are stored on it. But the retractable design is sweet because no worries of a lost cap. HOWEVER, the flaw in the retract-design is that there isn't ANYTHING that covers the usb port when its not in use. I assumed, before buying it online, that when you retracted into the not-in-use position, a small cover would flip from the inside and cover the opening so that dust, small particles, water or whatever couldn't get in easily. Not so. When retracted, the USB port is still visible and open to the elements. Not something i'm happy about since the point of a cap/cover is to protect from stuff, and the point of retraction is to not have to worry about the cap or cover. So really, the key point of retractable covers is missed.

Now onto the contentious U3 program. Do i love it or hate it? Neither - i don't really care about it. BUT, here's the thing, this USB key doesn't just go into my computer, it goes into other ones as well - and THOSE people HATE the program. In giving my micro to someone else to grab one of their files, it takes a minute longer than it should because it starts loading up the U3 program. People who don't own a micro freak out because this foreign thing is telling them they need to restart their computer for this new program (which they didn't ask for) which is trying to load up for the first time. Not a crowd pleaser.

So because a simple file transfer takes longer and because not everyone wants the U3 program loaded automatically onto their computer, i figured it'd be better just to uninstall it. Easy? Just as the above reviews said, not so much. So, i did a google search and found the official uninstall website: http://www.u3.com/uninstall/. Since then, this puppy has been ready to go the second i pop it into anyone's computer without any programs popping up demanding to be downloaded.

All in all, i don't like the U3 program but that site about got rid of it in a quick minute. I like the 1GB of space on a very small-sized USB key, but my new cruzer micro 'key' won't hang off a keychain anymore because its way too easy for the elements to enter the port thanks to the retractable-but-not-replacing-a-cap design of late.

Software defeats purpose of flash drives.
After having an experience with slow startup speeds (and actually freezing a computer) with the 1GB Cruzer Micro with U3, I feel compelled to write this negative review. The mere existence of a software layer to access the flash drive defeats the main purpose of existence of flash drives: a fast and higlhly compatible interface. Any hidrance to this convenience makes the device a liability. I work at an educational institution wher I am responsibel for organizing presentation sessions in which speakers often bring their presentations in a flash drive. As a matter of policy, we will not allow speakers to plug in to our computers devices that run any kind of software in the background.